2nd Peter 2:1-3 DANGERS FROM FALSE TEACHERS In contrast to "holy men of God" were the "false prophets who were among the people" in the nation of Israel in Old Testament times. Some thing and some people do not change. Claims and predictions were made by false prophets like Balaam who had ulterior motives similar to those of false teachers today. False teachers want to be popular and have personal gain which is most often financial. They have learned how to use words in a deceptive way so that their natural ability makes they socially acceptable and appealing to those who want a worldly lifestyle with popularity. Spiritual and godly living are not as important to false teachers as is the pursuit of satisfying the "lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes and the pride of life." False prophets preached peace when there was no peace because of the wickedness of men. False peace is taught by false teachers today who will not confront sin and will not warn their hearers of the consequences of sin. They want people to be comfortable and want everyone to be tolerant of others no matter how deviant their lifestyle may be. I saw an advertisement for "evangelistic meetings" that said the subject would be "The Good News about Hell !!" The teaching those who would have attended heard - "There is no Hell!"
Much of the false teaching now, as was true in the early church, is related to the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ. Like the false prophets in the Old Testament times told the people only what they wanted to hear, so false teachers were undermining the deity of Christ on one hand and His humanity on the other. The importance of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ was belittled and His teaching was twisted to suit the desire of the people. The teaching of the apostles as well was ignored, explained away and/or rejected. All of these teachings continue today and seem to be increasing as immoral living becomes increasingly rampant. Books, TV programs and seminars are being held that demean the fundamentals of the Bible and undermine basic Christian doctrine as taught by our Lord, the apostles and Bible-believing teachers.
Such people move in among the people of God as they seek to deceptively bring in destructive, sectarian and divisive doctrines in subtle ways. In playing upon words and using biblical terms in ways different from the biblical context, even some of God's people begin to question what they have been taught by faithful men. "Born again" is used by many to mean merely changing something used to an updated condition such as a house, car or even a doctrine, rather than a new nature begotten in a person by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Salvation, faith, inspiration and truth beside many other biblical words are given a slant by false teachers that is not at all consistent with what the Bible teaches.
Further dangers from false teachers comes not only with their "damnable heresies" or points of view, but they go further by denying the Lord who "bought" them. This word "bought" does not mean they are children of God, but that the death of Christ has paid the price for sin that was sufficient to meet the need of the whole world. It is "unto all" but only "upon all" who believe. The salvation of the soul is limited to those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone as the Savior of sinners. The results of such rejection of the Lord is condemnation now and eternal destruction that inevitably will follow.
False teachers can often be identified by the way they live and/or condone immoral practices that have become so common and accepted by modern society. It is easy for those who live sexually immoral lives to listen to and agree with those whose teaching does not condemn their lifestyle. Greed and a desire for money to be contributed to them is also a major motivation behind their teaching. Any money the people of God contribute to "Christian causes" should be to promote reliable ministries we know are biblical and beneficial to others, and the funds will be used in ways which we know God can use and bless. Those false teachers whose lifestyle, promotions and interests are inconsistent with the truth of God must be rejected, not supported.
There are usually evasive words used when a false teacher is asked for proof of their teaching from the scriptures. Evidence behind their claims of miracles are often not to be found. They can become upset, angry and offended when challenged to produce evidence for the results they claim as well as the source behind their teaching. A true teacher who ministers the word for our Lord Jesus Christ has noting to hide. He will not be asking for financial support to be given to him. One who preaches the truth in love does not handle the word of God deceitfully. He will be open and honest and willing to answer the questions put to him by those who honestly want to know the source of his teaching, why he is doing it and how he is supported.
"Pernicious ways" lead to division and destruction. The "way of truth" is pure and brings delight to those who hear and obey it. We have to expect opposition to the way of truth and the teaching of the truth because it is contrary to that which appeals to the flesh and caters to moral depravity that is accepted today as normal. In fact, moral depravity in many places has been legislated as legal, and any who speak against ot can be charged with breaking these new laws. The way of the ungodly and the way of truth cannot be mixed and cannot both be followed at the same time.
The dangers from false teachers comes from their covetous desire to generate money for themselves and for their own personal gain. Their feigned words are arguments used to exploit and turn aside the people of God. They suit their words to fit what people want to hear, and in that way conceal what should be revealed. They will use crafty, deceptive words presented in a skillful way mixed with scriptures references often out of context to get their point across. They will appear loving, friendly and authoritative, perhaps even uniquely wise, so they can carry out the dark interests of Satan without a sense of shame. Their smooth words will seem to be gracious, forgiving and convincing. At the same time, they seek to undermine the words of truth, faith and righteousness. SUBTLETY Greed is not really unknown In fact, it is quite common to man "Do what you have to, to prosper - Get all you can get while you can!" Words like this clearly reveal What a person is like deep inside
When it seems like they have all the answers They usually have something to hide.
Words can be used in strange ways Often words used are crafty and deceptive Not everyone means what they say They are looking for the gullible to be receptive So, they appear to be loving and friendly In order to get subtle teaching across But when all is finally said and done Those they deceive will find out they are lost.
The lifestyle they promote is what's popular "After all," they say, "It is up to you - To determine what is important and meaningful It doesn't matter just what you will do - Because you are a free to choose What you believe and how you will live - Don't worry about what the Bible teaches - Don't pay attention to warnings teachers will give."
"I am asking Father, for discernment and the wisdom to know how to respond to the subtle dangers of false teaching. My biggest concern is that I do not overlook the first signs of falsehood. Then I realize to teach the truth is a better solution then to merely condemn those who are false. Help Thy servant to speak the truth in love with authority. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen"