2 Peter Chapter 2       (ESV)

 

False Prophets and Teachers

¹ But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. ² And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. ³ And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

¹⁷ These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. ¹⁸ For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. ¹⁹ They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. ²⁰ For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. ²¹ For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.²² What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

 

Reflection

1. Peter warned that false teachers who exploit believers will face judgment. They were arrogant and immoral, and appealed to man’s sinful desires.
2. Genuine freedom is found in willingly submitting to the life God has ordered and arranged. The false teachers declare, “We are free because we do whatever we please. We are free from all boundaries, restrictions, restraints”. Exactly the opposite is true. We have been created for freedom, but we discover our freedom only by following God’s steps. False teachers ignore God’s way, and are wandering aimlessly.
3. Among the people you know and care, is there anyone who is living in so-called “freedom” but actually in bondage and bitterness?
4. Grieve with God over this person’s unwillingness to follow God’s way to enjoy genuine freedom. Pray specifically for this person. Pray also for an opportunity that you may share the true freedom with him/her.

 

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.