In what ways can we ensure we "have" and not "lose" spiritually? The Verse in Focus “Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.” (2 John 1:8) Why John Issues the Warning • False teachers were infiltrating the churches, denying Christ’s incarnation (2 John 1:7). • Their influence threatened to rob believers of hard-earned spiritual progress and future reward (cf. Galatians 1:6-9). • John’s exhortation applies to every generation that longs to finish well (Hebrews 12:1-3). Key Observations from the Text • “Watch yourselves” – an ongoing, deliberate vigilance. • “Lose” – not the gift of eternal life, but the fullness of reward, joy, and usefulness (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). • “Worked for” – faithfulness is labor that can accumulate or diminish (Philippians 2:12-13). • “Fully rewarded” – Christ longs to honor perseverance (Revelation 22:12). Practical Ways to Guard What We Have Abide in Truth • Anchor every belief to Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Reject teaching that diminishes Christ’s deity, cross, or bodily resurrection (1 John 4:2-3). • Memorize and meditate on the Word (Psalm 119:11). Abide in Christ • Daily communion through prayer and obedience (John 15:4-5). • Quick confession when sin creeps in (1 John 1:9). • Dependence on the Spirit’s filling, not fleshly effort (Galatians 5:16-17). Abide in Fellowship • Gather with believers who spur love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Submit to shepherds who guard the flock from error (Acts 20:28-31). • Serve with your gifting; unused gifts atrophy (1 Peter 4:10-11). Abide in Mission • Keep the gospel central; sharing your faith reinforces your own (Philemon 1:6). • Invest time and resources where moth and rust cannot corrupt (Matthew 6:19-21). • Persevere in trials, knowing they refine and secure reward (James 1:12). Symptoms We’re Drifting Toward Loss • Diminished appetite for the Word (Amos 8:11). • Growing comfort with questionable teaching (2 Timothy 4:3-4). • Neglect of gathered worship and communion (Hebrews 2:1). • Service motivated by recognition rather than love (1 Corinthians 13:3). • Apathy toward holiness; sin excused instead of mortified (Romans 8:13). Promises That Fuel Perseverance • He who began a good work will complete it (Philippians 1:6). • No one can snatch us from Christ’s hand (John 10:28-29). • Faithful servants hear “Well done” and share the Master’s joy (Matthew 25:21). • A crown of righteousness awaits all who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8). Living Today in Light of Future Reward • Number your days; steward each one for eternal impact (Psalm 90:12). • Let grace energize effort—works do not earn salvation, yet they validate and enhance reward (Ephesians 2:8-10). • Hold truth tightly and the world loosely; only the kingdom cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). |
    |