Read New Testament in Three Months - December 22 - 2 John, 3 John & Jude

Read New Testament in Three Months

December 22 - 2 John, 3 John & Jude

2 John and 3 John were, like 1 John, were written between 85 and 96. 2 John is more in line with the previous chapter, warning the people to be on alert for those who would try to bring wrong doctrine into the church. It is written to Cyria and her children. This chapter focuses on standing strong in truth, following after Christ and being aware that there is false teaches out there. 3 John was written to Gaias commending him for his faithful walk and his care for traveling ministers and how much it is needed. John speaks from his own personal experience during his travels and those who supported him along the way. 

The book of Jude, written by Jude who was the brother of James and half brother of Jesus wrote this book around  65 and 80. This is a book I so desire that every believer read. Many have taken the dispensation of grace to a place God never wanted them to, to think that once saved they no longer have to worry about falling into sin or suffering the consequences of it. Jude makes it very clear this is not the case. Sin is sin and causes separation from God. Because of what Jesus did upon the cross and in His resurrection, we do know we have an advocate with God, Jesus Christ Himself, so we can repent of our sins and then strive to sin no more with the help of the Holy Spirit.We forget that Jesus came to redeem the Holy part of our spirit that was lost in the garden. Thus we know have that part which enables us to fellowship with God once again. But there is still a part of our being that needs to be redeemed and that is our job to do, not Jesus'. Why does the Bible say in Philippians 12:2, " Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."? Because we still have a work to do in our soul. God expects us to grow up and, through Christ, He has given us everything we need to do just that. If we say we love God but then live like the world, doing what we want though it is contrary to what God's Word says we should do, then we should question whether we are really saved. When you love someone, you want to please them, not insult them and go against that which is important to them. Remember, the Word tells us that we are to put on the mind of Christ, to be transformed in His image. If we think God is going to be pleased with us when we come before Him on judgment day, not doing what He has called us to do, then we are sadly mistaken. Don't forget, these books we have been reading and going over these past couple of months have included AFTER Jesus' resurrection, after salvation was given to man through Him and yet it includes warnings to believers. Shouldn't that speak to us? Shouldn't we heed what it is saying since we still have a work to do in our lives? Jesus alone saves us through His life, death and resurrection here on earth and us believing in Him and we are to be a living epistle read by all men, walking in our Lord's ways and striving not to sin with the Holy Spirit's help. Many are going to perish if we do not rise up and be who He has called us to be. Forgive us, Holy One, of our sins and help us sin no more and use us for Your glory, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.