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September 22, 2019

2 John

1. The message started by giving the tension of 2 John & a tension we all feel from time to time: “How do you hold tightly both to truth & love?” A few situations were given where this tension can be felt, what are other examples where this tension can be felt today?

2. In the opening verses (2 John 1-3), John gave the principle that truth & love connect. This is seen clearly in the gospel message itself. How does the good news of God’s rescuing work accomplished through the person & work of Jesus Christ deliver both truth & love?

3. Then in 2 John 4-6, the practice of connecting truth & love is seen. It was said that the gospel doesn’t impede expressing true love; in fact, it is the only path to true love. How does following the commands of God in light of the gospel of grace show love to others?

4. Next we moved into 2 John 7-11 & the painful aspect of holding to truth & love. The context is serious: there are deceivers who oppose the work of the gospel as they don’t “confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh.” & are trying to  infiltrate the church. How do we face this type of situation today in the church, with false teachers & gospel confusion?

5. From 2 John 7-11, two points were given & the first was to seek clarity amongst the confusion…specifically doctrinal clarity. What are ways we can examine whether or not we hold sound doctrine?

6. The second direction from 2 John 7-11 was to engage intentionally in order to bring clarity. We then went through a bit of context to show why John’s wording is so strong in v. 10-11. In light of that context, how does John’s direction bring clarity to the situation? What are ways we can engage intentionally to bring clarity to confusing situations we face? 

7. In light of this passage & the concern for clarity, how do we continue to practice hospitality while being clear on doctrinal matters?

8. The letter ends with more to be said, but that will be saved for a face to face meeting. The hope is to have complete joy…and it was said on Sunday that complete joy doesn’t abandon truth or love, but continues to work to hold tightly to both. So how can we strive to hold to both as a church family, as a community group, as families, as individuals?