Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: November 14, 2004
JOHN’S EXPOSITION ON TRUTH
Ben Justice
The apostle John wrote 5 of 27 books of the NT. They are the Gospel of John, I John, 2 John, 3 John, and
Revelation. In connection with his second epistle, he penned these words:
“The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have
known the truth; For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. Grace be with you,
mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. I
rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father” (v.
1-4).
“Truth” is a vital aspect of this letter (as it is with all the word of God). It serves as the foundation for the
rest of what follows. The word “truth” is found a total of 5 times in this epistle — all 5 being found in the
first 4 verses. Note the following points concerning truth taken from these verses.
Truth Is The Standard
Truth was the standard for John’s life. Concerning the truth, John said in v. 2, “For the truth’s sake, which
dwelleth in us, . . .” By John’s use of the personal plural pronoun “us” shows that John included himself.
The truth “dwelled” in John.
Truth was the standard for the elect lady’s life. The truth also “dwelled” in her (v. 2).
Truth was the standard for her children’s life. John said in v. 4, “I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children
walking in truth, . . .”
Truth must be our standard for today. Jesus said in John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall
make you free.” The Colossians’ learned about heaven from the truth (Col. 1:5). Paul said that the judgment
of God is “according to truth” (Rom. 2:2). Those who do not believe “the truth” will be damned (2 Thess. 2:
12). There is only one thing that will stand between us and God on judgment day and that is the truth of
God, which is his word (John 17:17). It is imperative, therefore, that truth be our standard.
Truth Is Knowable
John mentioned those who have “known the truth” (v. 1). Sadly, many today affirm that one cannot know
truth? However, Jesus said we could (John 8:32).
Truth Is The Basis For Love
Those who loved the elect lady (v. 1) loved her “for the truth’s sake” (v. 2). Truth is that common bond that
draws us together in love. One cannot separate “truth” and “love” (v. 3). Love rejoices not in iniquity, but
rejoices in the truth (I Cor. 13:6). It is only when we have that love, founded in and on the truth, that the
truth will prosper and souls will be saved.
Truth Is For Ever
In v. 2, John declared that the truth “shall be with us for ever.” This is parallel to Jesus’ words in Matt. 24:
35 — “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Concerning the word of God, Peter
affirmed, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and
abideth for ever” (I Pet. 1:23). It is assuring to know, living in a day and age when we are being bombarded
with all kind of error, that we have access to the truth. God’s word will read and say the same at judgment as
it does now (John 12:48)!
Truth Can Be Lived
In v. 2, John pointed out that the truth “dwelleth in us.” In v. 4, John said concerning the children of the
elect lady that they were “walking in truth.” The word “walk” is used quite frequently to denote lifestyle or
manner of living. We can live the truth, and we must!
Truth Is Based On Commandments
There is not a single person who could ever know truth apart from the revelation of God. Rom. 10:17 says,
“So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them through thy
truth: thy word is truth.” Psalm 119:151 states, “Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth.” May
we ever be determined to always turn to the book of God and learn the truth!
Truth — what a precious commodity. This is why Solomon said in Pro. 23:23, “Buy the truth, and sell it not.”
GOD’S PLAN AND PURPOSE FOR US, ACCORDING TO NETHERWOOD
Ben Justice
The Netherwood church of Christ, of Albuquerque, NM has a website. There is a link to the “We Believe”
page. When I clicked on this link, the page come up and said, “God has a plan and a purpose for us.”
Jeremiah 29:11 was given. Underneath this it said, “Family Enrichment Center.” There are links to the
“aerial view,” the “floor plan,” the “north view,” and the “playground.” Also, on this page there is an artist’s
drawing of their family life center. When I clicked on “Floor Plan” I noticed that the congregation also has
plans to build a gymnasium. According to Netherwood, this is God’s plan and purpose for us. I beg to differ.
As stated above, Jeremiah 29:11 was given. The scripture says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward
you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” In considering the passage
itself and the context of the passage, I can’t for the life of me understand what Jer. 29:11 has to do with God’
s plan and purpose for us today. The previous verse states, “For thus saith the Lord, That after seventy years be
accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this
place” (v. 10). Judah was carried away into Babylonian captivity for 70 years as punishment for their sins.
God would cause them to return back to their homeland after the 70 years had expired. This was God’s plan
for Judah. In v. 11, as God spoke through Jeremiah, he stated that this was his “thoughts” toward Judah.
This verse has nothing whatsoever to do with God’s plan and purpose for us today. You talk about taking a
scripture out of context, this is a perfect example. A far better scripture would be Eph. 3:21 — “Unto him (God)
be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
May I ask, “Where is the Biblical authority to build gymnasiums and playgrounds?” Sadly, this is now
becoming the norm throughout the brotherhood of Christ. Brethren, there is not a speck of authority that
entertainment and recreation is to be a part of the work of the church.
God’s plan and purpose for us, according to Netherwood? No thanks. I will stick with the Word of God!