The Way - Day 180 (2 Peter 2)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
2 Peter 2:1-10a
Considering that Peter's main reason for writing is to combat false teaching, he sternly warns his readers against allowing false teachers to be a part of their church. They have this way of influencing people and drawing them away from the truth. Evil teachers existed in the nation of Israel and they also made their presence known to Peter's readers. Peter writes, "there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord, who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction" (2:1). Not only do these teachers cunningly sneak in their erroneous philosophies, but they are ultimately bringing God's judgment upon themselves. What will follow their deception? "Many will follow their destructive ways" (2:2). Since many of those who have been deceived were once a part of the church, their compromise with that which is untrue will bring reproach upon genuine followers of Christ (2:2b). Peter desires his readers to vigilant because the false teachers are only out for money (2:3).
 
Because Peter desires followers of Christ to be faithful to Christ even after he has died, he paints a picture of what has happened to those who chose to disobey God. Using several examples from the Old Testament, Peter reveals the future of those who reject the truth and spread lies. Some of the fallen angels who were deceived by Lucifer (the devil) were immediately cast into hell for their rebellion against God (2:4). All people from the "ancient world" with the exception of Noah and his family were destroyed by a worldwide flood for their wickedness (2:5-6). The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by fire because of their immorality (2:7-8). These vivid illustrations should have caught the attention of Peter's readers because they were reminded of God's hatred for sin and disobedience. But even in the midst of God's judgment, He spared those who were faithful to Him. Even when everyone else was involving themselves in sin and evil, a certain few stood for truth and were delivered from God's wrath. What was Peter's point? God's judgment will surely fall on those who disobey, but He is gracious to those who faithfully follow His ways (2:9-10a). The false teachers of Peter's day would also be destroyed, but those who were faithful are guaranteed to experience God's goodness.

2 Peter 2:10b-22
Peter continues to warn his readers about the false teachers who had invaded the church and deceived many. Since Peter was near death, his writing of this letter was an effort to preserve doctrinal purity in the church which stretched beyond his lifetime. Although Peter never specifically mentions what erroneous teachings were being taught, he does provide much detail on what their lifestyle looks like. Many of these false teachers probably claimed that their message was from God, but their actions and attitudes demonstrated something much different. Here is how Peter describes them: "having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin...they have a heart trained in covetous practices...they have forsaken the right way and gone astray..." (2:14-15). It seems that many deceptive teachers in early church history (as well as today) claimed to be speaking for God but I am reminded that Jesus told His disciples, "if you love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). In my mind, there is no possible way to love God without committing yourself to following His ways. Apparently these false teachers believed otherwise. Peter again warned his readers about the deceptive practices of these teachers, "they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness" (2:18). The reason many are attracted to false doctrine is because they think they can embrace their sinful lifestyle while still accepting some truth; however, they are being deceived. God demands our full obedience to His word. Once a person has experienced the forgiveness of God, why would they again "entangle" themselves with the "pollutions of this world? (2:20). God has extended forgiveness to us through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross and has provided a once for all sacrifice to relieve us from the guilt of sin. All Christians must carefully guard themselves from those things which are contrary to God's word. Belief in God's word will result in life-change. The false teachers' very lives demonstrated that they did not love God. How about you? Has your supposed faith in God led you to a pursuit of holiness? It should.

Dear God, change me through Your word. May the knowledge of You led me to a greater demonstration of holiness...not to impress others, but to please You.