"For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning." –2 Peter 2:20
At some point, in some way, we all will find ourselves vulnerable to deceptive and destructive false teaching. It comes in a myriad of ways, but, in one regard it is always the same. Satan brings us teaching that affirms our own self-idolatrous lusts that rebel against God. We will be tempted to be true twisted ideas that sanction what God's Word condemns.
Key statements in chapter two expose why some end up falling prey to false teachers. "By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words" (v. 3). "They allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness" (v. 18). "They promise them liberty," but are "brought into bondage" (v. 19-20).
Rather than turn to the promises of God that offer us spiritual growth through partaking in divine life, we can find ourselves so drawn to a twisted view of the gospel of grace that we feel free to participate in crippling activities—the very things from which we can be liberated because of Christ's death on the cross.
From spiritual pride to pornography, Satan employs a long and varied list of deceptions to derail us from a path that brings us to greater and greater conformity to Christ. But the end is the same: it brings to pass the proverb, "A dog returns to his own vomit, and a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire" (v. 22, Prov. 26:11). To give ourselves over to destructive, false doctrine ultimately reveals the true heart condition of both the deceiver and the deceived. For this reason, Peter graphically warns not only the flock of God of the judgment that awaits them, but also their false teachers. Their judgment will be severe because they knowingly seek to destroy the seeds of grace and faith planted in the hearts of people.
False teachers can look forward to the same kind of extreme judgment God exacted upon fallen angels banished from heaven, a sinful world destroyed by the flood, and the obliterated cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. (v. 4-6). Peter's description of these false teachers reveals how fully deserving they are of judgment. They are presumptuous, self-willed, brute beasts, party to their own deception, trained in covetous practices, accursed, those who love money taken in unrighteousness (v. 10-15). Yet, like many of Satan's servants, they will appear to many as angels of light (2 Cor. 11:14).
When you feel the deceptive pull of false teaching, beware. Don't be like a dog that turns back to its vomit and reconnect with sin by the influences of evil deceptive teachers. Instead, let us turn with greater passion to God who is able to keep us and deliver us from temptation. Let us go to God's promises of a transforming life rather than a path of sure judgment.
Destructive Doctrines
1 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.
v. 1 False Prophets – These two English words come from one Greek word, "pseudoprophetes" (Gk.) meaning, a pretended foreteller or religious impostor; one who, acting the part of a divinely inspired prophet, utters falsehoods under the guise of divine prophecies. A true prophet is one who speaks under the divine influence of God. Peter has been writing concerning the reliability of God's Word and the prophecies that have come down to us through holy men of God (1:21). Now Peter turns his attention to false prophets. Jewish history records many false prophets who tried to turn God's people from the truth. Peter seeks to show us both sides of the story. There were true prophets. And there were false prophets. This is a sober reminder that we shouldn't automatically trust someone who claims to be a prophet of God. The scriptures give us a method of determining which prophets are true and which prophets are false in Deuteronomy 13:1-5,18:20-22. Who Will Secretly Bring In – A false Prophet is working under cover. He is masquerading as a true prophet. You will never hear a false prophet announce to you that he is about to deceive you. The work of a false prophet is a secret work. Destructive – "apoleia" (Gk.) ruin or loss; physical, spiritual, or eternal Heresies – "hairesis" (Gk.) Factions, disunion. A heresy is a split or break off. Not all splits are destructive. But Peter is pointing out that the distinguishing characteristic of the teaching of a false teacher is that they will bring to the body of Christ a harmful split through divisive false doctrine which either departs from God's truth or alters Christian doctrine enough to be dangerous. Denying the Lord Who Bought Them – This phrase brings to light two important facts. 1) The teachings of false teachers are essentially denying the Lord. This indicates the magnitude of false doctrine. To teach doctrine other than or contrary to the Lord's teaching is actually denying the Lord. 2) The false teacher's doctrine is not only denying the Lord, but denying the Lord who bought them. This suggests that a false teacher might actually be a backslidden or apostate Christian. Bought – "agorazo" (Gk.) purchase, redeem. This is referring to Christ's redemptive act of purchasing them with His blood shed on the cross. Swift – "tachinos" (Gk.) Here can either mean imminent or quick. False teachers have often continued spreading their false doctrine for years without being punished or inhibited. But we do know that when judgment comes it will be swift. False teachers will some day suffer the consequences of a sudden and decisive judgment. | Destruction – "apoleia" (Gk.) is much more than a mere punishment. It refers to a complete and lasting ruin. This same Greek word has also been translated damnation by the KJV in 2 Peter 2:3. v. 2 Many Will Follow – Unfortunately, false teachers often do deceive many people. See Matthew 7:13-15. As a result, there are many apostate churches teaching false and destructive doctrines which have grown to worldwide status. A large following does not in itself indicate authenticity. Destructive Ways – These two English words have been translated from one Greek word, "apoleia" (Gk.), meaning, damnable; the destruction, which consists of eternal misery in hell. Because of Whom the Way of Truth Will be Blasphemed– False teachers give true Christianity a bad name. Not only are false teachers bringing destructive and blasphemous teachings to the naïve or uninformed Christian, but they also cause the unbelievers to blaspheme. Often the world looks on and sees the ways of false teachers and false religion and they find a misinformed reason to blaspheme God. the Way of Truth – The Christian doctrines and teachings of Christ. Blasphemed – "blasphemeo" (Gk.) to speak reproachfully, rail at, revile v. 3 Covetousness – "pleonexia" (Gk.) A greedy desire to have more. Peter reveals that the motive of the false teacher is Greed. This is why false teachers often will require a high commitment of giving money and your need to contribute to their cause. Exploit – To exploit someone means to selfishly take advantage of someone for personal gain. The false teacher is not interested in bringing glory to God. The false teacher is only out to make use of others to his benefit. Deceptive – It is quite possible that the false teacher truly believes what he is teaching because he himself has been deceived. But whether the false teacher sincerely believes his own doctrine or not, his teachings consist of deceptive words. This means that his teachings are not to be trusted because they are misleading and misrepresenting God's truth. does not Slumber – Simply put, though it may seem God has overlooked the sin of these false prophets, His judgment will surely come upon them. |
Doom of False Teachers
4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, 11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.
