Deceivers
Notes
Transcript
True believers have a Biblical duty regarding false teachers, and 2 John 7-13 detail four of those duties.
Four duties of the believer regarding false teachers
Four duties of the believer regarding false teachers
V.8:
1. We are to first look at ourselves.
1. We are to first look at ourselves.
2 John 8a
2 John 8a
We should examine ourselves against the light of God’s Word, to be sure that our hearts, motives, and doctrines are pure.
2. As believers, we should make sure that we don’t lose the rewards which we have gained.
2. As believers, we should make sure that we don’t lose the rewards which we have gained.
2 John 8b
2 John 8b
By examining our lifestyle and obedience to God’s Word, we can ensure our rewards and be insulated against false teachings.
V.9:
3. Once we have thoroughly examined ourselves, we are to judge their doctrines.
3. Once we have thoroughly examined ourselves, we are to judge their doctrines.
2 John 1:9
2 John 1:9
John gives us a simple formula for judging the false teacher, whether or not they abide in the doctrine of Christ.
The Bible makes it clear that you cannot deny Christ and have the Father. It doesn’t work that way.
You cannot deny Christ and have the Father
You cannot deny Christ and have the Father
John 8:19
John 8:19
Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?”
Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.”
John 10:30
John 10:30
I and My Father are one.”
Matthew 10:33
Matthew 10:33
But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
We should take great care to judge everything against the Word of God, because these false teachers can be very convincing.
judge everything by the Word of God
judge everything by the Word of God
1 John 4:1
1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Both Jesus and Paul also warned us about false teachers
Both Jesus and Paul also warned us about false teachers
They are such a big threat, that Jesus Himself warned us about them.
Matthew 24:24
Matthew 24:24
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
Mark 13:22
Mark 13:22
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
Matthew 7:15
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
Paul echoed this warning.
Acts 20:29
Acts 20:29
For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
VV.10-11:
4. We are not to receive such people.
4. We are not to receive such people.
2 John 1:10
2 John 1:10
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;
To receive such people would give them credibility that they do not deserve.
A false Gospel is foolishness which leads people to hell. We have no business harboring it or its ministers.
The warning is primarily against the danger of allowing a false teacher to come into the church, as a pastor or a teacher or even as a visiting speaker, who would not bring “this doctrine" that Jesus and the apostles had taught.
This doctrine is not just one or two least-common-denominator statements about Christ to which all nominal Christians could give assent, but the entire body of teachings that had come from Jesus.
Since Jesus taught that all the Old Testament is inspired and authoritative,
the doctrine of Christ includes the whole counsel of God
the doctrine of Christ includes the whole counsel of God
Acts 20:27
Acts 20:27
For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
From Genesis through Revelation, it is all God's word, and all His doctrine.
How important it is not to allow false teaching to get a foothold in a local church.
Galatians 1:8
Galatians 1:8
But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
VV.12-13:
John acknowledges that there is much more he might say, but he recognizes that it will be more effective if he were to say it in person.
When the community of believers enjoys fellowship in Christ, one of the results of their fellowship is the joy of the Lord.
This is also an acknowledgment of the necessity of believers to regularly meet together.
The assembling of the saints provides encouragement and strength that you cannot get when you refuse to go to church.
It has been stated by May that you don't need to go to church to worship God, that you can worship Him anywhere.
That's true, but how likely are you to truly worship, if you aren't with others who are worshipping?
You can't be encouraged by other believers when you aren't where they are.
You can't draw strength from other believers if you aren't where they are.
Evangelism and good works would be far less prevalent if believers didn't regularly meet.
It is important for Christians to meet together
It is important for Christians to meet together
Hebrews 10:24-25
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.