It takes constant spiritual vigilance to protect a family or a local church from the insidious attacks of false teachers.
Satan is a thief and so are his helpers. John wanted his readers to receive “a full reward,” an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom. What a tragedy it is when God’s servants labour faithfully to build up a church, and then the work is destroyed by false teaching. No wonder Paul wrote to the Galatians assemblies, “I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain” (Gal. 4:11).
So John warned the believers to be watchful that we may not lose, because the reward is too great. Church members need to respect the work of faithful pastors and teachers and do everything to protect it and extend it. God’s servants must one day give an account of their ministries, and they want to do it “with joy and not with grief” (Heb.13:17). When the church goes backward, losing what it has gained, then it also will lose part of the reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ. It is essential that we hold fast to the truth of the Word of God!
To run ahead too far is to pass beyond the assigned limits. It is false progress! The apostates like to make us believe that they are progressive while the church is in a rut. They invite us to join them because they have something “new and exciting” to share. But their progress is such that they abandon the doctrine that Jesus Christ is the Son of God come in the flesh.
John warned the family (and the church in their house) not to accept false teachers who visited them, wanting to fellowship with them or perhaps enjoy hospitality. Hospitality was a very important Christian ministry in that day, because there were very few inns where travellers could safely stay, especially Christians who wanted to keep away from the evil influences of the world. Christians were admonished to open their homes to visitors (Rom.12:13; 1 Tim. 3:2; 5:3-10; Heb. 13:2; 1 Pet.4:8-10).
It was also true that travelling pastors and teachers needed homes to stay in (3 John 5-8). Believers who showed hospitality to these servants of God were “fellow helpers to the truth,” but believers who assisted false teachers were only sharing in their evil works. The doctrine of Jesus Christ is a test of truth, a basis for fellowship, and a bond for mutual cooperation.
Certainly this principle applies today. Often professed Christians come to our doors, wanting to play cassettes for us or offering us magazines or books. We must exercise discernment If they do not agree with the true doctrine of Christ, not only must we not let them in, but we must not even say “goodbye,” which means “God be with you.”
Why was John so adamant about this? Because he did not want any of God’s children to:
(1) give a false teacher the impression that his heretical doctrine was acceptable;
(2) become infected because of association and possible friendship; and
(3) give the false teacher ammunition to use at the next place he stopped.
If I do not entertain a cultist, for example, he will only say to the neighbours, “there’s no reason why you shouldn’t let me in.” Of course we can have “Friendship evangelism” to win people for Christ. Christians need to be hospitable to the needy. The apostle is admonishing us not to receive or encourage false teachers who represent antichristian groups, people who have left the church and are now trying to seduce others away from the truth. The apostates use every opportunity they can to secure the endorsement of true Christians.
Farewell: (12-13)
John indicated that he had much to write to them but preferred face-to-face communication. He anticipated a visit soon, when he would have more to say to them. Such a personal visit would make his joy complete.
There are many deceivers in the world! False teaching has become a serious business and we must not overlook it. There are many false teachers in this world that we might be tempted to take many of them lightly. Instead we should realize the dangers, they pose and actively refuse to give heresies any foot hold. This little epistle, written to a Christian mother and her family (and perhaps the church in their house), is a perfect gem of sacred correspondence. But we must not forget the major thrust of the letter be alert!
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
- NIV Life application Bible.
- ESV Study Bible
- Ryrie study Bible.
- NIV Study Bible.
- Bible Knowledge Commentary/Old Testament.
- The Bible Exposition Commentary by Warren W. Wiersbe
- Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary.
- Adam Clarke’s Commentary
- Wycliffe Bible commentary.
- Mathew Henry conscise
- Blue letter Bible by David Guzik.
- Unlocking the Bible by David Pawson.
- The outline Bible by Harold L Willmington.
Note: Please use this notes only as an outline, but spend more time studying the Word of God. For your questions, suggestions, and criticism, please contact me. Kati Ravikumar, Mob: +918986873994, Email: katiravikumar@gmail.com