The Way of Truth and Love
The overall theme of 2 John closely parallels 1 John’s theme of a “recall to the fundamentals of the faith” or focus on “back to the basics of Christianity (vv.4-6). For John the basics of Christianity are summarized by adherence to the truth (v.4), love (v.5), obedience (v.6) and the avoidance of false teaching and teachers (v.10, 11).
The apostle however conveys an additional but related theme in 2 John: “the biblical guidelines for hospitality.” Not only are Christians to adhere to the fundamentals of the faith, but the gracious hospitality that is commanded of them (Romans 12:13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.) must be discriminating. They are not called to universal acceptance of anyone who claims to be a believer. Love must be discerning. The truth found in Jesus Christ and the written word must serve as the test of fellowship and the basis of separation between those who profess to be Christians and those who actually are (v.10, 11) (cf Romans 16:17; Galatians 1:8-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14; Titus 3:10)
Secondly, 2 John stands in direct contrast to the frequent cry for ecumenism and Christian or religious unity among believers. Truth and love are inseparable in Christianity.
Sermon Title: The Way of Truth and Love
Sermon Purpose: To call the hearer to understand why we must live our lives reflecting the way of truth and love.
Sermon Proposition: There are 3 key reasons why walking in truth and love is necessary.
I. The elder of the way of truth and love. V.1a
An elder was a man whose life was exemplary and thus an example (1 Peter 5:3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. 15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.; 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.) worthy of the churches imitation, (Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.; 1 Thessalonians 1:6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.; 2 Thessalonians 3:7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; . . . 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.). They were to be men who held positions of servant leadership with authority by virtue of their character, integrity, moral standing and doctrine.
II. The elect of the way of truth and love. V.1b-2
A. The elect are chosen for the way of truth and love. V.1b (Col. 1:19-23; 1 John 2:15-16)
2 Corinthians 6:17 Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." 18 "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty."
Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
Titus 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness,
1 Peter 1:2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
B. The elect are loved in the way of truth and love. V.1c
1. How to love one another is in Jesus Christ. (John 14:6; 17:17)
2. Why we love one another is because we know Jesus Christ. (John 13:34-35)
Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
1 Thessalonians 3:12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you,
1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,
1 John 3:16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
C. The elect are indwelt with the way of truth and love. V.2
III. The exhortation of the way of truth and love. V.3
A. The Christian’s blessing of grace will be with us forever. V.3a
(God’s unmerited and underserved kindness, which He freely bestows on persons who are unworthy of such attention.)
B. The Christian’s blessing of mercy will be with us forever. V.3b
(Speak’s of God’s compassion and pity, His tenderness and readiness to forgive sin.)
Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
Titus 3:4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
C. The Christian’s blessing of peace will be with us forever. V.3c
(Is a Hebrew concept emphasizing wholeness and well being of life in all aspects.) Secure in the love and care of Jesus Christ.
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
D. The Christian’s blessing of eternal life will be with us forever. V.3d
“Any theology that would set the Father in opposition to the Son is faulty theology. There is a oneness of essence and purpose as God the Father and God the Son unite in extending grace, mercy, peace, love, and truth to their elect ones. God is a good Father who desires to have a loving, intimate, and personal relationship with all people. The beautiful relationship that exists between the Father and the Son is a picture of the relationship God desires to have with us.” (John 17:20-26)
Conclusion: To maintain a healthy and growing community the church must exhibit a fidelity to the truth that knows no compromise, and they must love one another in a way that knows no boundaries. Grace, mercy, and peace “flourish” in an environment where truth and love prevail. The main lesson of this book is that truth determines the bounds of love, and is a consequence of unity. Therefore, truth must exist before love can unite, for truth generates love (1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,). When someone compromises the truth, true Christian love and unity are destroyed. Only a shallow sentimentalism exists where truth is not the foundation of unity. But where there is only truth and no love, there is dogmatic legalism.