2 Peter 2 01 03
False Prophets
2 Peter 2:1-3
Introduction:
The theme in 2 Peter 1 was:
The knowledge of God: Relational
The importance of the Word
Now the theme turns to false teachers/prophets
Important to start with 2 Peter 1
Those two are vital to getting at the truth
I. The Certainty of False Prophets V. 1
There were false prophets among the people
There will be false prophets among you
1. Scripture warns of this often
Matthew 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”
Matthew 24:11 “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.”
Matthew 24:24-25 “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.”
2 Cor. 11:12-15 “But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
1 John 4:1-3 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
2. The Reason false prophets exist:
1) It is a work of the enemy to deceive men 2 Cor. 11 (above)
2) It is men’s desire to have their ears tickled
1 Kings 22:1-8
3. The reaction of the Church:
We need to be watchful
We need to “try the spirits” and see if they are of God
Cannot accept something as good just because is in a Church
II. The Work of False Prophets V. 1
1. Their teaching: “destructive heresies”
Uses word destructive twice in v. 1
How is it destructive?
Leads to eternal judgment
May not be destructive as far as human standards go:
A Church can teach heresy and grow by leaps and bounds
Often their teaching starts out with some element of truth
Often a verse from the Bible, then drifts away
2. The extent: “Even denying the Lord.”
Often is very subtle and often in definition of terms
Not often come right out and deny Christ up front
III. The Influence of false prophets v. 2
1. Many will follow their pernicious ways
1) Pernicious: Kenneth Wuest: refers to immoral lifestyle as a result of their teaching.
Matt. 7 Jesus said that we will know by their fruit
2) Many will follow
Matt. 7:13-14 wide and narrow way
3) Reason:
*Tell people what they want to hear: feel good
*Subtle and deceptive: People are blinded to the truth
2. Many will speak evil of the truth
“the way of truth will be blasphemed”
Because many follow the truth will be evil spoke of
“How dare you tell us our way is wrong”
“Power in numbers, or so it seems.”
IV. The Method of False Prophets v. 3
1. Covetousness (this speaks more to motive)
Desire for money, popularity, prestige, ego, power, etc.
Condemned: Titus 1:9-11 Jude 16-19
2. Deceptive words
Deceptive has the idea of molding like in clay or wax
Here words molded for flattery, or to lead astray.
3. Make merchandise of people: Exploit you
Look at as something to gain rather than someone to lead
Often exploit fears, uncertainties, needs, emotions, etc.
V. The Judgment of False teachers.
We will look at this next week.
Application by Dr. Richard DeHaan
“The stern warning of this passage cannot be taken lightly. False teaching is running rampant throughout Christendom. Everything from a blatant denial of the Word of God to a subtle, slight departure from the truth can be found within the Church and its related institutions. The damage being done is pervasive and far-reaching and leads to eternal consequences.
Heed the danger signal given by Peter. If allowed free course within the Church, heretics will promote a philosophy that is destructive, defiling and defamatory. They will keep some from receiving the Gospel of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. They will entice God’s people to follow their wicked example of sinful, fleshly living. And they will cause the holy name of Christ to be blasphemed.
Beware of all false teachers—even if their error is slight. Reject them as dangerous, both to you and to your church. Repudiate their teachings as untrue, and see them as a grave threat to God’s people. Renounce their evil way of life as self-exalting and godless. When you do, you and your church will be kept free from doctrinal and moral impurity.
