The Joy of Pastoral Calling

After all the deep truths covered in 1 John, we see an added “P.S.” in John’s following epistles. Pastor Greg Laurie shares they’re filled with love, warning, and encouragement.

Notes:

Focus verse - 2 John 1
 
2nd and 3rd John are filled with love, warning and encouragement.
 
We can find comfort in God’s Word—His ultimate love letter to us.
 
1st John was written to give assurance to believers.
(1 John 5:13)
 
The Bible promises, “He who began a good work in you will complete it.”
(Philippians 1:6)
 
Salvation is God’s work from beginning to end. It’s not based on how you feel, it’s based on what Jesus did.
 
John was refuting something called Gnosticism.
 
Gnostics did not believe that God came into this world and walked among us.
 
“If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God.”
(1 John 4:2)
 
To be a Christian, you must believe that Jesus was born of a virgin and was God among us; that He was fully God and fully man and He died on the cross for our sins, and He bodily rose three days later and will come again.
 
1 John can be divided into three sections:
1. God is Light (1 John 1:1–2:2)
2. God is Love (1 John 2:3–4:21)
3. God is Life (1 John 5)

 
Read: 2 John 1:1–3
 
1. God wants us to walk in truth and love.
 
Truth without love is harsh. Love without truth is hollow.
 
Truth anchors us while love moves us.
Truth gives us the message; love gives us the method.
 
Love is obeying the Lord.
 
2. When we walk in truth and love the devil will be opposing us.
(2 John 1:7–8)
 
John has warned us about both Antichrist and Antichrists.
 
3. God cares about every area of your life.
(3 John 1:1–2)
 
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
(3 John 1:2)
 
God does want us to prosper, but what is Biblical prosperity?
In short, it is knowing and walking with God and bringing forth spiritual fruit.
 
God can and will bless you with wealth, but with that wealth comes responsibility.
(1 Timothy 6:17–18)
 
If you are blessed financially that’s not a sin, it’s a stewardship.
 
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
(3 John 1:2)
 
God does not heal everyone, but He does still heal today.
 
4. Coming to Christ is life-changing; continuing with Christ is life-sustaining.
(3 John 1:3–4)
 
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
(3 John 1:4)
 
“A good character is the best tombstone. Those who love you and were helped by you will remember you, so carve your name on hearts, not marble.” —C.H. Spurgeon
 
5. God’s people should underwrite God’s work.
(3 John 1:5–8)
 
It pleases God when we support God’s Word financially.
(3 John 1:6)
 
We should not have a discomfort talking or hearing about giving.
The Bible speaks more about giving than prayer or faith.
 
There are over 2,000 verses on the topic of money, possessions, and giving.
 
Giving is not just about finances, it’s a test of trust and obedience to God.
 
We share in the reward when we invest our money.
 
6. There are real and fake believers in the church.
(3 John 1:9–11)
 
Ultimately, it is God who will sort out the real and the counterfeit.
 
7. Be a Demetrius not a Diotrephes.
(3 John 1:9, 12)
 
Demetrius v.  Diotrephes
Had a good testimony.  Had a poor testimony.
Respected by all.  Rebuked by John for being divisive and proud.
Welcoming and faithful. Kicked people out of the church and drove them away.
 
1. Walk in truth and love.
2. Support God’s people and God’s work.
3. Be a bridge-builder, not a bridge-burner.
4. Leave a godly legacy.
5. Don’t be a Diotrephes, be a Demetrius.

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