False Teachers

I. EXORDIUM:

Have you seen a false teacher?

II. AUDIENCE PROFILE:

Believers

III. OBJECTIVES:

IV. TEXT:

2 Peter 2:3-4 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.

For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment.

V. THESIS:

Know the characteristics of a false teacher

VI. TITLE:

False Teachers

VII. EXPLICATION:

A. Author: Apostle Peter

B. Audience: Christians (2 Peter 1:2)

2 Peter 1:2 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.

VIII. MAIN BODY:

A. Characteristics of false teachers:

1. Greedy (1 Samuel 8:3, Proverbs 28:22, 1 Corinthians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 6:10,Colossians 3:5)

1 Samuel 8:3 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice.

Example:

Joel and Abijah, sons of Samuel

Proverbs 28:22 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.

1 Corinthians 5:11 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.

1 Corinthians 6:10 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.

Colossians 3:5 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

2. They make up clever stories (2 Peter 1:16, Ephesians 4:14)

2 Peter 1:16 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes

Ephesians 4:14 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

3. They get hold of your money (Matthew 26:9)

Matthew 26:9 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

“It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”

Another example of a false teacher is Judas Iscariot

4. GOD condemned them long ago (Psalms 1:5, Psalms 37:33)

A. condemned or damnation came from the Greek word: "apolia" meaning loss, die, destruction

Psalms 1:5 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly.

Psalms 37:33 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial.

5. Their destruction will not be delayed. (2 Peter 2:3, Habakkuk 2:3)

A. delayed or slumbers came from the Greek word: "nustazo" meaning to fall asleep

2 Peter 2:3 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.

Habakkuk 2:3 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.

IX. CONCLUSION:

Matthew 7:15 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.

Matthew 24:11 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.

Matthew 24:24 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.