Read 2 Peter 2:10b–22

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explained how to recognize false prophets. He admitted they may be hard to detect. Outwardly, they look like harmless sheep, but inwardly, “they are ferocious wolves” (Matt. 7:15). Jesus recommends the fruit test, “by their fruit you will recognize them” (Matt. 7:20). Look at their lives and the results of their teaching. Do they exemplify the fruit of the Spirit?

Peter uses a similar strategy in today’s reading. At length, he describes the fruit of the false prophets’ ministry, and it’s not pretty. They are “bold and arrogant” (v. 10). To illustrate this, Peter uses an obscure analogy. Commentators are divided on exactly what he is referring to with his reference to “celestial beings” (v. 10). But his overall point is clear; that is, these false prophets do not hesitate to “blaspheme in matters they do not understand” (v. 12). They speak without any real knowledge.

These false teachers are like unreasoning animals, motivated by instinctive pleasure and greed (v. 12). They have “eyes full of adultery,” “seduce the unstable,” and are “experts in greed” (v. 14). They are modern-day Balaams (v. 15). The Moabites hired Balaam to use his prophetic gift to curse the Israelites (Num. 22). When that did not work, Balaam advised the Moabites to send seductive women into the camp to lead Israel into immorality and adultery (Num. 31:15–16).

False teachers claim to bring freedom, but they are selling slavery to sin (v. 19). I may be free to eat and drink the wrong things. There is no law against it. But as a result I may have significant health problems or worse. In the same way, sin has consequences. Since we have been freed in Christ, why would we want to go back to our old way of living (v. 22)?

Go Deeper

Peter warns about those who know the truth and then turn their backs on it (v. 21). What lesson can we take away from this in our own faith journey?

Pray with Us

Thank You for the freedom You have given us through Your death and resurrection, Jesus! Help us use this freedom as a testimony for You. We want to be holy as You are holy.

These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm.2 Peter 2:17

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/