2 John 1–4, “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 forever.

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.”

What is truth?  What is The Truth?  Today’s world seeks to compromise and mar the truth at all costs.  As Christians, we experience this as we go out into the workplace, in college, and in our everyday lives as we are bombarded by the lie through the Internet, television, radio, social media, etc.  Young people, as God’s children we are called to walk in the truth.  What does that mean for a Reformed Christian?  In John 14:6, when Thomas asked Jesus how they can know the way, Jesus’ response is “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”  We must not be ashamed of the truth but continually seek to walk in that truth.  The first 4 verses of 2 John also speak of this truth.  Our Father commands us to walk in this truth, and when children walk in the truth there is great rejoicing.

1. Who is the author of 2 John? What is his relationship to Jesus? (See commentaries on 2 John)

2. The author calls himself “elder”. To what is this a reference? (Hebrews 13:17)

3. This book was written to “the elect lady”. Who is the elect lady? (Hosea 1-3; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:25–33)

4. What is the theme of 2 John? (Read 2 John 1–4 and 3 John 1–4)

5. What is the connection the author makes between truth and love in 2 John 1–4? See also

1 Thessalonians 2:11–12 and 3 John 4

6. What does it mean for children to walk in truth? Give concrete examples of this from the life of a Protestant Reformed young person.

7. Today’s world denies the truth. What should the Reformed response be to a person who says the truth we hold is only our opinion and should not be promoted?  (1 Kings 18:20–40; John 15:1–2;

John 16:13–14; John 17:3)

8. How does the “church world” of today compromise the truth in their quest for ecclesiastical unity?

9. Discuss specific applications of unashamedly walking in the truth in the life of a Reformed young person. What type of relationships must we seek?  How do you bring the truth to your own family/friends?