Second Peter 2:1
I. Introduction:
A. Jesus warned of those who would come to the disciples as wolves in sheep’s clothing and told the way to see through their false appearance (Matthew 7:15-20).
- It is not just that false teaching will lead to sin. Allowing oneself to be deceived by false teaching is sinful in itself (Ephesians 5:6-11).
- One is carried away [as in spoil] if deceived (Colossians 2:6-8).
- To not listen to; not obey what causes one to err (Proverbs 19:27).
- To put an end to the spread of what is false (Romans 16:17-18, I Timothy 1:3-7, and Titus 1:10-14).
II. Body: II Peter 2:1
A. As there were false prophets (Jeremiah 14:13-15, Lamentations 2:14, and Micah 3:5).
- They strengthened the hands of evildoers (Jeremiah 23:14 and Ezekiel 13:22-23).
- They were popular (Jeremiah 5:31 and Luke 6:26).
- They don’t appear as evildoers, but rather bewitch [charm, etc.] (Galatians 3:1).
- There will be those that seek them to have their ears tickled (II Timothy 4:1-5).
- Just remember, false teachers are not only in the form of false evangelists/preachers (Acts 15:1-5, II Timothy 3:1-7, and Revelation 2:20).
- Also, remember that teaching also occurs in songs, examples being followed, etc. (Colossians 3:16, I Timothy 4:12, etc.).
- Also remember, they may have been faithful in times past (Galatians 2:11-17).
- The idea something being smuggled in [unawares] (Galatians 2:1-5).
- They do not have to use great effort, it doesn’t take much (Galatians 5:7-9).
- Denying [contradicting; refusing] the Lord (Titus 1:16 and I John 2:16; cf. Matthew 10:32-33, John 12:48, and Hebrews 12:25).
- The Lord that “bought them” (I Corinthians 6:20 and I Peter 1:18-19), tells us these are false brethren.
- This is about judgment (Malachi 3:5).
- It is certain that there is final judgment to come (John 5:28-29).
- Understand this though, during the first century there were times wherein the Lord executed immediate judgment (Acts 5:1-11 and Revelation 2:20-23).
- His immediate Judgment was not in same manner in which people did not know what was happening or something/someone else could be credited/blamed (Isaiah 42:8 and Isaiah 48:11; cf. Isaiah 46:9-10).
III. Conclusion: Our Next Lesson: II Peter 2:2-3