12.23 2-3 John

Kyle Perkins

12.23.2020

2 – 3 John

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

In 2 John, the author identified himself as “the elder,” and wrote as though he was writing to a woman. It was speculated that the recipient was either a whole church, or an actual woman. The author encouraged the recipient, of this letter, to walk in love and in step with the Word. The author also warned the recipient to be watchful of those who preached falsely about Jesus.

The letter of 3 John was written to someone named Gaius. In this letter, it was mentioned that those who preach the Gospel needed support from other followers in the faith. The author addressed a character named, Diotrephes, who had acted defiantly toward the authority of the church. The author also encouraged Gaius to abstain from evil and then lifted up an individual named, Demetrius, at the end of the letter.  

What is one key verse?

“4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5 And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.” – 2 John 1:4-6 ESV

I appreciate how these verses not only call us to follow the Word, but also encourages us to love each other. It goes on to say that love includes obeying the Word. These verses remind me to not only be invested in the Word, but to be invested in it with my brothers and sisters. As followers of Christ, I think these verses are calling us to sharpen one another, through love, with the Word of God.

How does what you read change your vision of God?

God gave us a community of believers for a reason. He has not only given us his Word, but also given us one another to be guided on our paths to living righteously for Him. 

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

As a follower of Christ, I am obligated to be concerned for my fellow brothers and sisters in the faith. If I notice that one of them is falling short, then it is my duty, as their sibling in Christ, to direct them correctly on their path with love and God’s Word.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

I think it is important for me to share my spiritual time with other people in the faith. I could look for opportunities to go on prayer walks, as I social distance with someone, or have zoom calls with others that include scripture reading and reflection. 

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

As I think about investment in the Word, and in other people, I am reminded of the missionary work Jesus lived out on Earth. Jesus was always interacting with people and sharing God’s Word with them. With love and the Word, Jesus sharpened the lives of many people at that time, and continues to do so today!