Introduction
There’s a special race. This isn’t a race to a certain finish line, but for a length of time known only to the prize Giver. The rules are straightforward: There is a path for you to run. Anything done outside of the path does not count for your final score. Anytime you help another runner, you will be rewarded. Anytime you try to get someone else on or back to the path, you will be rewarded. Anytime you make the path a little easier for the next person, you will be rewarded. Anytime you aren’t moving forward, or helping someone else move forward, you are moving backward. After the race, you will be allowed perfect rest, so there are no breaks in the race. There are enemies, however, whose sole enjoyment is cheating runners out of as much of their reward as possible. They are going to try to distract you, confuse you, persuade you to disbelieve the rules, or help you to break the rules. How they accomplish their purpose is of little matter to them, so long as they reduce your rewards. You are the runner, and false teachers are the enemies. Will you fall for their traps, or will you keep on working for the prize? 2 John 1:7-9 talks about this. Study these verses to understand how you can live for the eternal reward.
Observation
Pray
Before you even set your mind to work on this passage, ask God to open your mind and heart to what He says in it. Ask Him to transform your day through it.
Read Focus Verses
Today you’ll study three little verses in a little book. As you read 2 John 1:7-9, notice how weighty their theme is. Rather than being insignificant, sometimes the little passages are condensed for greater potency.
Three Parties
There are three parties in this verse. One is the author and all believers (we). Who are the other two parties discussed in these verses?
Deceivers
This symbol will stand for those who are opposed to God in this passage.
Deceivers
Antichrist
Go back through 2 John 1:7-9 and mark each reference to those who are opposed to God – don’t forget pronouns (he/him) too.
God
This symbol will make the references to God and Christ stand out in contrast to the false teachers.
God
The Truth
Mark each word that refers to God and Christ in this passage. There are a lot of them!
Twisting the Truth
What aspect of the truth about Jesus Christ was most objected to by the false teachers referred to specifically in these verses?
All or None
According to verse 9, can you choose to believe in God the Father or in God the Son without believing in the other?
Abiding in Truth
In verse 9, someone who abides in what has both the Father and the Son?
Don’t Lose It
What are believers urged not to lose in verse 8?
Interpretation
Deceivers
These false teachers are called deceivers. Who did Jesus say is the father of lies in John 8:44?
Almost the Truth
The first four verses of 2 John were talking about Truth, and now we see deceivers. Why is that title used for them here?
Testing the Spirits
1 John 4:1-4 give the same definition for false teachers, and tells us how we are to watch for them. Notice how the passage closes.
Assurance
There is tension between those who follow the Spirit of God and those who follow the spirit of error. What assurance is given to those who chose God’s side?
Stealing Reward
When we look at 2 John 1:8, that is a great comfort. What will believers lose if they follow false teachers?
No One Can Pluck Them Out
Notice what Jesus says in John 10:27-29 about His people.
Salvation Secured
Based on John 10:27-29 (and other Scripture), can it be salvation that a believer is losing in 2 John 1:8? Why or why not?
Buildings of Rubble or Gold
If 2 John is not talking about believers losing salvation, what other kind of reward could it be referring to? Notice what 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 says about works being tested.
Compare
How does this verse relate to understanding 2 John 1:8?
A Warning
How does verse 8 begin?
Look Out for What?
Based on the context of the verse, what are believers to watch out for?
Poisonous Words
These deceivers will try to cheat you out of your reward by saying things like, “You have time to rest now,” “God doesn’t care about that, He understands,” “Aren’t you tired, you need a break,” “That will be fun or fulfilling,” “You deserve it,” “So and so did.” What other kinds of lies distract you from working for eternal reward?
Steadfast
Verse 9 speaks twice of abiding in the doctrine or teaching of Christ as the anecdote to following false teachers and losing reward. What has God given us to teach us the doctrine of Christ so we can remain steadfast in it?
The Reward
Notice what Hebrews 11:6 says about a reward.
The Rewarder
Who is the one who will reward faithful Christians according to Hebrews 11:6?
A Connection
Hebrews 11:6 connects the importance of believing that God is who He says He is with the importance of believing that He will reward His people. Based on what you’ve seen in 2 John 1:7-9, can you expand on this connection?
When Jesus Comes
Here is a hymn that will both inspire and challenge you to live for the bright reward above.
Application
Deceived?
Are there ways you have (even unwittingly) listened to false prophets whose deceit is leading you to live in a way that you will lose reward?
Reward
How can you live today for the bright reward?
Wrapup
Closing
We hope this study has helped you understand better how to avoid deceit which will distract you from working for an eternal reward.
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