Explore the Bible: May 18

Be Alert • 2 Peter 2:1-3, 17-19; Jude 17-23

By Arthur Story 

In this week’s study from 2 Peter and Jude we see a dangerous group of people for whom we need to be on guard. In our text we are given instruction on recognizing false teachers, their teachings, the impact of their works, and how we should respond to their presence.  

False Teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3)

False teachers have sought to deceive believers since the inception of the church. They rarely come in a fashion that makes them easily identifiable (2 Corinthians 11:13; Matthew 7:15). Instead, false teachers use stealth to infiltrate the church and introduce heresies (Jude 4). They come into a group of believers and display an initial appearance of being orthodox in their beliefs. Then, they start to chip away with destructive teachings based on their own opinions. While they may give verbal assent to truth, they won’t submit to truth.  

Over time, the false teachers proclaim a message that appeals to the flesh by elevating comfort and physical pursuits, downplaying the need for obedience to Scripture and personal holiness, and diminishing the Lordship of Christ (Colossians 2:8). These false teachers are dangerous because they can confuse the immature or unsuspecting believer and draw them away from truth. By appealing to fleshly desires, these false teachers are able to build large groups of followers (Matthew 7:13-14, 24:11; 2 Timothy 4:3) and build material wealth for themselves (Jude 16). In the end, the destruction of these false teachers is assured (Revelation 21:8).    

Empty Promises (2 Peter 2:17-19)

The promises of false teachers to their followers don’t prove beneficial here or in eternity. They may provide a temporary appearance of blessing, but these false teachings are unable to lead, sustain and mature their followers. As our text points out, their teachings are like “springs without water” and “mists driven by a storm” (Jude 12, CSB). They appear to be sources of life giving water, but instead they are dried up wells and clouds that pass by without giving rain. The teachings of these false teachers don’t lead to freedom and peace. Instead, they lead to enslavement and unrest for those who follow them.  

These false teachers are very capable “confidence men.” They entice people to follow their empty promises through their flamboyant speech and appeals to emotions and fleshly desires. Their goal isn’t to benefit their followers, but rather to trick them out of money and enslave them to their false teachings. Thankfully, false teachers won’t get away with their ruse forever; judgement is coming. Tragically, the “darkness” of hell (Matthew 13:42, 22:13, 25:41) that awaits these false teachers also awaits those who don’t know Jesus and are deceived by them.  

Division (Jude 17-19)

The outcome of these false teachings is divisions among the people of the church. How do these divisions arise? They come as a result of the false teachers’ promises of a new knowledge or understanding of Scripture that requires little change in one’s behavior. The followers of these false teachings create divisions as their words and actions conflict with established truth from Scripture.

The presence and promotion of these false teachers and their teachings will always create divisions among believers. This is the case because the truth exposes false teachings as lies. God is clear in His proclamation of the absolute truths He has established. Any struggles people have with God’s truth or their belief in relative/contextual truth is irrelevant.  Truth is determined by God and communicated in His written Word. People don’t get to decide what is or isn’t truth. God has established truth and it doesn’t change (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35).

Respond (Jude 20-23)

What is the proper response of the follower of Christ to false teachers? How do we prepare to defend ourselves and others from the lies of false teachers?  First, we are to build ourselves up through reading Scripture, meditating on Scripture, and studying Scripture (Acts 20:32; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 3:11). The best way to be able to identify a lie is to know the truth. Second, we are to pray in the Holy Spirit. Prayer that is lead by the Holy Spirit is aligned with God’s revealed will. This prayer desires God’s redemptive work on earth over one’s personal desires. Third, we are to remain in God’s love (John 15:9). Lastly, we are to wait with expectation on the Lord Jesus and the promise of eternity.  

In addition to our personal responses, we are also to respond to the impact of false teachings in order to serve others. First, we are to extended mercy to those believers who are swayed by the teachings of false teachers. Second, we are to proclaim truth to the lost being swayed by lies in order to see them come to salvation in Christ Jesus. Lastly, we are to be merciful with those who are proclaiming false teachings. We correct them to protect others but also in the hope that they too will repent and embrace Jesus.  

As you continue in your study of this week’s verses, prayerfully seek how God intends for you to apply these truths in your daily life.  

Story is a member of First Ridgeland Church, Ridgeland.