i. Quick review from my last sermon (5 mins.)
I. We must rely on the Spirit of God
A. Proof that Christ lives in us (1 John 3:24, 1 John 4:13)
B. Witness the TRUTH about Christ (4:2)
C. To discern falseness and ‘antichristlikeness’ (1 John 4:1,3)
D. To live as an overcomer – “Greater is He who is in you!” (1 John 4:4)
II. GOD IS LOVE! Theos Estin Agape! T-E-A! (1 John 4:7-21)
A. Only being born of God (aka “born again”) produces agape love (1 John 4:7)
1. Phileo (brotherly love) and Eros (romantic love) may abound among humans
2. But Agape is GOD’s LOVE, spiritual and supernatural
B. We know God through agape (1 John 4:8)
C. Children born of God (1 John 5)
D. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God (5:1)
a. baptism in the Holy Spirit (Jesus does it)
b. being filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)
c. exercising Spiritual gifts (2 Timothy 1:6)
d. asking for the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13)
Ice Breaker: Can you express a biblical truth view of life’s purpose (against a flawed world view)?
I. Read2 John 1:1-3
A. The elder (presbyteros) – one with many years, possessing wisdom
1. overseer, bishop (episkopon) – one who fulfills this task and shepherds
2. shepherd (poimen) – protector of sheep, the church is the flock
B. Chosen/Elect Lady (NIV/KJV)
1. This lady is the entire church, the children are the individual believers
2. Chosen/Elect (eklectos) – selected to be the best
a. You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)
b. Christ chose you (John 15:16)
1. Did you choose for Christ to come and die; to be born; to follow Christ?
c. Make your calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10)
d. Many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14)
1. What is the calling? It’s the church (ekklesia), “called out ones”
2. The calling is the method, the election is the end result
C. The Truth (Alethia)
1. We are LOVED (agape) in the TRUTH
a. remember T-E-A! (even if you don’t like tea)
b. perhaps a silly, but interesting question: If John agapes you, does God love you too?
2. What is the TRUTH?
a. Hey Pilate, you were looking Him straight in the face!!!
b. Jesus said, “I AM the way, the truth, and the life.”
1. Who is the great I AM?
3. This truth is eternal and indwelling (2 John 2)
a. it (He) lives in us
b. it’s (He’s) with us forever
II. The Blessing (2 John 3)
A. Grace – God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense, unmerited favor lavished upon us
B. Mercy – God withholds deserved condemnation
C. Peace – God’s peace, NOT as the world gives
D. Teach and Sing “2 John 1:3 (Grace, Mercy, and Peace)”
