An Elder’s Letter for the Elect Lady

The Elder’s Letter Promotes Joy, Love, and Truth

In the evening, Pastor Devon Rossman began a new evening service sermon series at Fellowship Reformed Church in Mt Pleasant, MI. And this short series deals with “The Neglected Writings of the Apostle John.” These sermons are intended to give an overview of 2 John and 3 John, and why these letters are useful for the church. The elder’s letter to the elect lady and her children is a letter from the Apostle John to a local church. John writes in light of his role as an elder, which is one of the two regular, continuing offices God has given for the governance of his church. This letter helpfully reflects an elder’s work in providing oversight, instruction in godly character, and pastoral care.

Specifically, in the main body of the letter, John makes a point to promote three things in the church: joy in the church, love for the church, and the defense of the church in truth. The elder’s joy for the faithful walking of Christians in the church is apparent in verse 4. He himself delights in the truth. And John is also encouraged to see how God has worked powerfully to produce a good effect from his ministry. And now, as a result, these believers are persevering in their faith, even in the midst of trial. This contributes to John’s joy.

The elder’s letter also aims to promote love. John points out that love is a characteristic of the Christian life. And he reminds the church that love is commanded by God. And then John explains that love is what compels the church to obey God’s commands. God doesn’t say, “Love, so that I will love you.” But he says, “Love, because I have loved you.”

Finally, the elder gives instructions for the defense of the church in truth. He warns about false teachers who were claiming that Christ hadn’t come in the flesh. And John urges the church to watch themselves, to abide in true teaching, and to make sure that they’re only supporting true servants of Christ. Just because people say their message is “Christianity,” doesn’t mean that it’s so.

Then in closing, Pastor Devon pointed out a few ways that this letter could be used profitably. For one thing, this elder’s letter demonstrates what the work of an elder looks like. And it shows that elders don’t have to be sophisticated or eloquent in their communication all the time. Sometimes the church needs basic reminders more than anything else. After all, this letter reminds us about the importance of abiding in Christ’s teaching. We need to be reminded about simple commands and the simple good news of Christianity. And the elder’s letter, here, guides the church in back into time-tested paths of truth. We will do well to remain in the truth, and to remind others of it, as well.