2Peter, #2
False Teachers &
The Day of the Lord
2Peter 2-3
2Peter, #2 False Teachers &
The Day of the Lord
Connections….
• to the previous epistle is that one must
be free of disease (chp.2) and keep the
eye on the goal (chp.3) to be able to
overcome persecution
• to the previous chapter of this epistle is
vv.20-21; i.e. that “no prophecy…is of
one’s own interpretation” and “no
prophecy was ever made by an act of
human will”
• This is exactly what false prophets do!
2Peter, #2 False Teachers &
The Day of the Lord
The Three C’s of False Teachers
• Their Conduct- vv.1-3
“You will know them by their fruits.”
Matt.7:15-16
• Their Condemnation- vv.4-9
“whose end shall be according to
their deeds” 2cor.11:15
• Their Characteristics- vv.10-22
“flattering people for the sake of
gaining an advantage” Jude 15
2Peter, #2 False Teachers &
The Day of the Lord
First, Their Conduct, vv.1-3
• “Secretly introduce”
Disguise and trickery conceal their identity
and purpose, cf. 2Cor.11:13
• “destructive heresies”
Heresies are doctrines or opinions
contrary to truth, cf. 1:3.
Truth saves- thus that which is contrary
destroys.
•
Specifically, this heresy led to the
denial of Jesus as Master. cf. Gen.3:4-5
2Peter, #2 False Teachers &
The Day of the Lord
First, Their Conduct, vv.1-3
• is motivated by Sensuality
If it “feels good” or is “beneficial to me”.
This was the sad commentary at the end of
the period of Judges, Judges 21:25.
• will cause “truth” to be maligned
These fail to heed the warning of Jesus in
Matthew 18:6-7.
This is instead of Truth’s purpose, 1Tim.1:5
• Basically, their conduct is characterized
by Greed and Exploitation.
2Peter, #2 False Teachers &
The Day of the Lord
Second, Their Condemnation, vv.4-9
• God did not spare:
>Angels when they sinned, v.4
>Ancient world in the days of Noah, v.5
>Sodom and Gomorrah, vv.6-8
• And so He will not spare False Teachers
who:
-secretly introduce destructive heresies
-malign truth through sensuality
-exploit people with false words!
2Peter, #2 False Teachers &
The Day of the Lord
Third, Their Characteristics, vv.10-19
• Indulgent of the Flesh, v.10a
Those who “say and do not” Matt.23:3
• Despise Authority, v.10b-13
Their strong self-will and refusal to submit
causes them to be rebellious by nature.
• “Eyes full of Adultery” vv.14-16
Literally, “eyes full of an adulteress”.
He is so intent on his own desires that he
cannot see anything but exploitation
& gratification of his own lusts.
2Peter, #2 False Teachers &
The Day of the Lord
Third, Their Characteristics, vv.10-19
• “Springs without water….” v.17
Only the appearance of sustenance without
any substance.
•
Words are arrogant, vain, and sensual,
v.18
Paul warned Timothy of the same type of
times and people, 2Tim.4:3-4.
• Promise Freedom while being Slaves of
corruption, v.19
They are, as we say, “All talk!”
2Peter, #2 False Teachers &
The Day of the Lord
Their Conclusion? vv.20-22
• Worse than they began! v.20
Once saved, then entangled &“overcome”
is worse than having never begun.
How so?
>They would not have brought reproach
upon the Cause of Christ by their
examples.
>They would not have led others who
sought truth into the same!
>Greater knowledge yields greater
responsibility, cf. Luke 12:47-48.
2Peter, #2 False Teachers &
The Day of the Lord
The Day of the Lord 3:1-7
• Peter reminds his readers to
“remember” vv.1-2
That…
• Not everyone knows and believes that
it will come, vv.1-7
>some mock following their lust instead, v.3
>they assume uniformitarianism, v.4
>they also ignore history, vv.5-6
• The Truth? Judgment is coming! v.7
2Peter, #2 False Teachers &
The Day of the Lord
The Day of the Lord 3:8-13
• Why should “they” not deter you?
-The Lord’s clock/calendar is different, v.8
-He is patient not slow, v.9
• So “It” will come:
>like a thief- unexpectedly, v.10a
>and destroy the present to prepare for
the potential, v.10b
• Since all will be destroyed, what should
you do and be? v.11a
2Peter, #2 False Teachers &
The Day of the Lord
The Day of the Lord 3:8-13
• You should:
-be holy and godly in conduct, v.11b
-be expectant and eager in mind and
attitude, vv.12-13
• So….
>give diligence to being peaceful, spotless,
and blameless , v.14
>understand the patience of our Lord
produces salvation, v.15 > v.9b
>and don’t let your guard down! v.17
2Peter, #2 False Teachers &
The Day of the Lord
and Grow!
in grace and in knowledge, v.18.
It is the surest way for you to
overcome persecution and attain
heaven.
This is the Spirit’s message through
Peter to the faithful facing difficult
times.