2 John 1
Both OverviewBible.com and the MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) both indicate that this general epistle is focused on the relationship between truth, love and obedience. We must be grounded in truth first and foremost, we must then love God and others and then this of course begets obedience. John also warns us to avoid hospitality for those who undermine truth as we "may actually aid those who are attempting to destroy those basic truths of the faith"*.
*MacArthur, John F.. The MacArthur Bible Commentary (Kindle Locations 64297-64298). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
John's focus on truth calls to mind the debate over head understanding vs heart understanding.
Although I've had varying thoughts on this question, I'm currently inclined to focus on head understanding while allowing God to direct my heart understanding. See also John Piper on this.
I'm also reminded of spiritual formation - a critical topic introduced to me by Mike Gioelli a good friend of mine.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have grown in my heart and life - and I have been blessed immensely - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love and blessings. I sin...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sins towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. v4-6
Both OverviewBible.com and the MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) both indicate that this general epistle is focused on the relationship between truth, love and obedience. We must be grounded in truth first and foremost, we must then love God and others and then this of course begets obedience. John also warns us to avoid hospitality for those who undermine truth as we "may actually aid those who are attempting to destroy those basic truths of the faith"*.
*MacArthur, John F.. The MacArthur Bible Commentary (Kindle Locations 64297-64298). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
John's focus on truth calls to mind the debate over head understanding vs heart understanding.
Although I've had varying thoughts on this question, I'm currently inclined to focus on head understanding while allowing God to direct my heart understanding. See also John Piper on this.
I'm also reminded of spiritual formation - a critical topic introduced to me by Mike Gioelli a good friend of mine.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have grown in my heart and life - and I have been blessed immensely - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love and blessings. I sin...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sins towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