v. 4 God did not Spare the Angels who Sinned – The scriptures teach that Hell was originally designed for the devil and his angels who sinned before man was created (Is. 14:12, Matt 25:41, Jude 1:6). v. 5 did not spare the Ancient World – Here is another example of the judgment of God upon those who oppose Him. Peter moves from his example of false prophets to the angels to the example of ancient man. See Genesis 6 for the example of God judging ancient man with the flood in Noah's day. The idea that God did not spare those who sinned against Him is the main point here. ungodly – "asebes" (Gk.) godless, irreverent, impious or wicked v. 6 Sodom and Gomorrah – You can read about this actual, historical account in Genesis 19-24. This is another graphic example from the God punishing the wicked. The point is that God does punish sin. And His sentence is severe. Example – Here is the point of Peter's illustrations. The record of God passing judgment upon the wicked in the past serves as examples for those who live in the present and future. v. 7 Oppressed by the Filthy Conduct of the Wicked – Lot is an example to us how a righteous person can live among the wicked and not become wicked himself. Lot was greatly troubled by the conduct and lifestyle of the wicked living around him. Yet, Lot never shared in the delights of their entertainments or took pleasure in their intoxications. v. 8 Righteous Man, Dwelling Among Them – Peter is drawing attention to a rare phenomenon that a good man would live long term among the wicked and yet never tolerate compromise in his own life. In the example of Lot, he not only remained righteous but continued to hate their lawless deeds. Only by God's grace can anyone live in a wicked world and yet not become influenced, tempted or corrupted by that wickedness. | v. 9 Temptations – an enticement to sin Reserve – There is a day reserved in the future when everyone will receive his or her just reward or punishment. See Rev. 20:11-21:8. Unjust – "adikos" (Gk.) unrighteous, descriptive of one who violates or has violated justice Day of Judgment – The day when God will render judgment to all men for their deeds whether good or evil, believers (2 Cor 5:10) and unbelievers (Rev 20:11-15). See also Matt 10:15; 11:22,24; 12:36; Mark 6:11; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:7; 1 John 4:17. v. 10 Walk According to the Flesh – This means to live a life driven by the base, animal appetites (Gal 5:19-21) as opposed to living according to the leading of God's Spirit (Gal 5:22, 23). Uncleanness – That which defiles in God's sight. Despise Authority – Here is another characteristic of the unjust. The wicked hate authority. For all authority is ultimately from God (Rom 13:1-5; 1 Pet 2:13,14). Presumptuous – "tolmetes" (Gk.) Bold, daring, disrespectful, or overconfident, especially in doing something when not entitled to do it. Self-Willed – "authades" (Gk.) arrogant and self-pleasing Dignitaries – "doxa" (Gk.) glorious ones, i.e. angels |
Depravity of False Teachers
12 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, 13 and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, 14 having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. 15 They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.
