LISTEN
NASB:
Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the father and the son.
NIV:
Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the father and the son.
Observations:
John’s second letter is only one chapter in length. In verse nine, he stresses the importance of God’s teaching and holding to it.
Interestingly, he analogizes getting away from the teaching of Christ as going too far or running ahead. Sort of like a skier getting too far out in front of his skis.
If we get away from Christ’s teaching, we do not have God.
But if we continue in the teachings of Jesus, we have both God the Father and God the Son.
Takeaways:
Abide in the teachings of Jesus. Learn and internalize the things Christ taught. Then, continue in his teachings. And as we grow, be careful not to venture out on our own away from scripture.
Have God the Father and God the Son; we do this through abiding and continuing in the teaching of Jesus.
