At first, Old Faithful may not look very impressive. It may just look like a mound in a field. But it remains faithful to do what it was designed to do. In the same way, a believer may think, “I am just one person. What can I do?” But God has placed each person where they are for a reason. He has given each believer gifts, talents, relationships, experiences, and a circle of influence. Wherever God has placed you, be faithful. If He has placed you in a workplace, be faithful. If He has placed you in school, be faithful. If He has called you to teach, serve, lead, pray, encourage, or give, be faithful. God rewards faithfulness. Pastor Kevin teaches us in 2 John 1:1-13 to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ, walk in truth and love, and serve with discernment.
Discernment
John warns in 2 John 1:7-8 that “many deceivers have gone out into the world.” These false teachers did not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Pastor Kevin explains that this made them deceivers and antichrists, meaning they were against Christ and against the truth of the gospel.
Discernment is the ability to separate truth from error. The early church needed discernment because false teachers were already trying to creep in and distort the teachings of Jesus. The church today needs that same discernment.
Not every teaching should be accepted just because it sounds spiritual. Believers must ask whether it lines up with God’s Word. Does it honor Christ? Does it teach the truth of the gospel? Does it contradict what Jesus taught? The church must stay faithful to Scripture, teach the truth, and guard the minds and hearts of the church family, including the children.
Love
Love and truth belong together as written in 2 John 1:5-6. A follower of Christ should love others and tell the truth. Christian love is not separated from obedience. Jesus taught His people to love their neighbors and even love their enemies. That is not always easy, but it is part of walking faithfully with Christ.
Love and truth distinguish God’s people from those who do not belong to Him. If we claim to follow Christ, our lives should reflect His love and His truth.
This applies in the church, in homes, in Sunday school classes, in children’s ministries, and in daily life. Believers are called to love one another while remaining faithful to the truth of God’s Word.
Hospitality
Hospitality has boundaries. In the early church, many churches met in homes. Traveling teachers and preachers often depended on believers to welcome them, feed them, and give them a place to stay. Hospitality was an important act of love and service. But John gives a clear warning. If someone comes and does not bring the teaching of Christ, believers should not receive him into their house or give him a greeting (2 John 1:10-11).
This does not mean Christians should be unkind. It means believers must be wise. We should serve one another, share meals, enjoy fellowship, and practice hospitality, but we must never compromise the truth of Christ.
Remain faithful to the truth. Love one another. Practice hospitality with wisdom. Keep walking in the teachings of Christ.
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