We studied in the last blogpost how we need to pay attention. We need to have a mindset where we are feeding our faith continually, and remaining awake to the world around us. In 2 Peter 2, Peter gives us a warning of why we need to stay awake. There are wolves in sheep’s clothing who want to derail our faith. They hate God and they despise you and me when we follow the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Let’s see what we can learn from 2 Peter 2. Go ahead and read it.
It is a fact, stated by Peter, “There will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies.”1 A heresy is a belief or an opinion that is contrary to Christian doctrine. (Oxford American Dictionary) What happens to the truth, according to verse 2? Another sad fact which Peter says is that many will follow the evil teachings and depraved conduct.
You should not be okay that “the way of truth will be slandered.”2
What is the root of their false teachings, see verse 3? It shouldn’t be any surprise that they lie too. Satan is known as the father of lies, see John 8:44. You shouldn’t be shocked, either, that money talks. People are lured away easily by what money offers. Becoming wealthy is one of Satan’s greatest ploys to divert people from walking the path that leads to heaven.
What do you learn about God from verses 3-4 in regards to people misleading others? Anyone who causes another person to stumble from finding Christ has no future. God will take care of the wolves.
Back in the early days on earth, man was so disobedient, except for ONE FAMILY. God did something drastic. What was it, see verse 5? God used Noah to warn everyone but he was ignored or laughed at. Today, people are no different.
In verse 6, you read about two cities. What did God do to them because of their rebellious ways? Who did he save, see verses 7 and 8, and why? Are you disgusted by the shameful immorality that surrounds you, enough to not be entertained by it?
What comfort does Peter give in verse 9? What is the reality check for the wicked?
God knows how to rescue people from their trials.9
You learn from verse 10 that God is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted thinking about sex as well as those who oppose authority. How does Peter describe them? Even heavenly angels, as seen in verse 11, would not criticize fallen angels.
These false teachers who are bent on disrupting God’s plan are described as unthinking animals, creatures of instinct. They scoff at things they do not understand. What is their fate, see verse 12? How does Peter describe them in verses 13-16? False teachers lure unstable people. They get you to leave the right path and walk on a dark road by luring you with great wealth. Many fall prey to what money can offer. It is a ploy of the enemy to ensnare you.
This is why you need to wake up and pay attention! You need to live with discernment and don’t fall for the enemy’s tactics: “These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind. They are doomed to blackest darkness.”17 What else do they do, see verses 18-19?
Sin is so dark, deep and ugly that each of us is born in a world full of deception. To barely escape, you need Christ. He is the only way out of the darkness.
Did you notice the lie from verse 19? They promise freedom. Don’t buy into it. It’s a destructive trap. You do need to be free. Yes, this is true. You need to be free from the bondage of sin that enslaves you. Wolves cannot free anyone, only Jesus Christ can do that. Peter tells you that whatever controls you, enslaves you.
Praise God that He gives you a way to escape the filthiness of this world. What is it according to verse 20?
Take a closer look at verses 20-22. Peter tells you why it is imperative that you keep feeding your faith, always pay attention, and abide in the pages of the Bible. Keep your heart open, humble, and alert to the Holy Spirit, and respond to the call of God upon you. Even as a believer, you are one choice away from turning your back on God and walking the other way; back into darkness. You do not want to return to your old way of living.
A child of God always moves forward in maturity and dependency in Christ. You continue in this fashion until God takes you home. Until then, do whatever it takes to stay on the narrow path that leads to eternal life with your Lord and Savior. God will keep you safe and secure from the wolves.
Carol J German 