Daily Devotion in II John

Daily Nugget:
This epistle was written to a godly woman John had met in the past.  In it, he summed up much of what he had said in I John and sent it to her personally. It is important to preach and teach to as many as we can, but as this letter shows us, it is important to have one-on-one relationships with others.

In disciplining this woman, John addressed the issue of “not everyone who claims to be Christian is.” The apostle mentioned how those that “… abideth not in the doctrine of Christ” (II John 9) should be treated. His advice was not that of many today, who think it is the Christian way to tolerate anybody, no matter what they believe.

John commanded that if some people denied Jesus is the Christ and that He has not come, we should not have fellowship with them or invite them into our houses (II John:10). Having fellowship with these unbelievers and even allowing them into our homes can have consequences.

What would another believer think if he saw me inviting a Jehovah Witness, Mormon, or another cult member (they are often obvious by their attire) into my home? Many may believe that I agreed with their false teachings and accepted their doctrines. If they were not grounded in the things of God, they may reason that if Brother Bill thought it was okay, then it would be all right for them to listen to or even attend one of their meetings. My testimony for living biblically could have been compromised by my association with those with contrary doctrine.

We are to stand clear of heresy and not get close to it. Getting close to those that have false beliefs may not only damage our testimony, but exposure to wrong thinking could affect us.

I have encountered many involved in cults that have pointed to one of their members and said about that person, “They used to be Baptist.” In the past, they may have attended a biblically-based church and heard the right teaching. Still, because they were not grounded in scriptural truths, they allowed their minds to listen to falsehoods. It often is not long until they believe and follow false teachings.

John’s admonition of staying far away from those that teach contrary to what the Bible teaches was wise. There will be less chance of having one’s Christian testimony tarnished or having one’s beliefs altered if one stays away from wrong doctrine.

Today’s Thought: 
“When you flee temptation, don’t leave a forwarding address.” — Author Unknown

Today’s Reading:
II John
1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
5 ¶ And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
7 ¶ For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 ¶ If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
12 ¶ Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.