Verses 1-3
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Our faith is based on the truth of God's Word, and from the truth we experience God's grace, mercy, and peace.
Verses 4-6
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Our task now is to walk in the truth and in love. This means that we must obey the Word of God, not just hear it.
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Obedience to God's Word is love in action.
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Verses 7-8
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If we listen to false teachers, we will fail to walk in the truth. As a result, we can regress, lose eternal rewards, and make some of our labor vain.
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Cling to the Word, and know it well, so that you can recognize false teaching.
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When listening to a teacher, ask yourself, “Does this person teach only what is comforting? Or do they also teach the hard truths of the Word?”
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A false teacher will flatter, using comforting sermons to soothe and attract masses (Romans 16:18, 2 Timothy 4:3). Stay away from teachers who don't teach the hard truths.
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And definitely avoid those who teach against the truth that Jesus is God in the flesh.
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Working toward progress is fruitful when that progress is maintained. Where there is regression, previous labor ends up vain (1 Thessalonians 3:5).
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Be diligent to stay in the truth, not just start in the truth. Repent from sin, and stayrepentant. Obey the Word, and stay obedient.
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Verses 9-11
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If anyone comes to you, claiming to be a Christian, but teaches a false gospel, do not show support for them in any way, as such would be promoting the continuing spread of their false doctrine.
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However, you can have, for instance, Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons in your home, if you're mature and skilled enough, to share the truth with them. But do not extend to them any hospitality that would make them infer that you agree with, encourage, or support their work.
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Offering support or encouragement to a false teacher makes you complicit in their evil work.
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Verses 12-13
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Always prefer to speak with people face-to-face. Don't rely on texting, emailing, or even phone calls. Meeting in person shows love and respect.