The second chapter of Second Peter focuses on false teachers and the wrath that awaits them as they sow lies and deception. The apostle Peter warns his audience of “pseudodidaskalos”, greek for “spurious teacher, propagator of erroneous teaching”.
Making reference to sinister teachers rather than uneducated ones, Peter warns us of the destructiveness of false teachers.
“1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.” (2 Peter 2:1-3)
Peter mentions the fact the world was plagued with false prophets long before false teachers but that both would reconcile in hell as they are condemn by the ultimate judge, the same Lord they denied through their blasphemous heresies.
A simple way to tell if a teacher is in tune with the word of God and His will involves scripture. Anyone that disagrees with the truth is a liar headed for condemnation.
It is important we remember God’s judgment is not based on His love for us, which we know is unconditional, His divine judgment is based on our love for Him. Ultimately we dictate our own fate, through faith or lack thereof.
Even God’s angels are subject to judgment, just as the inhabitants of the earth upon the great flood that covered the earth over forty days and nights when all died except for Noah, a righteous prophet, and for seven others chosen by God.
“4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6 if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men 8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— 9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. 10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority.” (2 Peter 2:4-10)
There is no doubt false teachers will be held accountable, Peter writes about the magnificence of God toward the righteous, and the eternal wrath upon those who despise authority, those who embrace a sinful nature littered with deception and blasphemy.
Peter described false teachers of his time as “arrogant” and “slanderous” sure to perish to their own hands as they spread lies throughout the land. Comparing false teachers to animals, much like those of yesterday, modern false teachers are thoughtless, lustful beings headed straight for hell.
“Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; 11 yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. 12 But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish.” (2 Peter 2:10-12)
Beware of false teaching and of blasphemous preachers that twist God’s truth for profit. Abide by the Lord’s divine word remembering if teaching is not biblical, it’s suicidal.
I invite you to use Peter’s teaching and apply it to your life in the coming days focusing on the holy word of God. Pay close attention to your teachers and that which they preach. Ultimately if they are not teaching the word, chances are that are blasphemous being on a mission to deceive you and those around you.
However if your teachers rely on God’s word and its magnificence then you are surely headed in the right direction as you follow in Jesus’ footsteps on the narrow path that leads to eternal life.
Not sure if your teaching is biblical? We can help! Simply email us a link to your church website, we’ll take a close look and have a listen at the teaching and let you know which road you’re teacher is on, either the narrow path leading to God’s kingdom or the broad highway to hell. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Peter,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through trials,
Allow us to recognize each challenge as an opportunity to improve ourselves,
Fill our hearts Lord with your love, your kindness, with your wisdom,
Guide us to abide by your word as we endure through battles against evil
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
