Camino Church Lessons

In today’s episode, Pastor Steve teaches from 2 John. We begin reviewing the background of the book, learning about the structure, author, audience, and themes. John stresses the importance of love and how we are commanded to love one another, just as he wrote in 1 John. This letter also serves as one of advice and counsel to the “lady elect and her children,” warning against false teachers travelling from church to church. In verse 9, he writes: “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God.” John reminds us to not receive said teachers, nor partake in their wicked works.

Join us for the final episode of the 1 John series, as Pastor Steve reflects on the book with our first ever podcast guest, Pastor Rusty Price. The pair discusses the humanity of Christ, temptation and tendencies, spiritual growth, and what it means to love others for the Kingdom. You don’t want to miss this!

Next week, Pastor Steve will dive into 2 John. Check us out on YouTube at “Camino Church” and click the Lessons playlist to watch all of the episodes.

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In this episode, we will review the role of the Holy Spirit throughout 1 John. Pastor Steve will read through examples that John offers in this book, as well as referencing other passages in scripture. The Holy Spirit’s role is to be a witness to Jesus Christ and to be a testimony of truth to God.

John begins the final chapter of 1 John, highlighting that only a certain type of faith can conquer the world; faith that is built on obedience and love. Not only is John talking about the physical world, but he speaks of the fleshly, evil, cultural world that we live in. Those that believe in Jesus Christ, will conquer. As chapter five comes to an end, John addresses testimonies, sin, and prayer. He concludes the chapter reminding us that Jesus Christ is the true son of God and in Him only, is eternal life.

In the beginning of chapter four, John reflects on how false doctrine and false prophets affect the world. He warns Christians to “believe not every spirit” (v. 1), but to know the Spirit of God. As Pastor Steve continues, we learn that true love originates only from God and that “God is Love.” John reminds us that we must love one another, simply because God loves us. Before we ever whispered a prayer, attended a worship service, or reached out to a fellow believer, God loved us.

As we continue reading in chapter three, Pastor Steve examines the importance of “Love One Another.” John is describing a deep and abiding love, which John believes will draw the community together. This kind of love can only come from God. Pastor Steve discusses the example of Cain and how we shouldn’t live in death, as Cain does. Just as the Jews are taught in Deuteronomy 15, we’re called to treat the foreigner, the alien, the sojourner, just like they’re a part of our community.

This is the heart of the gospel. Believe in Christ. Love One Another. Keep His commands. Abide in Him. We know that He abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us. (1 John 3:23-24)

Today, we’re reading in chapter three, where John begins with “Children of God.” John uses parallelism to teach and make connections for the audience about sin in our lives as it relates to God. Pastor Steve then examines how love and sin affect our communities and the world. He argues that the strength of our Christian communities are only as strong as the quality of the people and families in them.

Pastor Steve begins this episode with what the phrase “the last hour” means. We learn that theologically it is the end of times, but chronologically it is not. As we finish reading chapter two, the apostle John teaches about the antichrist. Pastor Steve emphasizes how important language and grammar are in scripture, specifically the difference between a “false Christ” and the “anti” Christ.

As we continue in chapter two, Pastor Steve reflects on what we read in the last episode and begins to dive deeper into what true love is. We examine what John says about loving the world and how it can lead to us turning our backs on God. Pastor Steve wraps up the episode with verse 18 and what John means by the phrase “the last hour.”

Join us as Pastor Steve begins chapter two with the passage “Jesus Our Advocate.” Jesus Christ advocated for us and the world at the cross, as the atoning sacrifice. Pastor Steve explains how scripture focuses on the doctrine of truth, because truth is only revealed through the gospel and the redemption of Christ. He finishes this episode by examining the first several verses of “The New Commandment,” which calls us to remember the old commandment and walk in light, loving others.