We continue our walk through 2 Peter. We saw in Chapter 1 of this Epistle, Peter’s desire that those who have accepted Jesus as Christ, and Savior, and Lord of life, know as much about Him as possible. He knew it would strengthen their faith to have personal testimony from an eye witness to the life, death, and resurrection of this Son of Man, Son of God. He who is totally man – totally God – our Messiah.
I recommend that you take a few minutes, and re-read Chapter 1 of this letter. It is filled with great truths and facts. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Peter writes about the validation of the Christian’s calling and election. He speaks of the virtues a Christian should practice. He tells of the divine transfiguration of Jesus, and of Father God confirming “Jesus as His Son in whom He was well pleased. He said, Listen to Him” Peter speaks of the inspired authenticity of prophecy that Jesus fulfilled, and the importance of it.
However, as we move into Chapter 2, Peter issues a warning concerning false prophets that were among the true prophets, and also warns of false teachers that would be among the teachers of today.
Peter writes: “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them – bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.”
2 Peter 2: 1-3
Summing up verses 4-21, of chapter 2, Peter goes on to write “these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful. These men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed – an accursed brood. They are destitute of the Spirit. Their words are learned and pretentious. They pervert Christian liberty.” Obviously they are not true believers only pretenders playing their own game. Peter ends his discourse on false teachers with this statement:
“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.
False prophets, and false teachers have the above stated traits in common. As Peter wrote, the Lord will deal with them, ‘their destruction has not been sleeping.” The Lord has seen it all, and will deal with it in His time. However, these false teachers are dangerous to the body of believers because they can lead those weak in knowledge, and new in the faith astray. They pretend to be something they are not. Their goal is to take – not give. As Peter stated: “they are experts in greed. Their eyes are full of adultery.”
While we always want to trust someone who says they are a Christian; “by their fruit you shall know them.” If someone is saying the right things, yet doing the wrong, we must be careful. Peter is telling us be aware – there are wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing among us.
Our Father, and The Holy Spirit, and our Great Shepherd will lead us to truth always if we are walking in our spirit. It is always very important that we pray about decisions and relationships with people outside the Church, as well as inside the Church body..
Just as Peter was warning his people, The Lord is warning us through the Word there are people using the name of God for their own greed, and selfishness. We are to love them, and pray for them, but never put ourselves into their hands by listening and following them.
Let us apply the knowledge we have been given by the Holy Spirit from the Word. May we walk closely with our Lord, and look to Him always rather than to man. We have direct access to the Throne of Grace where our Heavenly Father receives us with open arms and unconditional Love as He sees us perfected in Christ Jesus. He has removed anything or anyone that in times past we would have had to go through to get to Him. He does use teachers and prophets to speak the Word to us, and many who called to do this are blessings to us. However, we must never find ourselves following them instead of the Way – The Truth.
Happy Palm Sunday. Let us celebrate the love that was given to our Lord as He entered Jerusalem as the Messiah those many years ago. Just as palm leaves, and cloaks were laid before Him, let us lay our Love before Him in our hearts and souls, and spirits as we recall that great day. May it be so in our heart every day.
Blessings and love to you, and yours, God’s Beloveds. May it be well with your body, soul, and spirit. May you prosper in all that is good.
Poppa B.
Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, On Line