Thoughts In 2 Peter - Number Two - 2 Peter Chapter 2 - Part 2 - Learning From False Teachers Series

THOUGHTS IN 2 PETER - NUMBER TWO - 2 PETER CHAPTER 2 - Part 2 - LEARNING FROM FALSE TEACHERS

LEARNING FROM FALSE TEACHERS

In the last posting we looked at five Traits of False Teachers and drew from that several cautions that can apply to us. In this second posting we conclude this study of the Traits.

The introduction I used last time when beginning the 5 traits that we examined, I want to repeat. Then we will continue from where we left off.

Now we know there is a world of difference between one who belongs to Christ and a false teacher (unconverted). Peter also spends this chapter describing the state of these false teachers; the traits by which they can be recognised. The section I want to do could be titled, “Watch that we do not develop shades of these traits.” Learning from them – SO that I be not like them. Let us consider the remaining 6 of their characteristics.

[F6]. “DARING, SELF-WILLED.” VERSE 10

{{2 Peter 2:10 “and especially those who INDULGE THE FLESH IN ITS CORRUPT DESIRES and despise authority. DARING, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties.”}}

They do not stand in awe of godly things, or show any respect to the Godhead. These false teachers are independent people with wide and novel agendas who seem to have about them the ring of authority; not frightened to overstep the boundaries and challenge people to explore unconventional methods and approaches. They are audacious (“Daring” in the NASB; “Presumptuous” in the KJV).

These push their own wheelbarrows and appear to be “very with-it people”. Increasingly, self-assertiveness is looked upon as a trait of a “fulfilled” person, or in other words, the working towards MY OWN ADVANTAGE is a commendable thing (ignoring the rights of the helpless, that is.). In fact, it is just the assertion of a life in total independence of God. It is this trait in false teachers that will give rise to new “theories” of the resurrection, etc.

They will be identified by their liberalism, their imposed “academic standard”. One expression used is “indulge the flesh with its corrupt desires,” and I do not think this is concentrating on sexual failures and indiscretions (alone), but rather on the whole attributes of the flesh, and here I select just one verse – {{Galatians 5:20 “idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions”}}. This is in the section where Paul lists the deeds of the flesh.

CAUTION:- Watch out for any move to progress onto territory either not confirmed by the word of God, or not motivated by the Spirit. It is so important to seek the leading of the Spirit in every aspect of decision making, to be very aware of the weaker brethren and seek their good. Beware of those who want to be “with it” and modern in society; who want to be popular; and who want to be noticed.

[G7]. “REVILING WHERE THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE.” VERSE 12

{{2 Peter 2:12 “But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have NO KNOWLEDGE, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed.”}}

This verse has the strong parallel with the Jude one – {{Jude 1:10 “These men revile the things which they do not understand, and LIKE UNREASONING ANIMALS, THEY ARE DESTROYED BY THESE THINGS WHICH THEY KNOW BY INSTINCT.”}}

Barnes – [[“Speak evil of the things that they understand not - Of objects whose worth and value they cannot appreciate. This is no uncommon thing among people, especially in regard to the works and ways of God.”]]. Our modern age is one where all have opinions on everything and spew forth from a fountain of real shallowness. False teachers are puffed up in their own presumed knowledge and they are quick to put others down as they mutilate God’s word.

Again Barnes writes (The KJV uses “brutes” for animals)– [[“If a man sinks himself to the level of brutes, he must expect to be treated like brutes; and as wild and savage animals - lions, and panthers, and wolves, and bears - are regarded as dangerous, and as "made to be taken and destroyed," so the same destiny must come upon men who make themselves like them.”]]

Arising out of this trait is arrogance. There is no evidence of humility but a gross forwardness. Earlier, Peter says “they revile angelic majesties.” (verse 10) and I am not sure what that means but it reveals both the arrogance, and ignorance of these false teachers. The Christian must be careful not to intrude into areas where he has no right and little knowledge. A little knowledge puffs up and leads down the path of developing arrogance.