Reject False Teaching. 2 Peter 2:1-22

Transcription

1 1 Reject False Teaching 2 Peter 2:1-22.

2 2 Reject False Teaching Text: 2 Peter 2:1-22, 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. 2. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 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. 4. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 5. And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6. And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 7. And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8. (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) 9. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10. But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

3 3 11. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13. And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14. Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15. Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16. But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

4 4 Expanded Translation: Verse 1: But (in contrast to these prophets who spoke from God) there arose false prophets among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall stealthily, secretly, and craftily introduce destructive (ruinous, devastating) heresies, denying (disclaiming, disowning) the very Master who redeemed them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction, ruin, devastation, (hence) misery. Verse 2: And many shall follow (imitate, observe and use as a guide for their own lives) their unbridled, unrestrained, and shameless ways; because of whom the way of truth shall be reviled, railed at, and spoken of with contempt. Verse 3: And with a greedy desire to have more (of this world s goods, riches, etc.) shall they with feigned, fabricated, and counterfeit words use you for gain; whose (condemnatory) sentence of old (that is, of long standing) lingers not, (literally, is not active) and their destruction, devastation, ruin, (and consequent misery) slumbers (sleeps, naps) not. Verse 4: For if God did not spare (keep back his wrath from) the angels when they sinned, but gave them over to pits (dens, caves) of darkness (blackness, gloom) when he thrusted them to Tartarus, being reserved unto (for) judgment (at which time they will be condemned);

5 5 Verse 5: And did not spare (forbear, restrain his wrath from) the ancient (literally, original) world, but guarded and protected (kept in safe custody) Noah along with several others, a preacher who summoned others to righteous living, when he (God) brought a flood upon the ungodly, impious, and irreverent. Verse 6: And he reduced the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes with a destructive overthrow, having condemned them; by this act having set them forth as an example (sign) to those living ungodly, irreligious and irreverent lives. Verse 7, 8: And delivered (saved, rescued) righteous (upright, just) Lot, who was worn out (because of the pain of mind and distress caused) by the unrestrained, insolent, immoral way of living of those without law or rule. For that righteous man in seeing and hearing (their deeds and words) while living among them, was tormenting, torturing, and afflicting his righteous soul from day to day with lawless deeds. Verse 9: (From the preservation of Noah and Lot with their families, remember that) the Lord knows how to rescue (save deliver, Literally: draw, drag) the pious, godly, and devout out of temptation, and (or, but) keep the unrighteous under guard while being punished, unto the Judgment Day. Verses 10, 11: But the unrighteous ones to whom I have particular reference are those that pursue after and are devoted to the flesh, and indulge in passion

6 6 (strong craving) which stains, pollutes, and defiles them, who disdain and slight constituted authority. Being bold (audacious, presumptuous and self-pleasers (hence, willful, obstinate), they do not tremble (i.e., are not fearful) to revile, reproach, and blaspheme dignitaries (i.e., those in places of glory or preeminence); whereas angels, though greater in ability and power, do not bring a blasphemous, railing, or reproachful judgment against them (i.e., the revilers) before the Lord. Verse 12: But these deceivers are like (irrational or) brute beasts (creatures) who are born and exist in accordance with mere natural instincts unto (for) the capture (taking, catching) and slaughter, (in that both cases their doom is certain.) Railing and speaking reproachfully in matters of which they are ignorant and do not understand, they shall because of their (spiritually and morally) corrupting influence certainly be destroyed themselves (i.e., perish eternally). Verse 13: Being wronged and treated unjustly as the wages (pay, reward) of their unrighteousness [or, as other manuscripts have, bringing upon themselves (receiving) the wages of unrighteousness]; persons considering it enjoyable and gratifying to live soft, luxurious, effeminent lives during the day-time, spots (morally stained) and blemishes (disgraces to society), living luxuriously, delicately, and in revelry, by their deception as they are feasting (banqueting) together with you. Verse 14: Having eyes that are filled with adultery (adulterous looks) who cannot stop and are unceasing in its sin; having a heart that covetousness (or the love of gain) has trained in its crafty ways; children (i.e., persons, men) worthy of a curse of execration.

7 7 Verse 15, 16: Abandoning the straight, true, and right course of conduct, they (the evil men just spoken of) were caused to wander away from it, having followed and imitated the conduct of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages (pay, reward) of unrighteousness (promised to him by Balak, so that he resolved to curse the Israelites whether God gave him permission to do so or not). But he received a rebuke for his own transgression (literally, violation of [God s] law); an ass on which he rode, destitute of the power of speech, spoke in a man s (human) voice and restrained the prophet s madness, insanity, and folly. Verse 17: These men are like springs without water (dry), and like clouds driven by a violent attack of wind which comes in furious gusts; for whom the blackest and gloomiest darkness has been reserved, kept, and preserved. Verse 18: For these deceivers, by uttering big, overswollen, immoderate words expressive of vanity, emptiness, and folly; allure, beguile, and entice in (into) the lusts and strong cravings of the fleshly or sensuous nature, through lasciviousness (abandonment of moral restraint), those who are just escaping from (unchristian people) who are living in error and perverseness. Verse 19: Promising those whom they deceive liberty and freedom, while they themselves live as bondservants (slaves) of corruption, decay, and ruin; for by whatever (thing or person) anyone is conquered or vanquished (and thus brought into a worse condition), by the same (thing or person) he is also brought into bondage and slavery.

