2nd Peter 2:10-16 DESCRIPTION OF DECEIVERS A person with the heart of a shepherd knows that not only does truth have to be taught so the hearers understand what it means to be a Christian and live like one, but warnings have to be given as well as to dangers from false teachers and their doctrine. In an outreach Gospel effort, after the meeting ended and those who attended were urged to repent and put their trust in Christ alone, outside there were people who were waiting for the people to come outside so they could get them to sign a card. The people were told if they answered four questions and signed their name, they were saved. How deceptive and evil that was! It is not enough for us to be "positive" in our teaching and preaching. We also have to defend the faith against those who would make "easy believe-ism" out to be God's salvation. Any who add to or take away from the Gospel message are false teachers. We must be fair, honest and biblical when we preach the Gospel. People need to know what is scriptural and right, and also unscriptural and wrong.
The false teachers of Peter's day and our day as well, are not Christians. They are not true believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. They follow the corrupt actions of their sinful nature and adapt their teaching to suit man's fallen nature. Pride, self-will, boldness, arrogance and outspoken challenges against leadership in churches and/or government marks their words coming from inflated egos. They are not respectful of, but rather question authority. Disrespect and daring words spoken against any who do not agree with them identifies them as false teachers. They mocked angels and men alike in those days. They are unafraid of speaking evil of dignitaries even though the angels do not do that. Angels leave judgment to the Lord.
In preaching and teaching the word of God we do not have the right to speak evil of others by name nor is it right to publicly speak against denominations by name. To state what others believe and teach, is not wrong because they do that themselves. False doctrine is exposed for what it is when the message of truth is given with scriptural backing because scripture is its own best defense. The truth when aptly taught is what clarifies a doctrine, not our condemnation of individuals. When Daniels and the other young captives refused to eat the food from the Babylonian king, they did so with a respectful attitude and a positive alternative that did not defy the authority of the government or the king's servant who was in charge.
This attitude of respect, dignity and integrity is contrasted with false teachers who are like animals without intelligence, motivated only by instinct instead of righteousness and truth. They make a big fuss about that which they do not understand and even blaspheme areas of true teaching which they resist. They can't tell the difference between truth and hearsay. They seek to destroy the faith of some not realizing it is they themselves who are going to be destroyed. They are corrupted by their own corruption. bribery and money motivate them so they can indulge themselves in riotous, shameless living at the expense of those who support them financially. Right out in the open of broad daylight they live a lavish lifestyle like they are intoxicated with pleasure, and they say they can "prove" from the Bible what they are doing is right. More difficult for those who profess to be "non-judgmental Christians" is they come into church gatherings and take the place of being a child of God. Defilement and disgrace to the name of the Lord is a result of their behavior and false teaching. They come to assembly gatherings to satisfy their own depraved nature and to get others to follow them.
Not only are they taking advantage of the believers in the church gatherings, but they look at the women there as a hunter looks for game to capture or kill. If they are listened to or even paid attention to, they not only sin themselves but cause others to sin. They exercise their greed by practicing ahead of time words and ways to get what they want. They are called "children of cursing" who despite their religious appearance are under the curse of God because of their sin.
These false teachers use words like "liberty," but it actually means "turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness." Their excuses are that they believe God's grace will overlook their sin, and "His mercy endureth forever," means there is no punishment for sin. People have been given the idea that they can do their own thing so they can feel "comfortable and fulfilled." Life lived as Christ intended is to false teachers and those who follow them, old-fashioned, not relevant to our day and is way out of date with "up-to-date" Christianity. There is "freedom" granted to those who are young to have things their way. The older folks can stay with their religious forms and habits. All of these ideas from false teachers appeal to those who are "unstable souls" and undermines their faith and commitment to the word of God. Spiritually immature people are more easily turned aside because the things of the world still have a certain appeal to them.
Lust to satisfy the appetites of the flesh is one characteristic of those Peter warned the saints about. Greed, the coveting of money was another. Balaam was an example of one who professed to speak for God and actually said some right things, but his motivation behind the words was money. These false teachers have developed schemes to get gullible people to give money to them. Those who live by faith and trust the Lord to meet their needs will not be "religious hucksters" who make sure people know they need more money. Some things may be legitimate, but to do a right thing in a wrong way doesn't make it right. A covetous person is never satisfied. When money becomes a person's idol, they have broken the law of God in the same way as they would if they lied or stole, took God's name in vain or broke any other commandment.
Just as Balaam would say what ever was expedient, whether it was right or wrong, for money, so do any who love "the wages of unrighteousness." Even an ass speaking the language of the false prophet did not stop his covetousness and the attitude of "madness." He thought he was being wise but he was really out of his mind. The only result of rebellion and covetousness is a form of madness that leads to tragedy. There is an abundance of false teachers asking God's people for financial support in these days. They may be talented speakers, but they are also slick talkers who can deceive people in order to get their money.
The people of God should commit themselves to support those projects that are consistent with the Great Commission we have received from our Lord. Those who carry out the word of the Lord can be trusted because they have been tested by the word of God. They will not try to deceive people and are willing to let those who support them what they are doing with what has been given them. There are many faithful servants of our Lord in fellowship with Christians who gather in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, who are reaching out to the lost all over this world. They are committed to teaching the truth, making disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to practice what our Lord instructed. They will not become rich because of the gifts that have been sent and entrusted to them but will use what they have received in careful, wise ways to further the work to which they are committed.
TESTS Not everyone does well in testing While sitting in a room at school Some just sit and seem to be dreaming Others intent on breaking the rules But there are tests we are taking That are of a far different kind Those tests our character is shaping These life-actions start deep in the mind.
So, when I hear people talk about God I listen to the tone of their voice When one quotes or reads God's word You can tell if they have made Him their choice A casual approach to God's truth Indicates they are not a person of faith Words spoken like that have no worth When one has never experienced God's grace.
Is one's life consistent with their speech? Or do they say one thing and do another? Is what they practice and preach Obviously godly like a child of our Father? Is the "liberty" they preach really true Or is it simply license to do one's own will? By the time their message is through Have you learned or are you in confusion still?
Biblical liberty sets us free from the bondage Of sin and self-will by God's grace A freed slave will give due homage To the One in whose freedom we're placed In this blessed freedom we are able to serve Our Deliver with "grace-bands" from our heart He gave us what we did not deserve Freedom in Christ has given life a new start.
"Father, this move is giving us a new perspective on our service for Thee. May every activity in which we are engaged be something that can glorify Thee and be a true representation of the blessings brought to us by Thy grace. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."