WALKING IN THE TRUTH

PROCLAMATION

“It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as The Father commanded us.”  2 John 1:4 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle John, under the inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God, to a certain, well known, Christian matron in the church and to her children whom he loved in the truth.  In this, his second letter, John begins by identifying himself as an “elder”, his office in the church, not as an “apostle”.  This is probably because the person to whom he is writing knows him and accepts his authority as one who walked with Christ.  After identifying the recipient and greeting her, (2 John 1:1-3) he expresses his joy in finding out that some of her children were walking in the truth.  Then he goes on to explain why he is writing to her.  His first point is to encourage her to walk in love as God has commanded. (2 John 1:5-6)  Then he tells her to watch out for the many deceivers who do not acknowledge Jesus, The Christ, and possess the spirit of the antichrist. (2 John 1:7-9)  John tells her not to welcome those people into her home for that would make her a partaker of their evil wicked work. (2 John 1:9-11)  He ends the letter by apologizing for the briefness of the letter and says that he has much more to tell her, but that he would tell her when they are face to face. (2 John 1:12)

 

APPLICATION

Walking in the truth is believing, living, and being obedient to The Word of God as God The Father commanded.  While we are not perfect, we still sin.  However, perfection is a goal which is well worth striving for.  We need God’s help in order to walk His way.  Walking in truth (Psalm 86:11), walking in the light (1 John 1:7), walking in faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), and walking in love (Ephesians 5:2) require showing love towards one another and obedience to God’s commands. (John 13:34-35)   This means living a lifestyle which reflects good Christian behavior.  We need to receive it, believe it, embrace it, profess it, live it, and grow in it.  Our goal is to one day hear Him say, “… Well done, good and faithful servant ...” (Matthew 25:23)