8 8 Verse 20: For if, after having fled away from and escaped the pollutions, contaminations, and defilements of the world (i.e., the ungodly mass of mankind) through an exact and full knowledge of the Lord Savior Jesus Christ, they are again intertwined, entangled, and involved, being conquered (and thus brought into a worse condition), the last state of things has become worse with them than the first. Verse 21, 22: Concerning these who have again become entangled in the lusts of this world, it would have been better for them not to have fully, accurately, and personally known the way of righteousness, rather than, having fully, accurately, and personally known it, to turn back (return) from (literally, out of) the holy and sacred commandment (that is, the whole body of Christian precepts) given over and entrusted to them. It has come to pass in their case in accordance with the true proverb; a dog who has returned to his own vomit, and (another true saying is) the sow that had bathed her body returned to the wallowing-place of mud, filth and dung. Commentary: 2 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. I. Characteristics of false teachers. A. The false teachers do things in secret. B. The opinions they express are destructive.

9 9 C. They deny Christ. D. They will bring swift destruction on themselves. E. They entice many [to] follow their licentious ways. F. They cause the way of the truth [to] be maligned. G. They are greedy. H. Their words are deceptive. I. Condemnation was pronounced against them long ago. J. Their destruction is not asleep. II. These false teachers most likely included the Gnostics. III. Scriptures: A. Matthew 7:15, Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. B. Matthew 24:5, For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. C. Acts 20:29, 30, For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. IV. These false teachings (heresies) were destructive of everything holy, in opposition to the standard body of Christian truth. They went even so far as to deny the divinity of Christ which error brought instant spiritual death.

10 10 2 Peter 2:2, And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. I. Regrettably many will follow the doctrines of false teachers. II. These false teachers cause the way of truth to be evil spoken against. III. These false teachers promoted lasciviousness; that is, that which is inclined to lust, wanton, or lewd acts. 2 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. I. False teachers used feigned (hypocritical) words. II. These false teachers were covetous, propounding particular views for personal gain. III. These false teachers used their adherents for profit. IV. These false teachers will be speedily destroyed. 2 Peter 2:4, For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; I. If God did not spare sinful angels, he certainly will not spare false teachers. A. Hebrews 1:14, Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? B. Jude 1:6, And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

11 11 2 Peter 2:5, And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. I. If God did not spare the ancient world, he will not spare false teachers. II. God saved the righteous preacher Noah, not the sinful disobedient populace. 2 Peter 2:6, And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; I. The ungodly of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed (Genesis 19). II. Don t think that other false teachers and evil doers will be spared! 2 Peter 2:7, 8, And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) I. God spared righteous Lot who was grieved by the wickedness surrounding him and destroyed those given to evil. II. Lot was relatively righteous! He chose Sodom because he thought it was to his financial advantage. He was also guilty of drunkenness and incest. A. Genesis 19:30-38, And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters. And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth: Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. And

12 12 they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father. And the first born bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day. And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day. 2 Peter 2:9, The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: I. Even though the evil doers of Noah s and Lot s days were destroyed, the righteous then and now will be preserved. II. God punishes evildoers and protects the righteous from temptation. III. The place for which false teachers are kept/guarded is a place of torment, anguish, extreme thirst, flame, complete separation from God and his people, a place of darkness and gloom. A. Luke 16:4, 17, 24, 26, 28, I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot;

13 13 neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 2 Peter 2:10, 11, But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. I. These evil doers A. Walk after the flesh in lust. This is their way of life. B. Despise authority. C. Are brazen/daring. D. Are self-willed. E. They are not in awe (do not respect, tremble) of deity and the judgment. II. Religious freedom and license to sin are antonyms. III. Angels, in spite of this intense provocation, did not yield to the temptation to provide evil for evil, but rather they maintained their integrity in spite of severe temptation. 2 Peter 2:12, But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; I. These false teachers: A. were illogical.

14 14 B. lived as (could be compared to) vicious animals subject to destruction. C. were pompous, arrogant proponents of what they were ignorant. II. Their teachings were destructive! As they destroyed others, they would be destroyed by their own deeds. 2 Peter 2:13, And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; I. These evil people received the hire of wrong-doing; they were reaping what they sowed. II. These evil people were slaves to sinful pleasure. A. Hebrews 11:25, Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; B. Luke 8:14, And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. C. Titus 3:3, For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. D. James 4:1-3, From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

15 15 III. These evil people were spots and blemishes to the Christian community. They shared in Christian fellowship while being gleeful that their actions and teachings were a disgrace to the church. They were biting the hand that fed them. 2 Peter 2:14, Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: I. These false teaching evil doers were: A. given to adultery. B. habituated to sin. C. enticers to others, unsteadfast souls, to follow their way of life. D. given to cursing/profanity. E. well advanced in covetousness. 2 Peter 2:15, 16, Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. I. These evil doers forsook the right ways and went astray. A. John 14:6, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. B. Acts 24:14, But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: II. These followed/imitated the way of Balaam.

