Living in Truth and Love: A Holiday Reflection
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound messages found in the brief yet impactful letters of 2 John and 3 John. These letters, though short, are rich with teachings about truth, love, and the way we are called to live as followers of Christ. As we prepare for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, it's a time to reflect on these teachings and how they apply to our lives.
2 John emphasizes the importance of truth and love, warning against false teachings and encouraging believers to walk in truth. The letter is addressed to a woman, metaphorically representing the church, and highlights the balance between truth and love. Truth is not relative; it is God's absolute standard, and it shapes our worldview and ethics. We are reminded that love is a command, not just a feeling, and it must be rooted in truth.
3 John shifts focus to the internal dynamics of the church, commending those who support true teachers and warning against those who seek to divide. The letter praises Gaius for his faithfulness and generosity, contrasting him with Diotrephes, who is criticized for his pride and divisiveness. This serves as a reminder of the legacy we leave behind and the importance of supporting the truth.
As we gather with family and friends during the holidays, let us strive to have gospel conversations, focusing on common ground rather than conflict. We are called to be different, to be kind and forgiving, and to support those who advance the truth. Our unity is based on Jesus, and we must guard it against the enemy of truth.
In light of these teachings, we are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, working for rewards that honor God. Our actions today have eternal significance, and we are called to live in a way that reflects the truth and love of Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Authority of Truth: Truth is God's absolute standard, not a relative concept. It shapes our worldview and guides our decisions. By grounding ourselves in God's truth, we are protected from being swayed by emotions or false teachings. This truth is found in God's Word, which provides guidance on all aspects of life. [43:13]
2. Balancing Truth and Love: Love is more than a feeling; it is a command rooted in truth. We must strive for a balance between truth and love, avoiding extremes that lead to unloving truthfulness or untruthful love. This balance allows us to have compassionate yet uncompromising relationships. [45:14]
3. Guarding Against Deception: Not all who claim to be Christians adhere to the truth of Christ. We must discern between truth and error, avoiding teachings that deny Jesus as God in the flesh. Supporting organizations that align with biblical truth is crucial in maintaining our faithfulness. [49:12]
4. Living for Eternal Rewards: Our actions have eternal significance, and we are called to live with an eternal perspective. Serving Jesus is rewarding both in this life and the next. We must strive to finish well, motivated by the promise of rewards from God. [53:00]
5. Leaving a Legacy of Truth: Our legacy is defined by how we live and the impact we have on others. We are called to be generous like Gaius, avoiding the pride and divisiveness of Diotrephes. By living in truth and love, we leave a lasting impact that honors God. [01:07:23]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[37:43] - Introduction to 2 and 3 John
[38:55] - The Authority of Truth
[40:45] - Metaphorical Language in 2 John
[43:13] - Understanding God's Absolute Truth
[45:14] - Balancing Truth and Love
[46:20] - Navigating Thanksgiving Conversations
[47:54] - Guarding Against Deception
[49:12] - Identifying Counterfeit Christianity
[50:17] - Antichrist and Discernment
[51:38] - Living for Eternal Rewards
[53:00] - Motivation to Finish Well
[54:13] - Shepherding and Serving
[55:08] - Preaching to Please God
[58:14] - Generosity and Supporting Truth
[01:07:23] - Leaving a Legacy of Truth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 John 1:1-6
- 3 John 1:1-8
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Observation Questions:
1. In 2 John, what is the significance of the elder addressing the letter to the "elect lady and her children"? How does this metaphor relate to the church? [40:45]
2. How does 3 John contrast the characters of Gaius and Diotrephes, and what behaviors are highlighted in each? [01:04:53]
3. What does the sermon say about the balance between truth and love, and how is this balance important for believers? [45:14]
4. According to the sermon, what are some characteristics of counterfeit Christianity, and how can believers guard against deception? [49:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of truth as God's absolute standard challenge the idea of relative truth in today's culture? What implications does this have for a believer's worldview? [43:13]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that love is more than a feeling and is instead a command rooted in truth? How can this understanding affect relationships within the church? [45:14]
3. The sermon discusses the importance of leaving a legacy of truth. What does it mean to leave such a legacy, and how can believers ensure they are remembered for their faithfulness? [01:07:23]
4. How does the sermon describe the eternal rewards for believers, and what motivation does this provide for living a life that honors God? [53:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you struggle to balance truth and love? How can you work towards achieving this balance in your interactions with others? [45:14]
2. Consider the upcoming holiday gatherings. How can you prepare to have gospel-centered conversations with family and friends, focusing on common ground rather than conflict? [46:20]
3. Identify any influences or teachings in your life that may not align with biblical truth. What steps can you take to guard against deception and ensure your beliefs are grounded in Scripture? [49:12]
