INTRODUCTION: (The Letters of John).  1. BACKGROUND: most likely written in the 70’s to 90’s A.D., by the apostle John, to believers living in Asia minor (modern day Turkey).  It is reported that John began to minister in and around Ephesus, after leaving Jerusalem (before its fall to Rome in 67 to 70 A.D.).  This same John wrote The Gospel according to John and probably Revelation.  The church/churches addressed in 1-3 John are possibly connected to or similar to the 7 churches listed in Revelation 2 & 3.  2. A BRIEF SUMMARY:
● 1 John: probably written to one church, yet intended to be read by multiple congregations who had been ministered to by John.
● 2 John: written to and for one church (possibly the church which initially received the letter of 1 John).
● 3 John: written to one person, an individual named Gaius (possibly in the church which received the letter of 2 John).  It is possible, but uncertain, that all 3 letters were written and sent together by John, and delivered by a man named Demetrius (see 3rd John v12).
● Some Dominant Themes: God’s revelation in Christ, fellowship, joy, walking in the truth, loving one another, guarding against false teachings, and assurance of eternal life. JOHN’S PASTORAL HEART.  1. Expressing Godly Love (vs1-3): pastorally, in the church, and thru Christ’s abiding truth.  2. Requesting Godly Love (vs4-6): that we love one another by obeying God’s commands.  3. Exhorting fellow Believers (vs7-13):
● to recognize demonic deception (v7);
● to watch ourselves and win a full reward (v8);
● to abide in the teaching of Christ (v9);
● to take a stand against false teachings, amidst faithful hospitality (vs10-11);
● thru a Christ-centered fellowship that makes our joy complete (vs12-13).
SUMMARY: WALKING IN THE TRUTH AND LOVING ONE ANOTHER.  1. with a Christ-centered Faith & Life; 2. thru the fellowship of the Church; 3. by Standing against False Teachings (which is one way we love each other biblically).