Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ: 2 John 9-11

2 John 9-11 (Legacy Standard Bible)

9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. The one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.

            Those who fail to hold to the truth of who Jesus Christ do not belong to Him. Here, John says that those who go too far and do not abide are involved. John is speaking of false teachers. The role of false teachers is to deceive and destroy the relationship people have with Jesus Christ. God has revealed Himself through His word. We are called to build our lives on sound doctrine. Sound doctrine requires us to have a proper understanding of God's word. As we study God’s word and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will grow in discernment and learn to recognize the lies of the enemy. 

            The one who abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. Our relationship with God is a daily one. We are called to live for Christ and live in Him. We must build our lives on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ. This requires us to embrace the word of God and understand that it is our ultimate authority on life and faith. Some people put church tradition on the same level as the word of God. But the Holy Spirit, who lives within us, will lead and guide us into all truth. As we abide in the truth, we will grow daily in our walk with Jesus Christ. 

10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting,

            John emphasizes the teaching brought by the apostles. The apostles and prophets were commissioned by God to establish the foundation of the body of Christ, and this foundation was built upon Jesus Christ (Eph 2:20). The words they spoke and taught were guided by the Holy Spirit. They were without error, and what we have written in scripture today reflects that. Correctly understanding scripture is essential to rightly living out our relationship with God. We must examine the word of God in its proper context, considering who wrote it, whom they were writing to, the surrounding verses, the book it is in, and how it aligns with the canon of scripture. When we study rightly, the word of God will never contradict itself. Paul tells us to accurately handle the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). But false teachers failed to handle the word of truth accurately; instead, they twisted scripture and compromised it to destroy the faith of those growing in Christ. 

            During John’s day, hospitality for traveling preachers and teachers of God’s word was vital to the expansion of the body of Christ. Many times, they did not have buildings and facilities like we have today. Receiving a teacher of God’s word into their home was equivalent to endorsing them or approving their teaching or doctrine. But for those who failed to hold to the truth of God’s word, John told them not to receive such individuals into their homes. Do not give them a platform of influence in the lives of believers. False teaching will work like yeast in dough or cancer in the body. If we fail to confront and deal with it, it will cause tremendous damage and even hinder the work and purposes of God. Everything we do must be built upon the truth of Scripture and the correct understanding of who Jesus Christ is. 

11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.

            The one who greets them or provides them with a place to stay would participate in their evil deeds. They would be involved in spreading false teaching and doctrine that are harmful to the cause of Christ and part of the enemy's schemes and purposes. Satan cannot do anything against God. However, his focus will always be on those who follow Christ. He will do everything he can to twist and destroy the truth. But God has given us His Word. He has provided us with the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit. The more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, the more we grow as children of God. Everything we need to become and fulfill who God has called us to be is found in His Word.  

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for guarding and protecting us. Thank You for guarding my heart from false teachings and doctrines. Father, give me discernment each day to recognize when You are speaking to me or when the enemy is trying to deceive me. Help me build my life upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. Jesus, thank You for coming and for giving Your life. Help me live rightly for You each day and remove anything from my life that could hinder Your work and purpose. In the name of Jesus, Amen!