Be Alert
2 Peter 2:1–3, 17–19; Jude 17–23
In our everyday life, we often need to be alert. One of those times is while we’re behind the wheel, as drivers in Alabama recently learned when a kangaroo escaped and was seen leaping along and across the roadway of Interstate 85. The incident created quite a stir and shut down the highway for a time.
As believers, we also must be alert. False teachers and false doctrines abound in our culture, just as they have since New Testament times. Followers of Christ have a responsibility to continue growing spiritually, to learn and teach sound biblical doctrine and to help others know the truth of the gospel.
False Teachers (2 Pet. 2:1–3)
In the early church, false teachers most likely infiltrated the congregations and spread destructive heresies. At the very least, these false teachers caused disunity among the early believers, perhaps by maligning true teachers of the Word.
Peter emphasized that many would follow these false teachers and their doctrinally twisted ways. However, those who tell lies and intentionally corrupt the gospel message to lead people astray will not go unpunished. They are condemned by God and doomed for destruction (to utter darkness or everlasting life in hell).
Empty Promises (17–19)
Peter used illustrations from nature to describe the harmful messages and damage caused by false teachers. The false prophets promised refreshing enjoyment but failed to provide water for the spiritually thirsty. Their promises are as empty as mere mist driven by a storm.
Their methodology entailed boasting, empty words, seduction, fleshly desires and debauchery. Like some television preachers they are all show and no substance. They corrupt themselves. Their message is one of sexual freedom without moral restraint. This false message enslaves rather than providing liberation. Instead of growing in their faith, believers deceived by these teachers fall back into sinful lifestyles.
Jesus is the great liberator (John 8:36). The gospel of Christ gives humans the freedom to be holy and the freedom to obey God.
Consider what makes identifying false teachings so difficult. Does the proliferation of media in our culture today make it easier or harder to discern true teaching?
Division (Jude 17–19)
Jude was a servant and brother of Jesus. Jude urges believers to remember the predictions made by Jesus and the apostles that false teachers would infiltrate the church.
The message of false teachers inevitably leads to false lifestyles based upon ungodly desires. False prophets and teachers create divisions. They are not true believers because they do not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
We should not just write off those who stray, however. We are to love them and earnestly encourage them to return to the faith.
The walk of true believers is an intimate relationship with Jesus. In-depth Bible study can help believers recognize the lies and heresies of erroneous teachers. Coming alongside young or immature believers, discipling them in the Word and praying with them in the Spirit, are important ways we combat false teaching.
What are some other practical ways believers can hold each other accountable?
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Mark Rathel
Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida
