Introduction
I was in the busy market in Genoa, Italy – the city of Columbus. Tourists and sellers mingled in a colorful mass of humanity speaking languages from around the globe. My friends were enjoying sausages and cheese from a stand that had a sausage two feet in diameter. The cooking stir-fry from across the aisle smelled delicious. The weather was beautiful. It was an enjoyable moment. Suddenly, a man approached me from the stand across the center walkway. He offered us some candy. Then he turned to me and started speaking to me in Italian – a language I don’t know. After a few sentences, however, I had recognized several words – Bible words. We began to converse in Bible nouns and verbs which are very similar in so many languages. There in that market, two Christians found an instant bond because we recognized each other as Christians. Same Savior – same eternity. Since then, I have often thought of the powerful bond all Christians share in Christ. Because we share an identity, because we share an eternity, we don’t have to share anything else – language, culture, history. 2 John 1:10-13 speaks of our friendships as Christians, and the joy that fellowship with other believers brings. Are you ready to learn more about how Christians relate to others?
Observation
Pray
The Bible is more than a treasure to put in a safe deposit box. It is living and active. Pray, and ask God to reveal its truths to you and show you how they impact your life today.
Read Focus Verses
Read the verses you’ll be studying today. As you read, remember that God has written this directly to you. Begin to think about how it applies to your life.
Key Idea – Relationships
Instead of marking a single word in these verses, let’s underline phrases that speak about how a Christian is to relate to others.
Handbook for Relations
As you read through the verses again, ask yourself, How am I supposed to relate to other people? Every time you find an answer in the text, underline it.
Listen in Context
Often when we listen to something we’ve read, new phrases will catch our attention, or we’ll catch the bigger connections. Instead of just reading the context for these verses in 2 John, listen to it. Close your eyes, and hear what this short book says.
Two Parts
Verses 10-13 are divided into two parts. Can you identify the topic of each part and which verses fit with each?
The Center
According to verse 10 how do Christians know whether a person is one of the deceivers or a brother or sister in Christ?
Face to Face
Why does John say he wants to visit in person to speak face to face?
Interpretation
Subject Defined
1 Corinthians 5:9-13 also speaks of those Christians are not to fellowship with. It clarifies what kind of people fall in this category.
The Bounds of Fellowship
Based on what you’ve seen in 2 John and 1 Corinthians, with whom may a Christian not fellowship.
The Impact on You
According to 2 John 1:11, what is the impact on you if you associate with someone who claims to be a Christian but is walking in open sin or teaching error?
Another Reason
1 Corinthians 15:33 gives us another reason we shouldn’t spend time with people who are rejecting God’s truth.
Your Friends Change You
Why should we be careful who we hang out with?
The Importance of Doctrine
You saw that a person’s doctrine tells Christians whether they are walking in truth or not. See how the word doctrine or teaching is used in Scripture to better understand its significance.
Strong's G1322
Greek,didache [did-akh-ay']
--Noun Feminine
Origin: from (1321)
Definition:
- teaching
- that which is taught
- doctrine, teaching, concerning something
- the act of teaching, instruction
- in religious assemblies of the Christians, to speak in the way of teaching, in distinction from other modes of speaking in public
Doctrine and Life
When the Bible uses this word doctrine or teaching, does it mean simply a set of intellectual facts or is it speaking of something more? If so, what else does doctrine impact?
On What Basis?
Some false teachers in the church are pleasant people. They can be fun, engaging, exciting, or popular. God’s instruction not to associate them is not based on the quality of their personality, but on something far deeper. Notice what Psalm 139:21 says about it.
Why?
Why do Christians not associate with those who claim God’s Name and live contrary to His teaching?
Fellowship
In 2 Timothy 1:4 Paul also expresses the desire to see people in person because of the mutual joy it will bring.
Joy
Why does Christian fellowship bring joy?
Bonds of Love
We don’t know whether those who sent greetings in verse 13 had met the recipients of this letter, but we know that in other epistles Christians who had never met send warm greetings of Christian love. Consider the reason for this mutual love presented in Ephesians 4:3-6.
In Your Own Words
In your own words, what mutual connection do all Christians have?
Application
Bad Friends
Do you spend time with people who claim to be Christians but reject some of God’s truth or are living in open sin? What are you going to do about it?
Good Friends
What can you do to foster healthy relationships in your life? Where can you find good Christian friends? How can you purposefully spend time together for your mutual joy?
What Kind of Friend Are You?
Do you believe all of the Bible’s doctrine (teachings)? Are you living what it says? How can you become a better friend today by living God’s truth?
Wrapup
Closing
We hope this study has helped you understand more about a Christian’s relationships with others in the church.
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