4. Think about the legacy you are leaving behind. What actions can you take today to ensure that your life reflects the truth and love of Christ, impacting others positively? [01:07:23]
5. Evaluate your current motivations for serving Jesus. Are you focused on eternal rewards, and how can this perspective change the way you live and serve daily? [53:00]
6. How can you support those who advance the truth, like Gaius did, through your time, resources, or encouragement? What specific actions can you take this week to support your church or missionaries? [58:14]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about unity in the church. Are there any relationships or situations where you need to work towards reconciliation and unity? How can you take steps to foster peace and unity in your community? [01:06:42]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unchanging Standard of Truth
Truth is not a fluid concept but an unchanging standard set by God. It is the foundation upon which believers are called to build their lives, shaping their worldview and guiding their decisions. In a world where truth is often seen as relative, it is crucial to anchor oneself in the absolute truth found in God's Word. This truth protects believers from being swayed by emotions or false teachings, providing a solid foundation for ethical living and decision-making. By embracing this divine truth, one can navigate life's complexities with clarity and confidence. [43:13]
"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself compromising on truth? How can you realign these areas with God's absolute standard today?
Day 2: The Harmony of Truth and Love
Balancing truth and love is essential for healthy relationships and spiritual growth. Love, as commanded by God, is not merely an emotion but an action rooted in truth. It requires believers to engage with others compassionately while remaining steadfast in their convictions. This balance prevents the extremes of unloving truthfulness or untruthful love, fostering relationships that are both compassionate and uncompromising. By striving for this harmony, believers can reflect Christ's character in their interactions with others. [45:14]
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a relationship where you struggle to balance truth and love. What practical steps can you take to bring harmony to this relationship today?
Day 3: Discernment in a World of Deception
In a world filled with conflicting messages, discernment is vital for maintaining faithfulness to Christ. Not everyone who claims to be a Christian adheres to the truth of the Gospel, making it essential to distinguish between truth and error. This involves recognizing teachings that deny Jesus as God in the flesh and supporting organizations that align with biblical truth. By exercising discernment, believers can guard against deception and remain faithful to their calling. [49:12]
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to improve your discernment in identifying false teachings or influences in your life?
Day 4: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Believers are called to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that their actions have lasting significance. Serving Jesus is rewarding both in this life and the next, motivating believers to strive for a life that honors God. This eternal perspective encourages believers to focus on what truly matters, prioritizing their relationship with God and their service to others. By living with eternity in mind, believers can find purpose and fulfillment in their daily lives. [53:00]
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal values in your daily life?
Day 5: Building a Legacy of Truth
The legacy one leaves behind is defined by how they live and the impact they have on others. Believers are called to be generous and supportive, like Gaius, avoiding the pride and divisiveness exemplified by Diotrephes. By living in truth and love, believers can leave a lasting impact that honors God and inspires others. This legacy is not just about personal achievements but about the influence one has on the faith and lives of others. [01:07:23]
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: What kind of legacy are you building through your actions and relationships? How can you ensure it aligns with the truth and love of Christ?
Quotes
"God's got rewards in store for us who know the truth and live the truth. And if a Christian becomes unfaithful, you can lose your reward. You can lose a full reward." [00:51:25] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Serving Jesus is both rewarding in this life and the life to come. I'm telling you, God is keeping an accurate record of every act of kindness, every seed that's been planted." [00:53:03] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Thinking about heaven, staying focused on a day when Jesus will reward me, the Lord, you, for the things done for Christ, will motivate you to stay strong. It will motivate you to finish well." [00:54:28] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Dear friend, you're acting faithfully in whatever you do for the brothers and sisters, especially when they're strangers. Don't forget that. They have testified to your love before the church." [00:58:22] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Christians are to support those who advance the truth, who advance the name that's above every name. And notice he says here, he took nothing from the pagans." [00:59:32] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Everyone speaks well of Demetrius, even the truth itself. And we also speak well of him. And you know that our testimony is true. What is a legacy?" [01:07:29] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"A legacy is simply your desire, your dream to make a difference in the world that's going to impact lives not only now but 100 years from now, 200 years from now and for all of eternity." [01:08:01] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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