Introduction

2 John 1:1-4:

1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; 2 For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us forever. 3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

From this passage want to notice five things.

There is a state into which all people enter who obey truth.

The elect lady and her children were in truth. John knew they were in truth by revelation. We can know who are in truth by their fruits (Matthew 7:20).

There is a correlated body of teaching known as truth which is understandable by man.

John and others knew truth. Truth has identity; is definite. Jesus also taught this (John 8:32). Truth was once a mystery, but now it has been made known and can be understood (Ephesians 3:3-4). Anything that differs in any way with this correlated body of truth is a lie (1 John 2:4; Romans 3:4).

Truth furnishes man’s motivation.

John did things for truth’s sake (2 John 1:2). Many who are members of a local church that says it is of Christ have not learned this. They use many things other than truth for motivation. They use such things as kitchens, youth camps, ball teams, etc. for motivation. They have not learned that a thing cannot be done for truth’s sake if truth has not authorized it. Let us use some examples of doing things for truth’s sake. Abraham offered his son for truth’s sake (Genesis 22). Noah built an ark for truth’s sake. Abel offered a blood offering for truth’s sake (Genesis 4). Israelites, for truth’s sake, had to offer their offerings at the place where God had put His name (Exodus 20:24). We must do many things for truth’s sake. One who believes is baptized in the Name of Jesus for truth’s sake. We must, for truth’s sake, exalt Christ’s local church over manmade institutions that are made for religious work and worship. In short, we must contend for the truth (Jude 3).

Truth is the governing principle of the Christian’s life.

The people of our text walked in truth. Truth dwells in the Christian (2 John 1:2). Truth is to be believed. It is to be loved. It is to be obeyed.

Note: The silence of the scripture must be respected also.

Truth is indestructible.

Truth will be with us forever (2 John 1:2). Truth endureth forever (1 Peter 2:25).

Also, truth will judge in the last day. John 12:48:

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

From 2 John 3, we learn that it will be grace and peace for those who have walked in truth.

Let us be sure we believe, love and obey the truth now, and make it the guide of our lives. If so, it will be our salvation.

Jesse Jenkins