- Intro: 1-4
- Salutation 1-2
- from
- to
- The Elect lady and her children
- Whom I love in the truth
- Not I only, but all who know the truth
- because the truth which is abiding in you will also be with us forever
- true fellowship around common object of love - the Truth Himself
- blessing 3
- May grace, mercy and peace be with you
- From God the Father
- And from Jesus Christ the Son of the Father
- In truth and love
- modifies either how these things will be with you
- or describes Jesus Christ
- Thanksgiving 4
- I rejoice greatly because I found your children walking/lifestyle in truth
- just as the command you received from the Father
- Body 5-11
- love and obedience 5-6
- Love One Another
- Now I ask you, Lady
- not as writing a new command to you
- but that which you have had from the beginning
- That we will love one another
- Obey His commands
- And this is love
- That we walk/lifestyle according to His commands
- This is the command, just as you heard from the beginning
- That you should walk/lifestyle in Him
- just reminder and encouragement to do what we all know we need to do
- we just need motivation and help to do it
- reminder that love = obedience
- beware deceivers 7-9
- Deceivers are there
- because many deceivers have gone out into the world
- Those who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh
- - theological orthodoxy
- not musical style or hip website
- This is the deceiver and the antichrist
- Watch out
- Watch yourself
- so that you do not lose that which you have worked for
- but so that you will receive the full reward
- Description of Deceivers
- Everyone who goes beyond and does not abide in the teachingdoctrine of Christ, does not have God
- Doctrine/theology is important
- beware of exploring uncharted territory
- There is enough Bible to keep you busy for the next 100 lifetimes
- You have no need to go elsewhere for your primary supply (may suppliment)
- beware of the temptation to be novel and fresh to catch an audience
- beware of those who call everything into question
- beware of those whose final standard of judgment is anywhere but Scripture
- Only two possible final authorities - God in Scripture or self
- The one who remains in the teaching/doctrine
- This one has both the Father and the Son
- do not receive/help them 10-11
- If someone comes to you and does not have this teaching/doctrine
- Do not receive him into your house
- and do not greet him
- The one who greets him partners (has fellowship) with his evil works
- beware of being lite on false teachers
- fight wolves, not sheep or goats
- Don't let the people you influence be influenced by heretics
- Conclusion 12-13
- intended visit 12
- I have many things to write to you
- I do not wish to use paper and ink
- But I hope to come to you and speak mouth to mouth (face to face)
- So that our joy may be full
- greeting 13
- The children of your elect sister greet you
- probably another congregation