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. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. 2 John 9–11 NKJV
Second John is the only epistle in Scripture addressed to a woman. It emphasizes the truth of Scripture that must be maintained diligently and faithfully, even by a gentle, tenderhearted woman and sister in the Lord.
Many deceivers then were circulating everywhere. Satan’s chief target was the home, and therefore he would especially appeal to the nature of a woman. Although the apostle John intended to visit there soon, God required him to write this letter without delay, for this godly lady must be protected from the insidious wickedness of those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ.
Such deceivers are multiplied today—those who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. His eternal Deity and His true, pure manhood are vital matters. If someone comes, claiming to have advanced truth and knowledge above what is revealed in the Person of Christ and found in God’s Holy Word, such a one “does not have God.” Many deceivers today seek to enter homes with their subtle, deadly doctrines.
Not only was the “elect lady” to refuse them entry to her house, but she was not even to give them a pleasant greeting, for this would link her to their evil deeds. She must not show love to evil; love is shown only to the truth. Let us be careful to solemnly abhor such evil, detaching ourselves totally from it in true devotion to “the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love … This is love, that we walk according to His commandments” (v. 3, 6).