Introduction
The Apostle John wrote this letter during a time of severe persecution. This is why he did not name himself, the chosen lady or her children. If the letter was intercepted by the authorities, they would have specific people to target in their persecutions.
John Commends the Chosen Lady, vv. 1-4
A. The Elder, the Apostle John
B. The Chosen Lady, the Elect Lady, the Called-out Lady–>a local church
C. The Children–>people of the local church
D. The Church and Members “walk in truth.”
What binds Christians together is not social, political, or class compatibility. It is love for and obedience to the Word of God, the Truth.
John Challenges the Chosen Lady, vv. 5-6
A. Love one another.
B. Love defined: “walk after His commandments,” v. 6.
John Cautions the Chosen Lady, vv. 7-11
A. Those who deceive, v. 7–>Gnostic heresy
1. Teach that secret knowledge supercedes Scripture.
2. Teach that Jesus, as totally divine, was never human, “come in the flesh.”
3. Teach that sin no longer separates us from God.
B. Those who destroy, v. 8–>false teachers destroys the faith of the immature.
C. Those who depart, v. 9–>those who rely on experience and feelings instead of the Word of God.
1. Do not welcome anyone who denies the true doctrine of Jesus, v. 10.
2. Give no hospitality, aid, or blessings to those who deceive others, v. 10.
3. Do not allow false teachers to teach false doctrine in the church, v. 11.
John Comforts the Chosen Lady, vv. 12-13
A. The Elder plans to visit soon, v. 12.
B. The Chosen Lady has a sister who sends her greetings, v. 13: we are not alone.