Don't be Unknowingly Swept Away by False Teachers

Read 2 Peter 2
Title in NIV: Destruction of false teachers.

Verse one says that false teachers will "secretly introduce destructive heresies". We need to guard what has been entrusted to us (1 Timothy 6:20). 1 John 4:1 says, "do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." How will we know a false teacher? By their works and words. They will bring the way of truth into disrepute. That means to disgrace the truth or to give it a bad reputation or disfavor in someones eyes. False teachers will be greedy for a following and tell stories to win you over.

In verse four, Peter gives examples of those whom God did not spare because they followed the corrupt desires of the sinful nature and despise authority. The list includes angels who sinned he sent to the gloomy dungeons of hell; the ancient world full of ungodly people he sent a flood; Sodom and Gomorrah he burned to ashes. Verse nine says, God "holds the unrighteous for the day of judgment while continuing their punishment." The ungodly are bold and arrogant. They blaspheme. They follow their instincts, the flesh, instead of denying their instincts to follow God. They follow their idea of pleasure.

Verse 13 talks about the ungodly's blots and blemishes. Have you ever met someone for the first time and during your conversation red flags go up? You think something about this person's beliefs or motives are not right. I think that is a blot or blemish godly people recognize. Pay attention to the red flags, the 'gut' feeling. God may be trying to protect you.

Their eyes are full of adultery. They seduce the unstable. They are experts in greed. They have strayed from the straight path and followed wickedness. They bring forth destruction and death instead of living water. Like a mist driven by a storm that touches every thing, the ungodly may gently appear and softly light on the unaware. However, behind the mist is a down pour that will take you off the straight path if you are not on your guard.

Don't be swept away by flattery and pretty sounding words. Their words are empty and boastful to entice people. They promise them freedom, but it is the freedom that comes with a price-- a soul. They have no concept of freedom in Christ. They are a slave to their so called 'freedom' which is actually depravity. If they escape the corruption of the world-obviously they CAN escape- and again become entangled in the world and overcome, they are worse off than before.

LET'S END ON A POSITIVE VERSE!! Verse 7-9 says, "For if God... can rescue Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men ...if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials..." Thank the Lord he rescues us every day by the blood of Jesus Christ. Be on your guard. Be alert.

Next week is the last chapter of 2 Peter. Any suggestions for the next book??