Walk this Way! (2 John 4)

I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.

THE STUDY:

          If we understand that John is writing to a (the) church then “your children” is referring to the congregation of that church. But, if we look at this literally, then John is referring to the children of “the lady.”

          That some were living in obedience to the truth may indicate that not all were. The phrase at least indicates that some were wavering. The community’s situation made it invalid to claim that “all your children” were “walking in truth.” Some scholars, however, contend that the phrase refers only to those whom the elder had met. It implies nothing about the obedience or lack thereof of others. But the elder’s wording seems to express a pastoral concern that some may shy away from the truth.

Their walking (in the present tense) depicts an ongoing and relational experience of truth. To walk in truth or “in the light” (1 John 1:7) is to walk in the character of God. Most often it symbolizes spiritual faithfulness (John 8:12; 12:35; 1 John 1:7; 2:6).^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We can walk away this morning with the understanding that it is not only a blessing to the individual who walks in the truth but also a blessing to those they come in contact with.

CONCLUSION:

          We will come in contact with people, throughout our lives, that brings us joy when we are around them. We wake up on certain days anticipating spending time with them. When we talk about them to others we cannot help but to have a smile on our face. The reason for this joy is based on something we have in common with them. Most of the time that commonality is Christ. John had a commonality with the reader, THE TRUTH! He liked being around them. You and I have a commonality with other believers today.

          The old adage “Birds of a feather flock together” was thought of as I studied this verse. Today, my encouragement is for us to make sure we are walking in the truth. Those who are also walking in the truth will be drawn toward us as we are drawn to them. In this time, we will receive strength and encouragement and they will obtain the same from us.  Remember, this walk with Jesus not only affects you but those around you as well.

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (188). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.