ETB 2 Peter 2:1-3,17-19; Jude 17-23

Session #12 - p.109 - Be Alert

The book begins with talking about safety features in cars. Most of us are old enough to have had vehicles that did not have many of these. I still remember only having a single lap strap for a seat belt.

What are some safety devices, either in your car or home, that you have seen that you think are helpful?

Our car has anti-lock brakes and traction control, but I turned them off one day to show Rose how much they help and what they prevent from happening.

Are there any that you have turned off before?

What happens if we turn these warnings signals off or ignore them for too long?

The Bible has a lot of warnings for us if we are willing to listen to them and heed their signals. Peter and Jude both give their readers some warning signs about false teachers and some ways to prevent their influence.

Understand the Context

Second Peter 1 ends by emphasizing the need to pay close attention to the prophetic words of the apostles, based on Scripture and the teachings of Jesus—both of which have been inspired by the Holy Spirit. The reason for this renewed attention on what is true is expounded in chapter 2 and in the book of Jude. Namely, false prophets abounded in the church, and one would never be able to distinguish their heresy without a sure and certain grasp of what is true.

The focal passages for this session come from two different books of the Bible with similar cautions and instructions. Peter and Jude shared a common concern for the church in dealing with false teachers, and they both warned Christians about the dangers and consequences of being influenced by them. [LifeWay Adults (2025). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Winter 2024-'25]

These warning signs and descriptions of false teachers we are looking at today are also confirmed through some of Paul's and John’s letters. 1 Timothy 4:1, 2; 2 Timothy 3:1–5; 2 John 7.

Explore the Text

2 Peter 2:1–3 ESV

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.

false prophets also arose among the people

Pastor Steve has often told us that chapter divisions sometimes break apart context that we otherwise might see quickly. At the end of chapter one Peter is talking about how God used the prophets to speak and write His word. He then moves into talking about those who did not act upon God’s prompting or the Holy Spirit’s leading but of their own desires.

Peter uses the term “false prophet” and “false teachers” but they are not the same group. When a Jew says “the people” he is referring to “his” people the Jewish nation, or if referencing the Old Testament, the Israelites.

If you are reading along with the church’s calendar, then you probably read these verses in Jeremiah too:

Jeremiah 5:26–28 “26 For wicked men are found among my people; they lurk like fowlers lying in wait. They set a trap; they catch men. 27 Like a cage full of birds, their houses are full of deceit; therefore they have become great and rich; 28 they have grown fat and sleek. They know no bounds in deeds of evil; they judge not with justice the cause of the fatherless, to make it prosper, and they do not defend the rights of the needy.”

Can you think of any “false prophets” like Jeremiah described specifically mentioned in the Old Testament that attempted, successfully or not, to lead the Israelites away from God’s law?

The first person that came to my mind was Haman in the book of Esther, trying to prevent any from worshipping God by killing all the Jews. Technically though he was not a prophet since he was not teaching people or refuting God with doctrinal statements.

Jude lists Cain, Balaam, and Korah.

secretly bring in destructive heresies

What would happen if they tried to bring in such heresies openly?

The enemy rarely uses a frontal assault.

A literal translation of the word “secretly” could be “bring in from the side.”

Back door and flanking maneuvers are more the enemy’s style. Peter and Jude are bringing these tactics to the believer’s attention so that we are not unaware of his schemes and can mount a proper defense.

destructive heresies

There are divisive or division causing doctrines, also called heresies. They cloud and confuse people’s minds and spirits from the truth and maybe lead them away from a fully committed life to Christ and the gracious abundant life it can provide.

Then there are “destructive heresies.” The word for destruction is used three times in these three verses. It points to complete and utter destruction. These heresies prevent salvation and lead to eternal separation from God. This is a scary concept since they are coming from within a congregation of believers.

Because these things are “brought in from the side” their obvious results are not immediately seen. They get rooted and then spread until they begin to damage the church.

What are some ways or warning signs that we can look for that these types of doctrine are beginning to take root and spread?

Thankfully the other 2 times this type of destruction is mentioned in our passage it is aimed at those espousing these heresies. And God, through Peter declares it will come upon them swiftly and surely.

Why was their teaching so dangerous?

many will follow their sensuality

Last week we studied a list of virtue that we are “supplement” our faith with by practicing them and improving our efforts and knowledge to follow God and become more like His Son.

This word “sensuality” is the opposite to last week’s “self-control.”

Because of its fleshly appeal and supposed “freedom” that is why Peter warns us “many with follow” them. Maybe that should be a warning sign for us as well? If hordes of people suddenly start following a “new teaching” it should give us pause to stop and investigate further before joining in.

