A Father’s Warning

Knowing God Personally

2 Peter 2:1-14

 

 

Good fathers give to their children.

 

 

1. The Prevalence of False Teachers

 

False prophets have . (vs. 1)

 

Jeremiah 14:13-14

13 But I said, “Alas, Sovereign Lord! The prophets keep telling them, ‘You will not see the sword or suffer famine. Indeed, I will give you lasting peace in this place.’”

14 Then the Lord said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.

 

 

There will always be false teachers within . (vs. 1)

 

 

2. Characteristics of False Teachers

 

1. False teachers pose as . (vs. 1)

 

2. False teachers are . (vs. 1)

 

3. False teachers are in their teaching. (vs. 2)

 

4. False teacher’s lives will be marked by . (vs. 2, 14)

 

5. False teachers are . (vs. 3, 14)

 

6. False teachers . They are bold and arrogant. (vs. 10)

 

7. False teachers . (vs. 12)

 

3. The Fate of False Teachers

 

 

The worst kind of lie is the kind that disguises itself as .

 

 

A false teacher’s fate (verses 1,2,10, 13):

 

 

Three examples that assure us of God’s judgement of false teachers:

1. Since God punished the sinful angels
2. And since God punished the thoroughly wicked world of Noah’s day
3. And since God punished the perverse cities of Sodom and Gamorrah

Then God is most definitely going to bring punishment on false teachers.

 

 

 

4. The Lord Knows How to Rescue the Righteous

 

2 Peter 2:7-9

7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless 8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— 9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials

 

 

Our assurance as believers:

Since God rescued Lot, who was righteous, then the Lord certainly knows how to deliver His righteous children from Satan and his false teachers. And ultimately, he will deliver his godly children from the wrath that He will eventually pour out on all unbelievers. If you are a child of God by faith in Jesus, then God will rescue you.

 

 

2 Peter 3:17-18

17 Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

Daily Meditations

 

Memory Verse: “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.” 2 Peter 2:1

 

 

Monday

Read 2 Peter 2:1-14.  Take the time to go through the passage and list out all the ways these verses point to the holiness of God.

 

 

 

What verses in particular give you peace?

 

 

 

Tuesday

Read the book of Jude (it’s only one chapter). What specific parallels do you see between Jude and 2 Peter 2?

 

 

 

Which verse in Jude quotes 2 Peter 2 verbatim?

 

 

Why do you think God is giving much the same message in the book of Jude?

 

 

 

Wednesday

Read Matthew 7:15-20.  We are told to “watch out.” What is it that we are really meant to be watching for?

 

 

 

List some of the practicalities that might keep you from being able to watch a leader’s life carefully?

 

 

 

Think of ways you can make sure your life is accessible to others.

 

 

 

Thursday

Read Matthew 7:21-23.  What is the will of the Father in heaven?

 

 

 

Read John 6:28-29.  How does this pertain to the first question?

 

 

 

Read Philippians 3:10-11.  If these verses true for you, do you have any reason to fear the scenario of Matthew 7:21-23?

 

 

 

Friday

Ready 2 Timothy 3.  What does Paul prescribe to Timothy to endure the difficulties in the world?

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday

Read Isaiah 5:20. Where have you seen this in action? 

 

 

Do you know anyone who is currently under this kind of teaching?  Take a moment to pray for them.

 

 

Reread 2 Peter 2:1-14. Try to recall each of the characteristics of false teachers covered in Sunday’s message from memory.