Sermon Tone Analysis

Background

2 John is the shortest book in the entire Bible by verse numbering, consisting of 13 verses.

The overall theme of the book is similar to 3 John, commending believers to love one another, and to remain in and walk according to the truth of the gospel.

As we discussed in 3 John, the apostle John identifies himself as “the elder” in his letters.

Early church tradition tells that John was the oldest living apostle, thought by some to never die because of Jesus’ words in John 21:22.

He wrote the Gospel of John, 3 epistles, and Revelation, sometime in between AD 70-95.

We know he’s the author through early church testimony and hermeneutics.

This letter is addressed to the “chosen lady and her children,” which indicates the recipients are believers.

The “chosen lady” is thought by some to represent the Church and not a specific individual.

This could be a local congregation, or the universal Church.

“Chosen” simply means selected.

There’s some debate within the Church over this word and its meaning, so we’ll let Scripture tell us what this looks like:

Given the context, it makes most sense that this is a local church (“lady”) and the congregation (“her children”).

Not only does John love the “lady” and “her children,” but so do all who know the truth, i.e., the gospel.

This truth (gospel) abides in us and will be with us forever.

A blessing of grace, mercy, and peace is given to the “lady.”

These things come from the Father and from the Son, Jesus Christ.

Hearing the gospel isn’t enough, one must also confess Christ as the Son of God.

Abiding in Christ means we receive His grace, mercy, and peace.

We follow Jesus, no matter what the cost.

We have been commanded to walk in the light of the gospel.

John then exhorts to walk in love.

Love is a major theme in John’s writings.

We can have assurance of salvation if we do what Jesus commanded us.

APPLICATION

Abiding in Christ means we receive His grace, mercy, and peace.

We can have assurance of salvation if we do what Jesus commanded us.

Next week, we will conclude our 2-week trek through 2 John.

Communion: We practice open communion, which means if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you may join the church in taking the Lord’s Supper.

Communion is a practice of remembering what Christ has done by eating and drinking, and we are told that we must examine ourselves in the taking of communion, so that we do not eat the bread or drink the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner.

Take this time to examine yourself before we take communion together.