Chapter 2
-Peter makes us aware of the reality of false prophets among
the people both past and present in this chapter with a warning of impending
doom for those who stray from the true knowledge of Christ and lead others astray.
These false prophets have specific descriptions. They secretly bring in
destructive heresies; they deny the Master who bought them; they are bringing
upon themselves swift destruction (2 Peter 2:1). They blaspheme the way of the
truth and take many down with them (2 Peter 2:2). In their greed they exploit
with false words bringing on their just condemnation from long ago, which is neither
idle nor asleep (2 Peter 2:3). *Application* If false prophets will always be
among us, we must always be vigilant and aware of satanic influences that seek
to harm and destroy us as believers. This is spiritual warfare 101, and we’d
better be prepared for its reality. The only sure way to not be deceived is to
know the truth. We know the truth by knowing the revealed Word of God, which is
explicit in the Bible. It is our authority and guide. Trust it and avoid
deception.
-The preserving of the saints and the sinners is dealt with
in the next pericope of this chapter. For the righteous there will be rescue
and deliverance. For the unrighteous there is binding until the proper
punishment can be exacted towards unrepentance on the day of judgment, especially
for those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority (2
Peter 2:4-10). *Application* We choose our sides in this cosmic battle over
good and evil. Choose wisely my friend, the judgment will arrive sooner than we
can imagine.
-There is no fear in the wrongdoers as Peter explains in the
next paragraph of this chapter. False prophets are like unreasoning animals and
creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed. In other words, they
will be caught in the trap of their own foolishness. They will garner the wage
of their misconduct for all to see. Their adultery, insatiable sin, and
enticements lead them to being accursed as wretched children who forsake the true
way and go after the way of Balaam, who loved gain from wrongdoing in his
greed. He was rebuked, and so will the false prophet (2 Peter 2:10b-16).
*Application* Don’t be swayed by those doing immoral things. Walk away from it.
The Word says to resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7, 1 Peter
5:8-9).
-Peter goes on to describe false prophets as waterless
springs and mists driven by a storm, which are reserved for utter gloom and
doom (2 Peter 2:17). What the Lord is saying to us here is that there is a
false hope in these ungodly people. Think about being thirsty for water and
coming to a well with expectations only to be denied. Think about the storm
clouds that promise rain, but only produce a slight mist, producing no sustenance.
This is what false prophets are like; they produce no hope in the end. They
promise freedom, but are slaves of corruption. They are overwhelmed by their
selfish desire and are entrapped (2 Peter 2:19). These have apparently even
tasted the Holy Spirit and His goodness, but have turned aside and have become
entangled in the trap of sin and are overcome by it. For these, the end result
is worse than before they even knew the truth of the gospel of Christ Jesus.
They are like dogs who return to their vomit and pigs that become clean, yet
desire to go back into the mire and mud to wallow in it (2 Peter 2:20-22).
*Application* The emptiness and futility of the wayward false prophet should be
heeded. We live in the last days for sure, and these false teachers and evil will
increase (2 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:3-4). Be careful who you listen to and let have
authority in your life. Make sure they line up with the Word of God in teaching
and practice. This will allow you to grow.
Verse to Memorize: 2
Peter 2:9
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