Second Peter 2:11-16
I. Introduction:
A. The carnally minded, false teacher [false brethren] we are talking about in this current study (II Peter 2:1-10), are self-serving (Romans 16:17-18).
- Being in the last days (Hebrews 1:1-2), men are lovers of their own selves (II Timothy 3:1-2).
- Being in such times, we see the difficulty in finding faithful teachers that are not out for themselves (Philippians 2:19-23).
- Such is clearly wrong (Titus 3:1-2).
- Under the Law of Moses, doing so was a death sentence (Deuteronomy 17:12).
- But understand this, false brethren aren’t submissive. They don’t like any authority. They often want the preeminence (III John 1:9-11).
II. Body: II Peter 2:11-16
A. Angels that are greater in power [ability, force, strength, might] don’t bring blasphemous accusations about those in earthly authority to the Lord (Jude 1:8-9). *Michael didn’t even rebuke the devil, but gave place to the Lord for that.
- Man, in the flesh, is made lower than the angels (Psalms 8:4-5).
- Yet, angels were not put in authority on earth; man was (Psalms 8:6-9).
- As we discussed in our last lesson, saints are supposed to submit to those in authority of us (I Peter 2:13-17).
- They don’t understand and they act in that state of ignorance (Jeremiah 5:21-31).
- They will perish in their own corruption (Jeremiah 21:13-14).
- Saints are hospitable (Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:1-2, and I Peter 4:8-9). The frauds will keep such company with the faithful. Think about Judas (Matthew 26:23).
- Don’t think that someone is honest or faithful because they will socialize with you (Proverbs 23:1-8 and Proverbs 26:24-28).
- For some, such is literal adultery (Revelation 2:20-23).
- For others, it is spiritual (Hosea 3:1).
- They could not cease from sin (Jeremiah 5:3 and Jeremiah 13:23).
- God requires His people to cease from sin (II Timothy 2:19).
- An heart they have exercised with greedy desire (Micah 2:1-2).
- Think about those beguiled by them being unstable (Ephesians 4:14 and James 1:8).
- Like Balaam, these false teachers are for hire (Numbers 31:16 and Deuteronomy 23:3-4; cf. Numbers 21:1-24:25).
- This is why they make merchandise of those they teach (II Peter 2:3; cf. Jeremiah 6:13).
- What did Paul instruct the evangelist Timothy to do in regard to contentment (I Timothy 6:6-11)?
- An ass, that could not own his own speak words, rebuked Balaam (Numbers 22:22-33).
- Think about the wording Jesus used showing Himself different than such individuals (John 10:6-13).
III. Conclusion: Our Next Lesson: II Peter 2:17-22