RPG Adults
CHOOSING PARTNERS IN FELLOWSHIP
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25
2 John 8-12
Psalm 1:1-6
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD;
and in his law doth he meditate
day and night.”
CHOOSING PARTNERS IN FELLOWSHIP
John refuted the error that was prevalent concerning the person of Jesus Christ as he did in the first epistle. There was a widespread denial that Christ had come in the flesh. He told the recipients of the epistle to look at themselves that they do not lose those things that they had worked for, but they should receive their full reward.
The answer to the transgressors who did not abide in the doctrine of Christ is separation. He said that such do not know God and lived after their own thoughts. They did what was right in their own eyes. This is always contrary to the law of God and satisfies the desires of the flesh. The unregenerate will always be blind to the ways of the Lord. On the other hand, those who abide in the doctrine of Christ have both the Father and the Son.
The picture is thus presented and the choice is clear. Those of the same mind will have a meaningful fellowship and will pursue common goals. In earthly matters, people come together against their opponents in different fields. This happens mainly in games. Though those contests are of little value, it still causes a lot of friction. The contest of true believers must be about heavenly things because there is a sure hope in things pertaining to God.
John asked the readers to reject those who did not bring the true doctrine and not to receive them in their homes or greet them. He said that if they did so they were partakers of their evil deeds. This is a clear command on biblical separation and promotion of the cause of Christ. He had more to say but he reserved it for a face-to-face meeting, a more meaningful fellowship than ink and paper. Mutual fellowship upholds the love of Christ. There is a need to warn of contrary doctrines, but standing in the truth builds mutual Christian fellowship.
THOUGHT: Christian fellowship is heavenly joy.
PRAYER: Lord, may I build brotherly fellowship upon the Rock.