The Doctrine of Christ 2 John 9

“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 9)

What is the doctrine of Christ? Doctrine – teachings, instructions Is the doctrine of Christ… Teachings about Christ His teachings (including the teachings of the apostles)

What is the doctrine of Christ? BOTH are true About Christ – 1 Pet. 2:21, 1 John 2:6, 1 Cor. 11:1 His teachings – 2 John 6, 1 John 3:24 How we view this has a bearing on this scripture

2 John 9 – teachings of Christ Contextually 2 John 2 – the truth is to abide in us Vs. 4 – walking in truth as we received the commandment Vs. 5 – the commandment – to love

2 John 9 – teachings of Christ Contextually Vs. 6 - Walk according to His commandments Vs. 7 – deceivers who deny Christ coming in the flesh – a specific application needed back then.

2 John 9 – teachings of Christ Contextually Vs. 9 – considering the book, could the “doctrine of Christ” be obeying His teachings, which would INCLUDE His person (cf. John 8:24, 1 Cor. 15:3-4)? NOTE: NEVER do we find a passage that advocated belief in Him to the exclusion of His teachings!

The doctrine (teaching) “of” Matt. 16:6, 12, – leaven, doctrine of Pharisees Acts 2:42, “the apostle’s doctrine.” Col. 2:22, “commandments and doctrines of men”

The doctrine (teaching) “of” 1 Tim. 4:1, – “doctrines of demons” Rev. 2:14,15, “doctrine of Balaam” “doctrine of the Nicolaitans” This is the consistent pattern of the New Testament. NOTE: Heb. 6:2, “doctrine of baptisms” – the text is CLEAR!

“Doctrine of Christ” includes: Believing in Him – John 3:36, 8:24 Abiding in His teachings John 8:31-32 Loving Him and keeping His commandments – John 14:15, 15:10, 1 John 3:24 Not abiding in darkness – John 12:46 Abiding in Him – John 15:4-5

“Doctrine of Christ” includes: The teachings of the apostles John 16:12-13 – the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth. They were inspired men – 1 Cor. 2:10-13, 2 Tim. 3:16-17 Their teachings was the doctrine of Christ – 1 Cor. 14:37, 2 Tim. 1:13, 2 Pet. 3:1-2, 1 Thess. 4:8, Galatians 1:11-12

“Doctrine of Christ” includes: We CANNOT abide in Him without obeying Him Luke 6:46, Matt. 7:21-23

Applying 2 John 9 We must not transgress it – to go beyond or pass beside. Gal. 1:6-9, 1 Cor. 4:6, Rev. 22:18-19

Applying 2 John 9 We must abide in it – “abide” means to continue in an activity or condition (as one who chooses to stay somewhere) John 14:23-24, 1 John 2:3-6 A way of life – Luke 9:62, Heb. 10:38

Applying 2 John 9 We reject those who do NOT abide in the doctrine of Christ vs. 10-11; Eph. 5:3-7, 2 Cor. 6:14-17, Rom. 16:17, 1 Tim. 6:3-5

Applying 2 John 9 We will also accept those who DO dwell in the doctrine of Christ, cf. Gal. 2:6-7

Are you abiding in the doctrine of Christ?