2nd John 4 THY CHILDREN Often, we see people in far and distant places who we knew when they were young. We knew their parents and saw them grow up to be men and women, and now are far from their parents' home, raising their own families and living their lives in entirely different situations, and sometimes different cultures. What a joy it is to see them living honorable, useful lives and serving the Lord they came to know and believe on when they were young. We have been privileged to briefly share in some of their labors on mission fields and in other Gospel outreaches. To see God working through them and in them gives us the same kind of joy John had when he saw the elect lady's children walking in truth. Some we have had the privilege of pointing to Christ when they were children at home. Now they have children of their own and also have spiritual children entrusted to them by the Lord where they labor for Him. John knew the blessing it would be to pass on his joy to their mother.
Walking in truth doesn't happen by chance. When the truth of God is well taught and received by faith so that it is practiced in life, there is joy on the part of all who are involved. A deliberate teaching time is needed when people are first saved that they might be established in the faith and the fundamentals of the Christian life. Those first days, weeks and months of teaching establishes a basis for growth that leads to maturity as they learn to "walk in truth." It is the responsibility of older believers to teach truth in a way that people can distinguish between truth and error. Truth is given to walk in.
Children at home will often submit to parental leadership as long as they are under their parents' roof. They will follow their parents' teaching and practice, and may even participate in assembly activity as they have been taught. Then comes the time they leave home and we wonder what they will do when they are on their own. When the pressure of parental authority is gone, will they walk in the truth they have been taught? Some will have made those truths their own and other may even surpass those who have taught them in their understanding of scripture and in their devotion to the Lord and His work. Others reject and turn away from that which they were taught by saying, "I don't believe that anymore."
To whatever degree we can see our children walking in truth, we give God the glory and continue to pray for them and encourage them. When God saved them, we gave Him thanks. When they go further and are baptized, we give Him thanks. When they become participants in assembly life, we give Him thanks. When they marry a believer, who is faithful to the word of God we give God thanks. Walking in the truth is the pattern of life personally, daily and publicly under the authority of the commandments of the Father. It is our hope that they will continue to submit to "a commandment received from the Father."
In most ways, when they leave our home, our children have to be committed deliberately by us to the care and control of their heavenly Father. We teach them and then they move on in the way they choose - and hopefully in the way they were taught. It is always our prayer for them that they will commit themselves to be doctrinally right. We want their daily life to be of one habitually walking in the truth and committed to doing the will of God from their heart.
Our strongest support for our adult children is our own consistency to the word and will of God. They will be watching to see how we react to the pressures to conform to modern day thought, teaching and practice. We don't reject everything out of hand, but when false doctrine and a wrong appreciation of our Lord Jesus Christ by some person or persons arises, then we reject and repudiate that completely. Our example should be of godly living and responsible care for the people of God in spite of what others - maybe even our children, may do.
The joy we have when our children walk in truth is not because we are so great as parents and teachers, but that our children know the place of authority our Lord has in our lives. He has saved us by His grace, kept us daily by His grace and we love Him supremely. When they give that same to Him and to their children, that joy is shared by everyone involved. Truth lived out in everyday behavior brings joy. When our lives are testimonies to the truth, that joy is spread abroad.
A mother looks down with joy As her newborn looks up at her. Very soon a pet or a simple toy Takes its attention as change occurs. But when maturity in our children comes And adulthood fill up that space, Joy in our child's true faith becomes Much greater through evidence of saving grace.
The walk, in truth is a witness To what was taught in their youth. Words from our children that bless us Testifies to their commitment to truth. The commands from our heavenly Father Are the guidelines by which they live. The hearts of both father and mother Are made joyful by the evidence they give.
Perhaps it is much more than we can expect To think our children will follow our lead. But the future is bright with the prospect That to some of what we taught they give heed. Joy here is one thing because we're grateful That some of what we taught they have claimed. Our prayer is that they remain faithful And never ignore or dishonor Christ's name.
"Father, I pray for my whole family right now. Grant that they will remember the God of their father and mother. May they retain respect for the Bible and Thee. May their doubts be settled by Thy truth, and may they be committed to walking in truth. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
2John. 4. “I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.” THE TRUTH WALK. We are not left without guidance when it comes to what we believe. There is no uncertain sound about a commandment. It is not left up to me what I believe and practice. It has been spelled clearly out by the One who has given all the directives Himself and has graciously given them to us in written form. When it comes to the clear prohibitions and clear marching orders, there are no questions. The Father has given them and expects me to act on them in trust, knowing that He knows what is best in the affairs of life and service.
But now comes the challenge to me – am I walking in the truth? Truth is a possession to be treasured. Truth is precepts to be obeyed. Truth is a Person to be trusted. When I walk in this truth, there is joy to the mature believers who instructed me; there is joy to the person who cares most for me; there is joy in my own soul; there is joy to the Father who gave such truths in the beginning. The relationship of a spiritual father to his spiritual children, is one of care and concern lest the new believer gets sidetracked and unfruitful in the things God.
