The Character of False Teachers

Discussion Questions:

Read V.10b-11.

The false teachers were blaspheming and doubting the existence of evil demons and Satan. They doubted the influence of these creatures and beings. What are the dangers that can occur when we as Christians doubt the existence of evil?

Read V.12.

False teachers are described as animals. Animals follow their natural instincts and desires. How is it a bad thing that false teachers follow their natural sinful desires?

Animals also are ignorant to the idea of right and wrong. These false teachers are described as sinfully ignorant, meaning they deliberately remain ignorant about the things of God. How is this sinful?

Read 13-16. Have students point out ways that false teachers are described, and engage with it. What does it mean? Why is it bad?

Here are a list of characteristics they

Count it pleasure to revel in the daytime (willingly sin where everyone can see it)

Blots and blemishes (Christians are supposed to be spotless, meaning we are trying to honor God with all of our lives, false teachers stand out like a single black stain on a white cloth.)

Reveling in deceptions (they willingly and joyfully live in the lies they tell)

Eyes full of adultery that never stop sinning (they never stop thinking about sex, looking at people as objects instead of people)

They entice unsteady souls (they lead the people who are not very strong in their faith, and not knowledgable astray.)

Hearts trained in greed (they make the habit to live self-centered lives, particularly obsessed with their own power and wealth.)

Accursed children (they are cursed, they have forsaken the way of God and instead worshipped a false idol. They seek their own glory instead of God’s glory, thus their destiny is destruction.)

How can we ensure we are not caught off guard and lead astray?

Firm our convictions in God and not allow our sinful inclinations determine who we follow.