In the first few verses of this chapter the apostle Peter wrote harshly about false teachers, warning spiritual opportunists of the doom that awaits them upon judgment day.
In the last verses of the second chapter of 2 Peter, the apostle now write about the destruction brought on by the deception of false teachers.
Predicting false teachers will eventually get to taste their own medicine, Peter describes false teachers as “blots and blemishes”, spoiling flaws and stains that deceived seekers of the truth.
“13 They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.” (2 Peter 2:13)
Modern false teachers, much like those of the Peter’s era not only deceive their audiences, they prey on them viciously. Adulterers, liars and hypocrites driven by greed, Peter refers to false teachers as a group of cursed siblings that feed on the naivety of the week among the people.
“14 With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood!” (2 Peter 2:14)
Comparing the way of false teacher to that of Balaam, a Mesopotamian seer who’s way was redirected thanks to his donkey, Peter points out false teachers stepped off the narrow path that leads to eternal life giving way to wickedness.
“15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. 16 But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—a beast without speech—who spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.” (2 Peter 2:15-16)
False teachers rely on lies that lead to destruction and despair. Spreading deception upon those looking for unscriptural redemption, false teachers masterfully coerce the unruly through complacent, arrogant teaching.
“17 These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. 18 For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.” (2 Peter 2:17-18)
Through empty promises of salvation, false teachers deceivingly convince their audiences of a deliverance that is not of God, freedom that is not through Christ. Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Peter clearly described the fate reserved for false teachers as the blackest or darkness.
“19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.” (2 Peter 2:19)
That which drives us becomes us. How we spend our time, money and affections dictate the path we are on. False teachers may at one time have escape corruption but somewhere along the way they return the precious gift that came along faith in Jesus Christ and stayed from the narrow path instead choosing a road that leads to destruction.
“20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.” (2 Peter 2:20)
In tune with Jesus’ words in Matthew 12:43-45, judgment will be harsh upon those who falsely teach unfounded doctrines based on lies and deception. Peter described the wrath place on the spiritual hypocrite as severe and swift.
“21 It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.” (2 Peter 2:21)
Peter claims judgment upon false teachers will in fact be so harsh that they would have been better off never knowing the ways of the Lord. The apostle compares false teachers turning their backs to God’s truth to dogs returning to their vomit.
“22 Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.” (2 Peter 2:22)
Beware of false teachers for severe judgment awaits them and those who follow in their footsteps. Abide by the word of God which is the only perfect, undisputed truth.
Jesus Christ is the only way to God, to salvation. Relying on the truth is not only a requirement, it is a process by which one is sanctified.
In these verses Peter exposes false teachers as hypocrites that knew the Lord Jesus Christ and the way of righteousness yet chose to turn their backs from both, a reality in tune with the possibility salvation can in deed be lost.
Have you lost your way? Did you once know Christ and find yourself with your back hard pressed against the truth? There is still hope! God’s love is not based on His love for us but our love for him and more importantly, our faith in His son Jesus Christ.
Repent! Repent of your sins and accept Jesus as your Lord and savior, today and forever amen! Turn from false teaching and abide by the word of God as you follow the narrow path that leads to the way everlasting. 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 resist temptation,
Allow us to recognize and stray from the deception of false teachers,
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
