Considering the connection between 2 John 9 and Jesus’ parable of the houses built on rock and sand: Both passages emphasize the importance of not just hearing or knowing the truth, but also seeking to learn and understand it properly, remaining in it and building one’s life upon it.
In 2 John 9, the apostle stresses that fellowship with the Father and the Son is beyond goodness, noble living, or secular success: It is a consequence of holding fast to the teaching of Christ. To “go beyond” it—or to neglect it—is to step outside of that fellowship, no matter how moral or accomplished a person might be.
Jesus’ parable about the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24–27; Luke 6:46–49) well illustrates this. The house on sand represents a life that seems sturdy for a time but lacks the deep foundation which comes from learning understanding and obedience to Jesus Christ’s teachings. The house on the rock represents a life rooted in Christ’s teaching, learning them and learning their true meaning, which is proven genuine when storms (trials, testing, or the time of God’s wrath) come.
Most importantly, this is not about prioritising church traditions, councils, or human interpretations, but about making it top priority to remain faithful to the teachings Christ entrusted to His apostles. That’s where the foundation lies.
It can feel sobering to realize that storms will come—whether personal trials, persecution, or the final test at the end of the age. But it’s also encouraging: those who remain in Christ’s teaching have His promise of fellowship, strength, and endurance, and experience this over the course of their lives.
Stephen D Green with AI assistance
