Day One Day Two

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2/3 John • LESSON 7

Introduction “The two brief epistles of 2 and 3 John are the shortest New Testament books…Despite their brevity, both epistles are significant in that they stress the importance and boundaries of loving in the truth…Recognizing that all the readers of his letter faced and always would face a world of lies and deceit, John wrote to call them to live in God’s truth, to love within the bounds of truth, and to be loyal to and look out for the truth….Both books address the issue of believers’ duty to show love and hospitality within the bounds of faithfulness to the truth.” John MacArthur The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, 1–3 John, pp. 211, 215, 239 This semester we are memorizing 1 John 1:5–2:2. This week’s verse is 1 John 2:1–2… “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.”

Day One

Read 2 John focusing, on verses 1–4; John’s Greeting 1. What teaching or principle convicted or encouraged you from last week’s lesson or lecture on 1 John 5? 2. In verse 1, what is significant about John referring to himself as the elder, and what are the implications of this term for the readers of this letter? a. To whom is the letter addressed, and what information about her is given? 3. In verses 1–4, how many times is the word “truth” used? Why do you think it was emphasized?

a. From your study of 1 John, define the truth to which John refers. Cite Scripture to support your answer. 4. What does it mean to “love in truth”? How is this unique to Christian fellowship and distinct from other types of love? a. Is your love for other believers based on truth? How can you grow in loving others in the truth? 5. How do John 8:31, 14:17 and 15:4–7 increase your understanding that truth abides in believers? a. Do you value the truth like the apostle John did? How can you increase your love for the truth? 6. John shows clearly that Christian love is based in truth. What implication does that have for Christian movements that emphasize unity over truth? Do you find yourself compromising the truth in your life?

Day Two

Read 2 John, focusing on verses 5–6; Walk in Love 1. What commandments are given in verses 5–6?

2/3 John • LESSON 7

2. What is the difference between knowing God’s commandments and walking according to them? (See 1 Corinthians 8:1–3 and James 4:17.) 3. Is your definition of love biblical? Where do you need to change your thinking on love to better align with Scripture?

4. In the lesson on 1 John 4 you were asked to read Colossians 3:12–17 and identify one practical way to grow in your love for others. Take time to evaluate your progress, identify your goal, and recommit to it.

Day Three Read 2 John, focusing on verses 7–13, False Teachers 1. In verse 7, who are the deceivers and how many are there? Who might be identified as “deceivers” today? a. According to verse 8, how should a believer respond to deceivers?

2. What do the following verses teach about the rewards given to believers for their faithfulness to the truth? a. Psalm 19:7–11 b. Luke 6:35

c. Hebrews 11:6.

3. From 2 John 9, how do Deuteronomy 12:32, Proverbs 30:5–6, and Revelation 22:18 help explain the meaning of going “too far”? 4.

From verses 10–11, with whom are believers not to associate and why?

Day Four Read 3 John; Biblical Hospitality 1. From 3 John, describe Gaius’ character and John’s relationship with him. 2. According to verses 5–8, to whom did Gaius show hospitality? Why is that commended? 3. According to verse 8 and Matthew 10:40–41, what are some benefits of supporting those who go out for the sake of the Name? a. How does this influence your thinking about the people and causes you support? b. As the Lord provides the resources, how can you give to His work? Are you managing your resources to make the Lord’s work a priority? What steps could you take to grow in this area?

2/3 John • LESSON 7

4. In verses 9–10, what problem in the church does John identify? What is Diotrephes’ motive? 5. From the following verses, what additional understanding is given on pride? a. Deuteronomy 8:11–19 b. 2 Chronicles 26:16 c. 2 Chronicles 32:24–25

d. Proverbs 21:4

e. Hosea 13:4–6

f. Mark 9:35

g. Romans 12:3

h. 1 Corinthians 13:4

6. Pride and a desire for self-glory are often the source of conflict in the church. Take time to examine your motives in ministry and your desires in life and whether you seek more for the glory of God or the glory of self. Identify one area where pride is particularly evident in your life and what steps you will take to fight it.

Day Five

Read 3 John; Imitate Good 1. In verse 10, what action is John planning to take against Diotrephes? Do you think this is an appropriate response? Cite Scripture to support your answer. 2. According to verse 11, what are believers to imitate, and what does that choice reveal? 3. From verse 12, what has Demetrius received? What do you think that means? a. What do you focus on when you praise or encourage others? How can you testify to the work that God is doing in another’s life more than their temporal or external accomplishments? 4. In 2–3 sentences each, briefly summarize 2 and 3 John.

5. From your study of 2 and 3 John, share with your group something that has been especially meaningful to you, and one way that you have applied what you have learned.

2–3 John 1. Walk in Truth 2. Walk in Love 3. Watch Out for False Teachers 4. Application