5 Jun 2012

II Peter 2:1-3

Posted by joncooper

II Peter 2:1: “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”

This is another reason why Christians should be very familiar with the Bible, and not depend on others to tell them what it says. After all, if we haven’t read it for ourselves then how can we possibly distinguish false teachers from good ones? We need a personal knowledge of the Bible so that we can develop discernment – and that discernment is needed so we can tell the truth apart from heresy. This is especially important in the modern era, when heresy abounds. It is a sad thing, but it is unfortunately true: your chance of hearing a good, Biblically-sound sermon on Sunday morning is quite slim – and the bigger your church is, the less likely it becomes.

We must not outsource our study of the Bible; that is something that we must do ourselves. Otherwise we risk agreeing with heresy or condemning those who are telling the truth – both of which is quite common today. As Peter said, these false teachers will be very effective:

II Peter 2:2: “And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”

This verse is so relevant to modern times that it could have been written this morning. False teachers abound, and they have led a great many astray. However, these teachers will not go unpunished. God will hold them accountable:

II Peter 2:3: “And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.”

God warns us that the judgment of evil men, along with the judgment of the entire world system itself, is rapidly approaching. I believe that this verse is speaking of the Second Coming. Although Jesus has long tarried, “their damnation slumbereth not”. For a time they can continue to sow darkness, but the Lord is returning and when He returns He will put a stop to it. They may not fear Him now, but their attitude will greatly change when they find themselves standing in front of an angry God. There will be no false bravado in that day.

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