2 John 7-8

2 John 7-8

Because many deceivers came into the world: the ones who do not confess Jesus Christ while coming in the flesh.  One such as this is the deceiver and the antichrist.  Pay attention to yourselves, in order that you all should not lose that for which we worked but rather you all should receive a full reward.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The word deceiver is another interesting word in the Greek.  The noun is “planos” (πλάνος) and it comes from the Greek word “plane” (πλάνη).  The Greek word “plane” means “that which misleads.”  Therefore, the Greek word deceiver has less to do with what is being taught and more to do with the effect of the teaching.  Yes, a person who is teaching contrary to Christ is not good.  But the Greek word here has more to do with those who lead people into a life contrary to God.  To put it in discipleship terms, a disciple-maker leads people to live like Christ.  A deceiver – as John uses the word here – is one who leads people to live contrary to Christ.  So a deceiver is not just one who teaches contrary to Christ.  A deceiver is one whose disciples live contrary to Christ.

How does this understanding help expand your focus?  Do you hear once more in John’s words the emphasis on results and outcomes?  Why is it important to understand that John cares not only about what is being taught but the effect of the teaching as well?

Second Thought:

Notice also the word that John attaches to deceivers.  He says that there are many.  There are many people in the world who teach others to live contrary to Jesus Christ.  There are many people who teach that Jesus did not actually come in the flesh.  The dangers in this world to be lead away from Christ are many and varied.

What dangers tempt you away from Christ?  What are the sources of these dangers?

Third Thought:

Finally, notice the advice that John gives to the Chosen Lady and her children.  He says that they should watch themselves.  I think this is profound on two different levels.  First of all, John knows just how possible it is for us to be tempted away from Christ and then become part of the danger instead of the church!  John is warning his recipients so that they make sure they don’t become part of the problem!  The second reason that this is important is because it truly fits into the “log in your own eye” teaching from Matthew 7:1-5.  John is advising his recipients to make sure their own faith is in order and stays in order.

Why is there such a temptation to examine and accuse others before we examine ourselves?  Do you have issues within your own faith that God can work on?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 John 9-11