16 16 A. Jude 1:11, Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. B. Balaam loved the hire/pay he was to receive from Balak for twisting/violating God s will. C. This false prophet was rebuked by a donkey speaking with human voice. Balaam went on anyway! Imagine that! 1. Numbers 22:22-31, And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again. And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff. And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? and he said, Nay. Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the

17 17 way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. 2 Peter 2:17, These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. I. These false teachers are: A. Springs without water, pretense without substance. B. Clouds that are moved forward by a destructive storm. C. Ephesians 4:14, That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 2 Peter 2:18, For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. I. These false teachers were bombastic, pompous, vain egotists. II. They enticed people with appeals to lewd lustfulness when these unstable people, still babes in Christ, had just escaped the sins of the world. 2 Peter 2:19, While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. I. These false teachers promised liberty. II. At the same time, they were slaves to the corruption/license produced by their doctrines. III. All people are servants of either sin or righteousness.

18 18 IV. John 8:34, Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 2 Peter 2:20, For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. I. These people had been faithful Christians, but had returned to sin. II. Their end/punishment was then worse than if they had never become Christians. 2 Peter 2:21, 22, For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. I. To know the Lord in the pardon and forgiveness of sins and then to return to a life of evil is horrendous! It most certainly can be done! II. It is like a dog eating its own vomit, a washed sow wallowing again in the mire. A. Proverbs 26:11, As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. B. 2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

19 19 Song: True-Hearted, Whole-Hearted 1. True-hearted, whole-hearted, faithful and loyal, King of our lives, by Thy grace we will be; Under the standard exalted and royal, Strong in Thy strength we will battle for Thee. 2. True-hearted, whole-hearted, fullest allegiance Yielding henceforth to our glorious King; Valiant endeavor and loving obedience, Freely and joyously now would we bring. 3. True-hearted, whole-hearted, Savior all glorious! Take Thy great power and reign there alone, Over our wills and affections victorious, Freely surrounded and wholly Thine own. Chorus: Peal out the watch-word! Silence it never! Song our our spirits, rejoicing and free; Peal out the watch-word! Loyal for ever, King of our lives, by Thy grace we will be. Frances R. Havergal, 1874 George C. Stebbins, 1888

20 20 Questions 2 Peter 2: will arise among God s people who will bring in denying even the that them, bringing upon themselves. False are contrasted with who from. 2. List ten characteristics of the false prophets of whom Peter wrote. 3. Who were the Gnostics? What did they believe? 4. will follow their,,, doings; by reason of whom the of shall be of. 5. In shall they with words make of you: whose now from of old not, and their not.

21 21 6. How do false teachers make merchandise of Christians? 7. What are feigned words? 8. When and under what conditions did God cast angels to hell? What sins did they commit to warrant such punishment? 9. God not the, but preserved with others a of, when he brought a upon the of the. 10. What will God do with the present world?

22 How can we tell preachers of righteousness from false prophets? Be specific. 12. Of what sins were Sodom and Gomorrah guilty? 13. In view of all you know about Lot, how can it be said he was righteous? 14. If God did not spare the ancient world and Sodom and Gomorrah, don t think God will spare today s and. 15. The knows how to the out of, and to keep the under unto the of.

23 The are those that are to the, and in which,, and them, who and. 17. Being (, ) and -, they do not - (i.e., are not fearful) to,, and (i.e. those in places of or ): 18. By way of contrast,, those greater in and, do not bring a,, or against the before the. 19. Evil doers after the in,, are /, are -, do not respect and the. 20. How does Peter describe evil doers in verses 12-14?

24 How serious in God s sight is evil? Are we too tolerant of sin? 22. What kind of person was Balaam? What did he do wrong? Why did he do what he did? 23. Have you met any Balaams lately? How did you recognize them? 24. People like Balaam are described as without, driven by a, for whom the of has been reserved, who utter great of, they entice in the of the, by, those who are just escaping from them that in. They promise, but live as of.

25 These false teaching evil doers were: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5). 26. To the in the and of and then to to a of is. It is most certainly can be done! 27. For if, after they have the of the through the of the and, they are again therein and, the last is become with them than the. 28. To what did Peter liken backsliders?

26 In what ways can it be said that the condition of backsliders, those who have fallen from grace, is worse than that of alien sinners, those who have never become Christians? 30. How repulsive is it to think of a dog s eating its own vomit? What does this tell you about the repulsiveness of sin? What is the world s attitude toward sin?