2 John 1-11

Several years ago the pollster, George Barna, wrote a book entitled “What Americans Believe.” It contained his annual survey of the values and religious views of our citizens.

Those interviewed were asked, “Do you agree strongly, agree somewhat, disagree somewhat, or disagree strongly with the following statement: There is no such thing as absolute truth; different people can define truth in conflicting ways and still be correct.”

According to the survey only 28% of the respondents affirmed belief in “absolute truth.” Even more shocking was only 23% of those who identified as “born again” or “evangelical Christians” agreed with this statement.

“What’s truth for me, may not be truth for you. And what’s truth for you, may not be truth for me,” is the mantra of our day.

However, the Bible offers a completely different perspective about the absolute nature of truth–its importance, relevance, and application. In our text, the apostle John reminds his readers and by implication all of us three important points about Truth.

#1 You Need to Know the Truth (vv 1-3).

Four times in John’s salutation, he speaks of knowing the truth as a basis of their relationship with each other and with the Lord.

Like Pilate at Jesus’ trial, many today snicker and sneer while snidely questioning, “What is truth?”

For the sincere querist, the Bible answers that question. Truth is objective revelation from the Father. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through your word, your word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). To make that a reality Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, whom he identified as “the Spirit of Truth” (Jn. 16:13), to make known God’s will to the apostles. By divine inspiration they recorded the Spirit’s revelation, which we can read and know today (Eph. 3:3-5).

Over 200 times in the Bible, the writers speak of “the truth.” Truth is objective. Absolute. And eternal. It is embodied in Jesus Christ, who proclaimed, “I am the Truth” (Jn. 14:6).

#2 You Ought to Walk in the Truth (vv 4-6).

John rejoiced that his readers were “walking in Truth.” The “Christian walk” speaks to our manner of life. Our course of conduct. Our daily behavior. In his first epistle, John says when we “walk in darkness” we are not walking in the truth (1 Jn. 1:6). Rather we must walk in the light of God’s Word. In his third epistle, he rejoiced that they were walking in Truth (3 Jn. 3-4).

As if there was any doubt, John reminds us that walking in truth involves walking according to Christ’s commandments.

“I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father.

And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.

This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it” (2 Jn 4-6).

Interestingly, John is known as “the apostle of love.” But love does not supersede God’s commandments, or excuse disobedience. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (Jn. 14:16).

Too often love is used to justify an illicit relationship, an immoral activity, or a failure to speak the Truth. John affirms, however, that love, truth, and obedience are inseparably linked together. We must possess a love of the Truth that compels us to obey God.

#3 You Must Abide in the Truth (vv 7-11).

Like both Peter and Paul, John recognizes that Truth has its enemies. The world is filled with deceivers and false teachers. We must be aware of their dangerous methods, alert to their error, avoid being deceived by them, and abstain from encouraging or supporting them.

The passage teaches the possibility of apostasy. We must beware. Take heed. And remain watchful. There is a danger of going back into the world. Or going ahead of where the Lord is leading us by going beyond “the doctrine of Christ.” Or even going along with those who are teaching error.

To “abide” is to remain. To continue. To actively hold on to. And press forward. We dare not become lax, indifferent, or careless with the Truth.

Always remember that Truth exists. Truth matters. And Truth will triumph.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman