Our Responsibility to the Doctrine of Christ (Part 2)

2 John 9-11

Our Responsibility to the Doctrine of Christ

(Part 2)

Review Part 1

• Multiple views of “doctrine of Christ”– “Core gospel” approach– Divine nature of Christ– New Testament of Christ

• Definitions, context and usage demands the doctrine of Christ is the teaching that belongs to Christ

2

General Principle of 2 John 9 is not Limited to One Application (v. 7)

• 2 John 9 states the parameter of fellowship with God

• 2 John 10-11 states the parameter of fellowship with men

• A specific error was addressed in verse 7 based on the principle of verse 9

3

Specific Application of a General Principle does not Eliminate Other Applications

of the Same Principle

• 1 John 4:2: Is the only test for determining one is ‘of God’ confession that Christ came in the flesh? No! (Application of principle in v. 6)

• 1 Cor. 12:3: Do all who say Jesus is Lord have a “spiritual gift”?

• 1 Cor. 14:33, 40: Principles applied to specific needs – does not nullify other applications to additional needs as they arise

4

The Christian’s Responsibility Toward the Doctrine of Christ

• Must not go beyond it (ahead of it), 2 John 9; Gal. 1:6; Rev. 22:18-19; 1 Cor. 4:6

• Must abide in it, 2 John 9– By keeping the word of Christ, Jno. 14:23-24– By practicing truth, 1 Jno. 1:6-7– Assurance of fellowship with Christ when we

faithfully obey, 1 Jno. 2:3-6; 3:24

5

The Christian’s Responsibility Toward the Doctrine of Christ

• Must not extend fellowship to one who does not abide in the doctrine of Christ, 2 Jno.10-11– No fellowship with darkness, Eph. 5:11– Remain separate and distinct from sin and

the world, 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1• Extend fellowship to everyone who teaches and

abides in the gospel, Gal. 2:7-9; 3 Jno. 5-8

6

Common Thread of 2 John 9 Runs Throughout the New Testament

John 12:48-50: He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.

7


John 14:21, 23: He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me . . . If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

8


John 15:7, 10: If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you . . . If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

9


1 Timothy 6:3-5: If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing . . . From such withdraw yourself.

10


Revelation 3:20: Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

11


Romans 16:17: Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

12

Brethren are Accepting into Fellowship More and More Departures from

the Doctrine of Christ

• Unity in moral and doctrinal diversity (misuse of Romans 14)– Failing to distinguish between matters that are

indifferent to God and those that affect fellowship with God

– Romans 14 is used to accept everyone in “love”– Romans 14 addresses matters that are indifferent

to God – different from 2 John 9! Rom. 14:1, 3, 513



• Misunderstanding of unity leads to an ever-expanding fellowship– “Biblical unity is not uniformity.”

• If one is talking about liberties, that is correct • If one is talking about revealed truth (doctrine

of Christ), that is incorrect! 1 Cor. 1:10, 13– “100% doctrinal conformity”, Gal. 2:5

(2 Tim. 3:10; 2 Jno. 9-10)14



• Wide variety of errors on marriage, divorce and remarriage– “Never have, never will agree.”

• Truth is revealed, it is understandable and it can be obeyed, Jno. 8:31-32; Eph. 5:17

• Matt. 19:3-12; 5:31-32; Rom. 7:2-3; 1 Cor. 7:10-11; Heb. 13:4

15



• Moral issues, including (not limited to):– What constitutes immodest clothing,

1 Tim. 2:9“The Bible nowhere says that we all have to agree

about the standards of modesty (and for some reason, that especially applies to women’s clothing in the debates that have been staged)." (David McClister, Romans 14, 8/25/11)

16



• Moral issues, including (not limited to):–Social drinking of alcohol, 1 Pet. 4:3• In the past it was rarely advanced openly• More and more brethren now practice it,

while others “look the other way” when it becomes known among them

17

Unity in Christ• We can unite in mind, teaching and

application of 2 John 9– 1 Cor. 1:10; Jno. 17:20-21 (17)

• Disciples of Christ abide in His teaching:– Diligently study and use of God’s word,

2 Tim. 2:15– Keep proper attitudes of heart, Eph. 4:1-3– Unwavering commitment to obey Jesus –

to abide in the doctrine of Christ!18

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Our Responsibility to the Doctrine of Christ (Part 2)