Even those that were persecuting apostles recognized the futility of man’s plans like this.

Acts 5:38–39 “38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,”

because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed

Can you think of any instance where “supposed” Christians have given the world a slandered view of “believing” Christians?

exploit you with false words

False words, cleverly devised myths, or made-up stories. All of them were meant to benefit the teller at the listener’s expense. Sometimes even to the cost of their eternal lives.

NLT - they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money.

Greed is a warning sign for us to look for, but we may not see it in their actions or hear it in their words, but we can see it in their spending. I believe pastors should be well compensated, receiving their “double honor” and sometimes that is financial. I would expect them to have a nice home, and probably bigger than mine since they probably have more kids and company to house. But when my house can fit inside their swimming pool, something is amiss. I saw a picture once that summed this up well. I showed a picture of Billy Graham’s house and a popular televangelist’s houses side by side. It was graphic confirmation of where the donations were being spent.

Ask: How can believers become more sensitive to false teachings?

Life Application Bible Notes Chapter 2

We must be careful to avoid false teachers today. Any book, tape series, or TV message must be evaluated in the light of God’s Word. Beware of special meanings or interpretations that belittle Christ or [diminishes] His work.

their destruction is not asleep

This is the second time that Peter tells us the Lord will have His judgement against these false teachers. The imagery is reminiscent of the hooded death figure or the prowling lion constantly on the move.

Word Studies in the New Testament Chapter 2

The judgment is not idle. It is “represented as a living thing, awake and expectant. Long ago that judgment started on its destroying path, and the fate of sinning angels, and the deluge, and the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah were but incidental illustrations of its power; nor has it ever since lingered.… It advances still, strong and vigilant as when first it sprang from the bosom of God, and will not fail to reach the mark to which it was pointed from of old” (Salmond and Lillie)

The book skips down a few verses to continue the theme of recognizing false teachers through their character and fruitless actions.

2 Peter 2:17–19 ESV

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.

waterless springs and mists driven by a storm

The imagery here speaks of the uselessness and unfulfilling nature of the teachers’ claims. They are like the mirage in the desert making you think there is water ahead to pull you further into the desert away from any real relief from the heat. Or a fog covered path that hides the tree branch at head level or the steep cliff about to be walked off. The apostate’s doctrines are harmful to those who follow, but not as destructive as their own end in the “total darkness” to which they have standing reservations.

Ask: What makes identifying false teaching so difficult?

They spout out enough truisms to make their lies sound believable. Some are very adept at twisting the words of Scripture to make themselves sound righteous. There may also be an unnatural empowering by the enemy upon these people because they seem to have a “charisma” that draw more people to them they you would expect.

We must be astute when listening and watching anyone that had become a leader, especially a spiritual one. It does not matter if what they say sounds reasonable, is it true?

loud boasts of folly

Jude calls them “load mouthed boasters.” One translator said they spoke with “opening conceited futility.”

KJV - great swelling words of vanity

NLT - brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting

My personal favorite though comes from a simplified English text. They make “make proud and stupid statements.”

How do people not see and recognize these things?

Look at the next part of the verse. They distract with fleshly appeal so that their stupidity goes unnoticed.

promise them freedom

A person cannot offer what they do not have. These espousers are not free, so they cannot free anyone else. They do not want to be on the bottom, so they entrap more so they can stand on their necks. One writer described the freedom they offer as “ornate, gilded collars and shiny, fashionable shackles.”

Ask: Why is it important to recognize the empty promises of false teaching?

Seeing the empty promise allows us to point it out to others. If a false teacher’s ways are ineffective in a group, they move on to somewhere else. Of course we would rather they stop by become true believers, but “protecting the flock” we have become a part of is sometimes more urgent.

For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.

Verse 19 is not our memory verse for the week, but I recommend memorizing this phrase and repeating it often. Especially whenever that recurring temptation comes up. As believers we are to be “slaves of Christ.” Anything that can take that bond away or diminish its hold needs to be outright rejected. Stay His slave, not something of sin.

Now let’s flip over to Jude and see what other warning signs we may need to be on the watch for and how not to be misled.

Jude 17–19 ESV

17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.

remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles

Jude tells us to remember what the apostles told us.

The apostles, like Peter last week, tell us to listen to the OT prophets.

The prophets tell to listen to God and the Spirit.

The Spirit tells us to listen to The Son.

The Son tells us to heed The Father.

The Father uses the Spirit to inspire men to write His Words.

Jeremiah, Jude, and Peter faithfully write them down, and the cycle continues.

there will be scoffers

This is one of those phrases that lets us know that Peter and Jude either talked together or read each other’s letters. The word translated scoffer is only used twice in all of Scripture. Here in Jude, and in 2 Peter 3 which we will study next week.

