February 20, 2016
Scripture Reading: 2 John 8-11
8Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. 9Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. 11Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.
Questions for Reflection:
One of the easiest things to do is start something. One of the more difficult things in life is seeing something through to completion. John warns the church that they need to watch out. What were they in danger of losing? Notice that John says they are in danger of losing what “we have worked for.” John connects himself with the work that the church has been doing. John doesn’t want them to miss out on the rewards they had in store.
John instructs the church on how to handle false teachers. What does he tell them to do with them? The command to not allow them into their house seems odd in light of all the instructions throughout the Bible to care for others. Yet New Testament scholar Daniel Wallace explains the rationale for the command: “The church must not show them hospitality, the net effect of which would be to given them a platform for their error.” The church has a responsibility for what is being taught within its faith community. John’s command was not merely don’t invite them into your house; he was instructing them not to allow them into their house church.
Why should the church be cautious about what is being taught? What responsibility do individuals within the church have for the teaching they hear? How can you be sure what is being taught by your pastors, those teaching you from a platform or even in these Bible readings is true?
Does John’s command mean that we have to agree with everything that a person teaches? Alistair Begg in his sermon on 2 John points out that “they are not concerned about areas of secondary importance; they [were] attacking the very heart of the Christian faith.” Begg is acknowledging that our secondary beliefs may be challenged but we must never compromise on the essentials of our faith.