When to hold; when to fold
2 John 1:9-11 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. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.
Hospitality was a big part of Bible times; welcoming strangers into their homes and towns. Throughout the Bible we are told to entertain strangers, to welcome sinners, to show them the love of Christ. Christ even speaks of being that stranger that was welcomed in (Matthew 25:35). During those days of the early church there were many traveling teachers and preachers also. There were groups that were modifying the good news of Christ, and leading people astray. John is warning the believers to take a stand against those false teachers; do not show them hospitality. If as a believer you show them that hospitality, you are being seen as supporting their cause. John is saying to test their doctrine, and deny it and them if it goes against Christ.
In today’s society we are far from an open door for strangers. It was even in my lifetime that doors were never locked, hitchhiking was a mode of transportation, and if a stranger came to your door they were likely welcomed in. Today we live in fear of the evil that lurks in our midst. The traveling teachers and preachers of our day are most likely on the TV, radio, and internet. They fill our airways and minds with their doctrines; are we welcoming them in? Are we testing what they preach with the God’s Word? 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. Do not believe every thing you hear. Go to God’s Word and investigate it for yourself.
When you are hearing a good sermon in the pulpit, the radio, or any other means; take notes if possible. Write down what God is pressing on your heart. It may be that you find in your research that God is showing you the answer to a question you had been asking him. You may find that the teacher was wrong in what they spoke. God may be showing you to stay away from that teacher; to not welcome them into your mind as they did in the times of the Bible into their homes. Through your testing of things in God’s Word and prayer you gain discernment. You begin to understand the differences between good and false teachings. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. You know what to hold onto, and what to let go of.
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