Chronological Reading Plan for Dec 26, 2 Jn, 3 Jn

Today's readings are 2 Jn, 3 Jn. Tomorrow's are Rev 1 - 5.

2 Jn is yet another warning against false teaching. It seems that most of the false teaching the church struggles with, regardless of where it originates, rises up from within the church in some manner. This short note warns against extending hospitality to those who were spreading false teaching. 

There's a lesson buried in here. True, Christian fellowship will be based on a shared, sound doctrine. The unity of the church is based on Christ and the accurate and faithful teaching of the word of God. Anyone extending hospitality to those who oppose that teaching is housing a threat to that unity. 

This is not to say we should never have unbelievers in our home. John is saying we should not house and care for false teachers as they are a danger to the church. 

There are many godly churches and denominations that may not agree on the non-essentials of the faith. They each have their own distinctives. These distinguishing markers should never interfere with our unity on the essentials. As long as we can agree on the foundational essentials of the faith, there should be a mutual respect, even prayer for each other. Having differences in non-essential doctrines is not the same as the division false teaching can generate. The only means of determining the difference between false teaching and denominational distinctives is to be intimately familiar with the Scriptures and objective about what are the essential teachings for salvation.

3 Jn commends those who extend hospitality to Christian missionaries and teachers. Taken together with 2 John, it is clear that, in order to avoid false teaching and division in the church, believers should practice love and discernment, encouraging support of godly teachers and avoiding support of false teachers.