It is a constant charge to me to go again and again to my spiritual children to instruct them, guide them, encourage them and seek their spiritual well-being because when they step aside from God’s truth, not only are they losing blessings that could be theirs, but I am deprived of joy in my soul and God is deprived of glory that should be His.
“O Lord my God, help me to be a faithful minister of truth to those spiritual children you have given me. Help me not to quit seeking their best. Help me to be aware of what they need most. Help me to give to them what they need, when they need it. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”
2nd John 5,6 FROM THE BEGINNING There are two basic themes in 2nd John - walking in truth and walking in love. Truth is the overriding theme as we are called to love in the truth and for the sake of the truth. Even the salutation to the elect lady and her children is linked with truth. Five times in the first four verses of this letter "truth" is spoken of, making us conscious of its importance. This is as true today as in the early days of the church age. Walking in the truth is the emphasis in verses four through six. There we find the commandment and love both tied together. The test of truth is in the next three verses and the defense of the truth concludes the epistle.
When one person "beseeches" another, this is not a command from one taking a lofty position above another, but is a communication between those of equal rank, at least in this particular context. We beseech a friend when we want to encourage or help them to come to a conclusion or take an action in some way. To pass on one's opinion or thoughts in an effort to help another person is what we do when we beseech, rather than command or demand. Much of what we need to consider when making choices comes from a past history, or a reminder of what works because God is the One who initiated the statement and solution in the first place.
The command to love that was "from the beginning" as it relates to the Lord's people, was first given in the scripture in Leviticus 19:18. When our Lord spoke of it [Matt.22:37], He quoted that Old Testament passage. John wrote the same truth in his first epistle. It is possible for us to ignore or forget that which we know to be right. Perhaps the reason we would ignore the command to love is because it is inexpedient at the moment and would interfere with what we want for ourselves. Forgetting a charge is not uncommon when we are so busy about our own interests that it doesn't cross our minds that someone else needs us more. Then when we finish what we were involved in, it comes to our mind too late to do anything about the need. In verse five we have the commandment given to love one another, and in verse six we have the fulfillment of that command - "we walk after His commandments." In verse five obedience expresses itself in "love one another." In verse six love finds expression in obedience. So, what does this really mean? Love is not mere sentimentality that sounds so nice when one says, "I love you." And love is not the opposite of being a servant. Love is demonstrated when our daily walk in life is one of obedience to our Lord and the truth of God as revealed in His word.
Love is not uncontrolled passion that shouts out its feelings to be broadcast to all who can hear. Love is obedience to God's commands. Love is unselfish service that we choose to do because we value the one to whom we give this expression. Love is an action rather than an emotion.
Love is shown when we consciously avoid prejudice. Love doesn't make any difference when it is demonstrated to people of different cultures, creeds, races, nationalities or ages. Love does not discriminate against those who may be more difficult to love than others. It may be shown in different ways to avoid unnecessary offense, but its motivation remains the same. We love in truth. Love will accept differences in personalities, and sometimes methods that are different than ours. It will accept people for who they are, not for what I want them to be. It does not say, "Everything would be fine if you would be like me and do everything my way," like some people imply.
Love is willing to listen and not interrupt. It is willing to give a difference of opinion the courtesy of listening to the whole matter before making a decision and/or a reply. Love helps when and where it can without being asked. It gives what it can, where it can and doesn't complain or boast about what it gave. Love looks for places to serve. It usually avoids the limelight although when that is imposed on it, it has little to say except "Thank you." Love wants all glory to go to our Lord. Love also refuses to compromise and/or do what is wrong so that no one is offended. Love and truth are divinely appointed and linked, and its characteristics are evident in one who walks in truth and love. Love doesn't pass judgment indiscriminately upon other people and other work that may differ from ours.
To know the commandment, to love and walk in truth is not enough. When our God gives commands, He has the right to expect us to put it into practice gladly. It is only right that it should be our joy to walk daily, and in every situation in obedience to His will.
In the desert - close quarters - people hearing through their "canvas " walls Each word heard - by those near - and by God - the tone of anxious calls The reason - the hidden motive - the desired result on listening ear falls "Love one another."
Around a supper fire - a busy day has ended - the Master speaks Each one with a day's stories - wanting to be heard - self attention seeks Then with quiet voice - authoritative - earnest looks at each one deep "Love one another."
Activity abounds - things are moving - everyone attending to the work busily Looking across at another's work - and passing judgment unfair - accusingly "Stop, Think, Listen," - take time to consider what you, and they do - intelligently "Love one another."
They came - they sat together - and sang and prayed - and testified Heads bowed - hearts full - "Amens" are real - joy is increasing - sanctified Our Lord's name - His Person - His work - His word - glorified "Love one another."
"Gracious Father, I watched and smiled inside and out as the Lord's people shared in common their life in Christ after the meeting last night. And I believe I worshipped at the sight of Thy people loving one another - and I praise now at the remembrance of that sight. Amen."