2 John 4–11 (ESV)
Walking in Truth and Love
4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5 And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though
I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6 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. 7 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. 8 Watch
yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9 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. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked
works.
We walk in love and truth only by remaining faithful to Christ’s teaching that He is God in human flesh who came to save us. Those who depart from Christ’s
teaching do not have God the Son or the Father or eternal life. Those who support them share in their wicked work and will share in their punishment as well. Cling to the truth that Jesus still comes to us in human flesh so that you may walk in love and in
truth. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are ever with you to care for you.
I pray: Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, You come to us as true God and true man through Your
means of grace: the Gospel, Baptism, Your body and blood given for us Christians to eat and drink in Your Supper. Grant us faith to remain in this teaching and never depart from it or go beyond it by holding any other teaching or supporting those who do. Amen.
Edward A. Engelbrecht, The Lutheran
Study Bible (St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2009), 2184.