What Happens When the Truth is Evil Spoken Of?
2 Peter • Sermon • Submitted
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· 15 viewsWhen one rejects the authority of the Scriptures the consequences are dire.
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Recently our 2 year old has discovered the question asked most often by children. Do you know what that is? Why? Get in your chair it’s time to eat. Why? Time to go to bed. Why? No don’t dump all the legos out on the floor. Why? So, my wife has been training him, “don’t say why? say OK mommy.” It is important for a number of reasons that he learn to accept and obey the authority of mom and dad. Sometimes, that authority might just save his life. Don’t play with the outlet, don’t hammer near your baby brother’s head, don’t go near the road. If any one of those commands were called into question, and especially if they were rejected, if the authority of mom and dad was rejected in these areas what would be the consequences? Calamity.
What are the consequences when we reject the authority of the Word of God?
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
βλασφημέω- what English word does that sound like? Blasphemy! This word means to speak in a disrespectful way that demeans, denigrates, maligns- slander, revile, defame, speak irreverently/impiously/disrespectfully of or about
So here the false teachers are doing what? They are rejecting the authority of the Word of God- they are causing God’s truth to be blasphemed. This is no light matter! And Peter spends an entire chapter talking about exactly what happens to someone who rejects, who blasphemes the authority of the truth.
William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 178.
How should a believer respond to the authority of the Word of God?
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
προσέχω- to pay close attention to someth., pay attention to, give heed to, follow
William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 880.
How closely should we pay attention? What is the illustration Peter gives?
as unto a light that shineth in a dark place
How long should we pay attention to it?
until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
Why should we pay attention to it?
We have also a more sure word of prophecy
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Because it came from God. The authority of the Scripture is the very authority of God Himself.
But what happens when we reject God’s authority?
I. We put ourselves under the authority of heretical thinking (v. 1)
I. We put ourselves under the authority of heretical thinking (v. 1)
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Damnable heresies- Destructive heresies- thinking / teaching that only leads to destruction.
Privily- secretly introduce this kind of teaching
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
This teaching/thinking is so bad that is causes these false teachers to deny the Lord that bought them.
Teachers in the church that claim to be saved, they claim they under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, that He is their Master, but by means of their thinking, their teaching, their living, they actually reveal themselves to be those who deny the Lord that bought them.
The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Peter, Jude 1. The Impact of False Teachers (2:1–3)
Their denial of Jesus Christ reveals that they did not truly belong to God, even though they professed faith. Peter said that they were bought by Jesus Christ, in the sense that they gave every indication initially of genuine faith. In every church there are members who appear to be believers and who should be accepted as believers according to the judgment of charity. As time elapses and difficulties arise, it becomes apparent that they are wolves in the flock (Acts 20:29–30),
The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Peter, Jude 1. The Impact of False Teachers (2:1–3)
Their denial of Jesus Christ reveals that they did not truly belong to God, even though they professed faith. Peter said that they were bought by Jesus Christ, in the sense that they gave every indication initially of genuine faith. In every church there are members who appear to be believers and who should be accepted as believers according to the judgment of charity. As time elapses and difficulties arise, it becomes apparent that they are wolves in the flock (Acts 20:29–30), that though they called on Jesus as Lord their disobedience shows that he never knew them (Matt 7:21–23), that they are like the seed sown on rocky or thorny ground that initially bears fruit but dries up and dies when hard times come (Matt 13:20–22).
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Peter, Jude 1. The Impact of False Teachers (2:1–3)
that though they called on Jesus as Lord their disobedience shows that he never knew them (Matt 7:21–23),
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Peter, Jude 1. The Impact of False Teachers (2:1–3)
that they are like the seed sown on rocky or thorny ground that initially bears fruit but dries up and dies when hard times come (Matt 13:20–22).
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
So these false teachers bring into the church
Damnable heresies
And listen to what these heretical teachings cause them to do-
(v. 1) They deny the Lord that bought them
(v. 2) By reason of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of- or because of them the way of the truth is blasphemed
(v. 3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you- or the will exploit you with false words
So the teach destructive damnable heresies and as a result- they end up denying the Lord, blaspheming the truth, and speaking false words.
Can believers do that?
Can we deny the Lord (Is the only way to deny the Lord through our words? Can our actions end up denying the Lord somehow?)
What does it mean to deny something? Repudiate, disown- refuse to accept of associate with the Lord. Can believers do that?
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Rom 6.12-
So, if we are not careful, if we reject the authority of the Word of God, we can end up denying the Lord (not in so many words, but in our actions)
(v. 2) By reason of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken. Can believers do that? Can we cause the way of the truth to be evil spoken of?
1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
I Pet
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
All of this happens when we choose to reject the authority of the Word of God.
Contrast:
What do you want to submit to?
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Or
2 Pet 1.19-
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
But what happens when we reject God’s authority?
II. We quickly backslide into fleshly living (vv. 2-3)
II. We quickly backslide into fleshly living (vv. 2-3)
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
When you reject God’s authority in your life, and instead you put yourself under heretical thinking- when your thinking becomes based on something other than the way of the truth, then quickly you will end up following after pernicious ways.
Pernicious- destructive, sinful abandon- indulgence in sensual pleasure unrestrained by convention or morality.
19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
So you reject God’s truth, you reject His authority and you instead you follow the authority of false words- then your conduct quickly becomes that which is sensual. If God’s authority is not holding back your sinful heart, then you give in to your own sinful abandon. Unrestrained sensuality.
(v. 3)- through covetousness (greed) the state of desiring to have more than one’s due, greediness, insatiableness, avarice, covetousness
William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 824.
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
(v. 3 b) through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you- or they will exploit you with false words.
to engage w. someone in a business transaction, buy and sell, trade in
in a neg. sense of misrepresentation of merchandise
They seek power over you, to take advantage of you, to further their own agenda.
So you reject the authority of God’s word it quickly causes you to follow after sensuality, greed, and ill-begotten power. Does that sound familiar to you? Does that sound like our own culture?
Many in our culture have rejected the authority of God’s Word, they have instead lived their lives based on a false authority and as a result they have followed after
Sensuality, greed, and power- name a few.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Rom 1.18-
Listen, believer, if we reject the authority of the Word of God- can we end up doing some of the same kinds of thing?
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
Col 3.5-
Contrast:
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1 Pet 1.5-
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
How do we avoid?
Submit to God’s authority! What does that look like?
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
What happens when we reject God’s authority?
III. We bring upon ourselves God’s judgment (vv. 1, 3)
III. We bring upon ourselves God’s judgment (vv. 1, 3)
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
False teacher = unbelievers = eternal damnation.
Believers = God’s judgement
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
2 Pet 3.117
Contrast:
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
VS
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Are you really putting yourself under the authority of the truth of the Word of God?
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
I Pet 3.1
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
If we are unwilling to submit ourselves to the authority of Scripture then:
I. We put ourselves under the authority of heretical thinking (v. 1)
II. We quickly backslide into fleshly living (vv. 2-3)
III. We bring upon ourselves God’s judgment (vv. 1, 3)