2 John: Words for a Lady!
2 John 1–13
We’re nearing the end of our series, Short Stories of the Bible, as we examine the final two books: 2 John and 3 John—the shortest letters in the Bible, each under 300 words. These are almost like ancient text messages!
John wrote these letters around 90–95 AD, when he was between 75 and 80 years old, and he was the last remaining apostle at that time. This particular letter is addressed to the “lady chosen by God and her children.” We don’t know her identity, but we do know John is guiding her in how to handle false teachers—a recurring theme in 2 & 3 John, and also in Jude.
Apparently, this lady, in a well-meaning attempt to be hospitable, welcomed a false teacher. John responds with a strong caution. Let’s break down the letter.
I. Introduction (vv. 1–3)
“The elder,
To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth—because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.”
Notice how John links love to truth. “Whom I love in the truth” shows us that real love is governed by truth. Think of how many counterfeit kinds of love exist—rooted in pride, lust, or selfishness. But genuine, godly love must be based in truth.
II. Exhortation to Love (vv. 4–6)
A. Walk in Truth (v. 4)
“It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us.”
John echoes this idea again in 3 John 4:
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
To walk in truth means living life aligned with the Holy Spirit. John uses the metaphor of walking intentionally—it was the mode of life back then. You walked everywhere: to the market, synagogue, work, friends’ homes. So walking in truth means truth guiding your everyday steps.
B. Walk in Love (v. 5)
“And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.”
This foundational command isn’t new. John is simply reminding her—and us—to stay grounded in it.
C. Walk in Obedience (v. 6)
“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands… his command is that you walk in love.”
John defines love as obedience to God’s Word. If we live in disobedience, we can’t claim to love God—our actions betray our words. Ask yourself: Are you walking in obedience or holding on to a hidden sin?
III. Warning Against False Teachers (vv. 7–11)
“Many deceivers… do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh… Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.”
These individuals were once part of the church but rejected Jesus and began teaching falsehoods. John isn’t vague—he calls them deceivers and even uses the term antichrist.
He emphasizes:
“Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God.”
Remaining—or abiding—in truth is key. He tells the lady not to welcome false teachers into her home, as doing so is to share in their wicked work. This may sound harsh in today’s “coexist” culture, but truth does not compromise.
There is only one path to salvation:
“Jesus alone is the Savior… there is no other highway to heaven.”
IV. Conclusion (vv. 12–13)
“I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. The children of your sister, who is chosen by God, send their greetings.”
Here, John is expressing his desire for in-person fellowship—a value we still hold dear today.
Application
1. Remain in the Truth
How do we do that?
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Listen to solid Bible teaching. Always check the sermon against Scripture.
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Read your Bible. Try a Bible reading program like our 2-year plan.
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Join a small group. “Iron sharpens iron”—we grow together.
2. Parent with Purpose
John mentions only some of the lady’s children walked in truth, suggesting that not all did. Many parents understand the heartbreak when a child strays.
John’s words remind us to:
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Avoid exasperating our children (Ephesians 6:4). Yelling and undefined rules confuse kids.
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Discipline with unconditional love. Our tone and consistency shape how children view God.
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Establish clear boundaries. For example, church attendance wasn’t optional in our home. We also had boundaries around phone use.
Young families—seek the wisdom of older believers. This is part of doing life together in the church. And when children stray, we cling to the promise of Proverbs 22:6—our teaching isn’t in vain. Keep praying and speaking truth in love.
Conversation Questions
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What does it mean to “walk in truth” in today’s world? How can we cultivate that habit?
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How do we balance showing hospitality with guarding against false teaching?
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What are some practical ways to teach children about God’s unconditional love—especially during discipline?
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Have you ever struggled with setting boundaries in the name of love? How can we set godly boundaries?
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When has someone helped you stay rooted in the truth? How can we be that person for someone else?