October 16, 2020

Walk in Love; Abide in His Teachings

2 John 1–13

Rylee Rosales
Friday's Devo

October 16, 2020

Friday's Devo

October 16, 2020

Central Truth

To walk in love is to walk obediently in accordance with God's commandments. It is to learn to abide in Christ's teachings rather than being distracted by the things around us or being impatient for the things that are ahead.

Key Verse | 2 John 6, 9

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. . . . Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 

2 John 1–13

Greeting

The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:

Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.

Walking in Truth and Love

I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 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. 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. For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we 1 1:8 Some manuscripts you have worked for, but may win a full reward. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.

Final Greetings

12 Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

13 The children of your elect sister greet you.

Footnotes

[1] 1:8 Some manuscripts you

Dive Deeper | 2 John 1–13

Have you ever experienced a season of impatiently longing for whatever's up next? I have. In fact, I feel like I'm in that season right now. At the time of writing (October 2019), I find myself in the early weeks of pregnancy (praise God!), but as this is my first, I have also found that some of the side effects of growing a tiny life inside of you aren't so lovely. In this new season, I find myself distracted. I find myself impatient for what's ahead (a respite from extreme nausea and "morning" sickness); and admittedly, my solitary goal as of late has been to just "get through each day," rather than choosing to set aside time (even small pockets) to abide in the teachings of Christ. What a timely gift it has been to study this small New Testament book—because, wow, I needed the reminder!

In 2 John 9, John warns us against impatiently wandering ahead. He tells us that "everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. . . ." He then gently reminds us that "[w]hoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son." There is nothing I want more, especially in this new season, than to experience the peace and the presence of the Holy Spirit. And it seems like a pretty straightforward game plan for the believer: abide in His teachings, and receive His presence.

At some point, I will likely become distracted again by my desire for the "season ahead." And because I know this to be true, I know I need community. We all do. I encourage you to share with the believers around you what is keeping you from obedience—from walking in love and abiding in Christ's teaching. 

Jesus, let us not lag behind in laziness or distraction. Let us not wander ahead in impatience or self-assurance. Help us walk obediently in love and abide daily in Your teachings. Remind us of Your words in John 15:5, for we can do NOTHING apart from You.

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever experienced a season of impatiently longing for what's next? What did that season look/feel like? 

2. Did you continue to abide in Christ during this season, or did you find yourself distracted?

3. If there is something that is keeping you from abiding in Christ's teachings today, who can you share this with to help keep you accountable?

4. What one thing can you do to obediently walk in love today?