Tough love!
Scripture reading for October 5th: 2nd John, Psalm 49, Proverbs 13
2nd John:6-11 “And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.”
John’s short letter continues his emphasis on walking in the love of God through obedience, the highest form of worship. The believers must guard against deception and continue to walk in the truth of the Gospel of grace through faith. The deceivers that attacked the church John wrote to were denying that Jesus was truly human and came to earth in the flesh. This teaching undermines the Gospel and leads people away from truth. Those who come to believe this heresy do not know God and are in danger of eternal damnation. It is a serious issue. John warned these believers not to receive these false workers into their homes or even to greet them. To do so was to share in their deception. This is tough love designed to protect believers from deception. Prayer for those caught up in this is still our privilege.
Psalm 49:15 “But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for He will receive me.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for these clear instructions and warning against those who falsely teach against the virgin birth and Jesus, Son of Man and Son of God. Have mercy on those in this darkness and turn them again to the light of truth. May Your pastors and church elders and deacons teach the uncompromised Word of Truth and bring protection to the flock of Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 13:17-18 “A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored.”
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