Abide in the teachings of Christ

Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

2 John 1:9 ESV

John really makes a great statement about following the teachings of Jesus Christ in this verse. He basically gets down to the fact that if we are following the teachings of anyone other than Jesus we do not have God. Conversely if we follow the teachings of Jesus we have God and Jesus.

This verse helps us to realize that we must test all teaching, against Jesus teachings. Jesus teachings is what the Apostles taught and are what we as Christians are to follow. If anyone teaches differently they do not have God. If we follow the teachings of one that doesn't have God, neither will we.

Simply put, if we follow teachings that go against what Jesus taught Himself or through His disciples we are lost. If we are lost we are in need of direction. Where do we find our direction? The Bible, Matthew through Revelation specifically. This does not exclude Old Testament scriptures, they pointed to Jesus. They were a shadow of things to come. The Gospel are the testimony of prophecy fulfilled in Christ. The rest of the New Testament scriptures are the Apostles and disciples teachings of all that Jesus had commanded.

So today, let's purpose to follow in Jesus teachings. Knowing that All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV Everything we need to know about living the Christian life is in the directions.

© 2013 Leo J. Woodman