Read 2 John 1
Highlights:
Be faithful to the teachings of Christ; be diligent; don't be deceived (II John). All Believers in the world are the Family of God as a "Christian community" (III John). Beware of false worship; express mercy to all; rescue others from sin. The Bible is the Truth, the only way to life, The Son — Lord of all (Jude).
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 Tim. 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 the Word of God 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).
Thought for Today:
Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation (Is. 12:3).
Cross References:
For Jude 1:5: See Num. 14:28-35. Jude 1:7: See Gen. 19:24. Jude 1:11: See Gen. 4:3-8, Num. 16:1-3,31-35; 31:8-16. Jude 1:23: See Zech. 3:2.
Word Studies:
III John 1:10 prating against falsely accusing; Jude 1:4 turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness perverting the grace of God to permit immodesty, immorality, lustfulness.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Genevieve Lucas • Staff: Mike Moore • Country: Mongolia (2.4 million) in east-central Asia • Major language: Khalkha Mongol • As a 70-year era of communism wanes, Bibles are now on sale in the capital, Ulaanbaatar • 95.5% Tibetan Buddhist; 4% Muslim; .3% Christian; .2% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your heart to God in prayer (Lam. 3:41).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33