Sometimes you will see the word translated as “mockers” which lets us know they have enough knowledge to slander what they are talking about but no desire to believe it.

I was a “scoffer” or “mocker” once, but God keep pricking my mind to investigate further to refute Him better, but He knew that I value truth over being right and He revealed Himself to me as The Truth and The Way.

ungodly passions

Here is another one of the signs we can look for to reveal a false teacher, although this type may be hidden away from more public viewing. Most English translations have something like “ungodly passions” or “desires.” I found on translation as “evil cravings.” These habits go directly again Scripture. Greed is one that can be seen tangibly.

How might we recognize other inappropriate desires?

Jude gives us a few examples in the next verse.

Cause divisions, act worldly, not controlled by the Spirit.

Do their ideas and speeches cause division in the body of Christ or unity?

Do they act more like the world or strive to be the Christ of the Bible?

(Some do talk about growing in Christ, but it is one of their own makings not the one in Scripture.)

“Devoid of the Spirit” said another way is “full of the flesh.’

Do their ideas feed the flesh or increase your faith and reliance on the Spirit?

A no answer to any of these questions is a reason to avoid that person and to encourage other to avoid them too.

Jude finishes up the letter by redirecting our focus to those these when us those around us that can help us not fall victim to these false teachers. He offers us a type of “spiritual armor.”

Jude 20–23 ESV

20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

But you, beloved,

Here is Jude’s call on our lives as believers to be different.

I like that he does not go through a list of “opposites” for us to do but goes back to the basics of being a devoted follower of Christ.

building yourselves up

The “yourselves” could be rendered “each other” as well. Like in Hebrews:

Hebrews 10:24–25 “24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Finding like-minded believers that share your faith is one of the best ways to prevent wandering or wolves. The more guards on the wall, the less likely an enemy can get in.

That “building up” is done much like those fortress walls were built, brick by brick, or as Isaiah put it “precept upon precept.” That is how we strengthen our faith and our defense by learning a applying Scripture one verse at a time.

praying in the Holy Spirit

Praying without the Holy Spirit’s guidance is just wishful thinking or an eloquent speech. Using Scripture to help guide our prayers enables us to allow God’s Word and God’s Spirit to direct our thoughts and hearts in a way that aligns with His. This is probably the least developed discipline in the modern church and the strength of the faith of its congregations reflects it.

keep yourselves in the love of God

Jude builds upon prayer to allow God to “keep watch” or “guard ourselves” to remain in His love. A constant prayer life keeps us in His word and in consistent fellowship with God. When sin happens our love for God immediately convicts us but also allows us to approach Him boldly to ask for forgiveness.

Philippians 4:6–7 “6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ

This is not only waiting on Christ’s return but also waiting for Christ’s action and guidance in our lives today. God gracious gives us enough of His presence each day to make to the next, and the “assurance” that He will come and make all thing new again helps us trust Him during the low points in life.

Ask: How can we show mercy to those caught in false teaching without compromising the truths of the gospel?

have mercy

Jude calls us not to forget to be merciful as Christ was to us when we were not fully committed to him. I believe, like others, that Jude is talking about showing mercy to three different groups of people in these last two verses.

One writer described them as the “faltering, falling, and fried.”

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus stated that those who show mercy toward others will receive mercy when they need it (Matt. 5:7). In verse 22, Jude urged his audience to adopt a similar practice, particularly toward those who doubt. Rather than reacting harshly against those who had been deceived by the false teachers, Jude encouraged them to be gracious and compassionate as they tried to move these individuals back toward an orthodox view of the faith.

Some commentators think Jude may also have had the false teachers in view. In either case, mercy was to be shown, for through it certainty in the truth of the gospel could be established. One must not give up on those who have, for now, given themselves to false teaching. This mercy is to be tempered with the fear of God (v. 23). It is not sentimentality, but a firm commitment to know what’s right and to practice what’s right, even as one encourages others to do the same. [ETB:ALG Win'25]

Apply the Text

Pray: God, help us to be alert to those who proclaim things that against Your truths of Scripture and that deny the teachings of Your Son. Reveal to us any ungodly ways in the lives of those who claim to know You. Help us to remain calm and loving when unspiritual people attempt to create division within Your church. Guide us to those teachers and Scriptures that can best allow us to continue to grow spiritually and assist those who may be in danger of believing false messengers. Lord, Your Word is Truth, Your Son is the Truth, and Your Spirit seals us in Truth. May we remove anything contrary or counterfeit to this from our lives.