2 Peter 2:1-3 (NKJV) But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.
V1 “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.” Israel had the problem of false prophets (as they also will in the Tribulation–Matthew 24:11 and Revelation 16:13). The church has the problem of false teachers. The “people” are the Jews. These false teachers have a plan–coming into a church and stealthily teaching false doctrine. They do this by introducing the false doctrines a little at a time over even as long as 2 years. They say what they believe but when hired for the position, they start teaching their lies.
From one of my short notes:
What Makes One a Heretic and False Teacher?
Suppression and rejection of Biblical truth in its plain, normal sense interpretation. There is a standard of truth—the Bible. It is the only source of 100% truth.
False methods of interpretation:
- False definitions of words
- A lack of using context
- Using the original languages wrongly (interpreting them to suit one’s beliefs and out of context)
- False trust in the “special” teacher
- Ignorance of the Bible
- Ignorance of God’s worldview, beliefs, and rules
Bible verses and chapters about false teachers:
2 Peter 2: Characteristics
- Stealthily teach heresies in very little steps (such teaching can lead to denying the Lord)
- Often immoral (false motives)
- Deceptive words (false definitions)
The downhill drift:
- False or ignorant Bible interpretation
- Believing it, they begin to see that interpretation all over the Scriptures.
- Finally, they teach and live it.
To avoid:
- Know the Scriptures—the only source of 100% truth
- Know proper Bible interpretation as Dr David Cooper and Dr Cooper Abrams III teach.
- Read, study, and apply the Bible’s teachings
- Reject
The main issue is that people do not know (Biblically illiterate), are not taught (hireling pastor), and have no desire to.
When people are ignorant or lazy, they hear a well educated, great speaker, personality, and authoritative. When what they teach is attractive to the carnal mind, that Christian falls into error. And, eventually are so dedicated to that person’s teaching that they mock any other teacher, even the Bible itself. Sometimes believing they have true Christianity.
V2 “And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.”
The affect of false teachers on believers. The teaching of a false teacher has consequences–destruction. There is damage to our faith and our way of life, which, in turn, will affect our family, neighborhood, society, church, school, employment, etc.
The affect of false teachers on unbelievers. What is said and lived has an affect on non-believers, too–blaspheme God.
V3 “By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.” Their sales hook are the promises of wealth and peace. The Greek word for “exploit” is (G1710) ἐμπορεύομαι emporeuomai, which means traveling to make money as a peddler. The merchandize is Christians–their loyalty, their time, their money, their family members, etc. Some of them also claim to be prophets of the Lord Jesus, but they are deceived and deceiving. Compare Jude 1:4. We are to always remember how easy it is to be deceived (Jeremiah 17:9).
An example is the deceptions of the Gibeonites in Joshua 9.
We are to expose them instead–Ephesians 5:11-12.
From one source (https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/12/retired-fbi-agent-warns-do-not-trust-people-who-have-these-8-habits-of-dishonesty.html):
Signs of deception
- They speak in absolutes, such as ‘always’ and ‘never.’
- They brag by downplaying their accomplishments.
- They’re highly defensive.
- They love to debate.
- They talk too much and say too little.
- They don’t know how to apologize.
- They display uncomfortable body language.
There is safety in the truth: And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32, NKJV)
Rejection or suppression of truth (Romans 1:18) leads to deception. Compare Ahab in 2 Chronicles 18:19-22 and unbelievers in the last days in 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12.
We learn:
- That deceivers do exist
- That deceivers like deceiving
- Some are deceived themselves
- God has the truth