August 11, 2019

LIFEGUARD: FAKE TEACHERS 2 PETER 2
August 11, 2019
Matt Wilmington

 

We are inundated on every hand by screams of “Fake News!” What is Fake News? Is it possible it is true news, but twisted to rile certain groups—or even that certain people wrongly interpret what they read? Why is it imperative we do not let ourselves by swayed by cunning rhetoric?

Today we continue to seek nuggets of truth from the book of Second Peter. In the first chapter Peter encourages believers to persevere through tribulation, and today, in chapter two, he gives us the tools to help us recognize and avoid false teachers—those who would try to entice us away from the truth and exploit us for their own gain.

Key Verse: 2 Peter 1:2-3: “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”

Focal Passage: 2 Peter 2:1-22

Open:

We will encounter False Teachers

• Read 2 Peter 2:1-3. Promises can sometimes warn us of what will come! What is guaranteed in verse 1 that might alarm you?
• What is the difference between a false teacher, and one you may not like? What are some non-doctrinal reasons you may label a teacher “bad”?
• In verse 3, what is the main goal of the false teachers? What two methods are listed in this verse for leading people astray?
• Is God letting them get by with their destruction?

Two destinations reserved for mankind

• Read verses 4-11. What are the two destinations that are reserved for man?
• What are examples of God’s judgment in these verses? Who were the examples of righteousness that Peter used?
• What were oppressions that Lot endured? Share from the account of Lot from Genesis if you recall. How do these parallel the actions we see in the world today?
• What is the promise in verse 9?

The depravity of the false teachers

• Read verses 12-17. What are the additional characteristics of these false teachers in these verses? Why is it important we recognize them?
• In verse 13, Peter warns believers they will find these teachers where? What does that mean for us?
• Who do these false teachers target (verse 14)? What defines an unstable person? Read James 1:5-8. How does James characterize someone as unstable? How does a person go from unstable to stable?
• Read verses 18-22. What methods of deceit do these teachers use?

What is our defense?

• What are some of the ways we can train or equip ourselves, so that we are able to recognize the false teachers? How is that like the Bereans in Acts 17:10-11?
• Peter’s endorsement of Lot is much different than we might think. How can we be like Lot? What do we think he could have done? Would we do that?
• Do we love Jesus enough to follow Him “out of town”?

Close:

Bankers have always been praised for their ability to identify authentic paper currency minted by the government from the counterfeit bills printed by thieves. If you ask them how they know the difference, they will tell you it comes naturally when they handle genuine bills constantly. This is a lesson modern-day Christians should take to heart, as Peter’s warning concerning false teachers indicates those depraved individuals will not be hanging out in dens and caves, bars and drug-filled streets, but in the church, in the life groups, in the fellowships and with the feasting! Does this frighten you? It may—but it should cause you to immediately begin to prepare yourself and your family the best way you can to recognize the characteristics of these teachers, which are laid out for us in 2 Peter 2.

Not only should we understand and recognize the way the false teachers will differ from a God-fearing, Christ-honoring, believer, but we need to use every available means God has given us to keep ourselves pure from the world. This will include the weapons of the warfare in Ephesians 6—especially prayer, and committing to memory  other passages that teach us to always be watchful, not letting Satan get advantage of us through any sin.

If you feel ill-prepared for any potential conflict, seek out a seasoned Christ-follower in your church. The probability is that most of the older ones will have had some experiences with false teachers and will gladly share what they have learned. We are in this fight together, so be thankful for brothers and sisters who will come along side of you!