Bible Pathways - Dec. 22, 2007

2 John 1

In Today's Reading:

The commandment to love; warning against deceivers; Diotrephes rebuked; judgment on false teachers

In his brief but very important letter to all believers, Jude wrote: It was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort (urge) you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares . . . ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . Woe unto them! (Jude 1:3-4,11). To earnestly contend for the faith implies not only the necessity of believing that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God but that it alone is the final Word on all doctrine (II Timothy 3:16).

Today there is a superficial and deceptive unity being promoted by some who have joined hands with religions that reject Jesus of Nazareth as The Only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 1:4).

Jude warns that such deceivers will be judged, even as Sodom and Gomorrha . . . are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. . . . these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. . . . they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! (1:7-8,10-11).

Having been enlightened by God's Word to recognize false doctrine, we can add a resounding "Praise the Lord" to Jude's statement.

Other religions deny either the total deity or the total humanity of Jesus. Some assume there is only One God but that He is called by various names. They ignorantly conclude that as long as you are sincere, it doesn't matter what you believe. But Jesus said: I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6). And Peter proclaimed: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless . . . To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever (forever). Amen (Jude 1:24-25).

Cross References:

For Jude 1:5: See Numbers 14:28-35. Jude 1:7: See Genesis 19:24.Jude 1:11: See Genesis 4:3-8, Numbers 16:1-3,31-35; 31:8-16. Jude 1:23: See Zechariah 3:2.

Word Studies:

III John 1:10 prating against =b> falsely accusing; Jude 1:4 turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness =b> using God's grace as an excuse to justify sinful living.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Country: Tunisia (10 million) in North Africa • Major languages: Arabic and French • Islamic state — no open ministry for Christ is permitted; strict surveillance of all Christian activities • 99+% Muslim; .3% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Do not be fearful or live in dread of what might happen; trust the Lord to take care of you (Psalm 112:7).

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 13:20