v. 12 Like Natural Brute Beasts Made to be Caught and Destroyed – Peter compares false teachers to wild animals that are so far beyond taming that they must be put down to prevent them from doing deadly damage to others. Will Utterly Perish in their Own Corruption – Peter informs us that false teachers will utterly perish in their own corruption. Peter uses a common Greek expression of his day, "here shall in their destroying surely be destroyed." v. 13 Wages of Unrighteousness – The scriptures declare that the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). Also compare Eze. 18:4,20; 1 Cor. 6:9,10; Gal. 3:10; 6:7, 8; and Rev. 21:8. Carouse in the Daytime – The false teachers Peter is describing here are so far from proper sensitivities that they take pleasure in sinning out in the open in broad daylight for all to see, in contrast to those who at least have enough sense of shame to do their sinful living at night or under cover of darkness (Rom. 13:13, 1 Thess. 5:7-8). Spots and Blemishes – These false teachers often mingle in with true Christians and try to blend into the Body of believers. The church is called the Bride of Christ. And Christ's Bride is to be found spotless and without blemish (Eph 5:27). Thus Peter describes these false teachers as unsightly disfigurements on the Bride of Christ. v. 14 Eyes Full of Adultery – This is a picture of an unfaithful spouse. Though they may be married, their eyes are always wandering, searching for another, looking around with lustful appetite. Enticing Unstable Souls – Descriptive of the type of person who takes advantage of the spiritually vulnerable. Accursed Children – There are only two kinds of children according to scripture. There are children of God and there are children of the Devil. Compare John 8:44 with Eph. 2:2, 3; 5:6, 8. v. 15 Forsaken the Right Way and Gone Astray – This is a picture of one starting on the right path and ending up on the wrong path. To go astray can be either intentional or accidental. But the word forsaken is definitely a deliberate act. | Way of Balaam...Who Loved the Wages of Unrighteousness – Continuing with the thought of starting at the right place and ending up at the wrong place, Peter uses Balaam as an example. Balaam was a prophet who went astray. You can read about this wayward prophet in Numbers chapters 22-24. Moses made mention of him again in Num. 31:16 and he is also mentioned in Rev. 2:14 as one who set a stumbling block before God's people. To commit sin is bad enough. But to cause others to sin is even worse. He loved the wages of unrighteousness (financial gain). Balaam was willing to cause God's people to fall into sin for his own monetary profit. v. 16 Rebuked for His Iniquity: a Dumb Donkey – Again, speaking of the prophet Balaam. See Num. 22:27-34. v. 17 Wells Without Water – The culture in which this was written often depended upon wells for water. The purpose of a well is to hold water. A well without water is useless. In some cases people in ancient times would use broken wells that no longer held water as crypts to dispose of dead bodies. A well without water often would be turned into a trash dump or a gravesite. Disappointment and horror would overtake the thirsty traveler looking for water when he would discover a site such as this. Thus, this was a stinging description of a false prophet. Clouds Carried by a Tempest – This is another illustration of something that should bring water and refreshment but ultimately brings disappointment as it blows by without delivering what was hoped for. Another stinging description of a false prophet. Blackness of Darkness Forever – Peter seeks to make his readers understand both the severity of the present condition of a false teacher and the dreadfulness of his future. Jesus used similar language in describing the place for those cast out of God's kingdom (Matt. 8:12; 22:13; 25:30). Hell is both a dreadful place and an eternal place. |
Deceptions of False Teachers
18 For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire."
v. 18 Great Swelling Words of Emptiness – a bitter description of the arrogance false prophets. To be arrogant is to think you are more important than you really are (Rom. 12:3). These false teachers take what is actually empty and void (their false doctrines) and swell it up out of proportion as if what they say has great substance. One of the distinguishing marks of false doctrine is an arrogant exclusivity that masquerades as better than others or above all the rest. They Allure Through the Lusts of the Flesh – The false teacher may be hiding behind a spiritual mask, but in reality they are teaching things that appeal to the flesh. Many of the teachings of cults will appeal to the lusts of the flesh. An example of this would be the Gnostic doctrine in Peter's day that said it didn't matter what you do with your flesh, so you can sin all that you want. Or at the other extreme many false teachings appeal to the flesh because they are based upon man's works and pride rather than the simple need of God's Grace. Allure – entice Lewdness – Through shameless sensuality. Some false teachers are skilled at twisting good to look like evil and wrong to look like right. Who Have Actually Escaped from Those Who Live in Error – Peter is informing us that those who have once escaped from error can actually be seduced or allured into error again. v. 19 Brought Into Bondage – Jesus said, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. This principle can be found throughout the New Testament. See John 8:34, Romans 6:13-22 and Titus 3:3. v. 20 After They Have Escaped...Through the Knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – This clearly describes a true, born-again believer. Escaped the pollutions of the world is a phrase describing one who has legitimately been delivered from sin. The word knowledge here is the Greek word epignosis, which means a correct and precise knowledge. It is the kind of knowledge a true believer possesses. | Again Entangled in Them and Overcome – The word again clarifies a repeat of something. Thus, the people Peter is describing were once entangled in the past and have found deliverance and gone back into entanglement again. Entangled describes a backslidden Christian struggling in sin. Overcome describes a person who is totally defeated and in a decisive state of complete surrender to sin. The Latter End is Worse for Them Than the Beginning – A person who has experienced this again experience, finds himself in worse condition spiritually than before his original deliverance from sin. See Matt. 12:45; Luke 11:26. v. 21 The way – Figurative of the Christian doctrines and teachings of Christ (John 14:6, Acts 16:17; 18:25,26; 24:14). The way of being right with God through the righteousness of Christ (2 Cor 5:21, Eph 2:8-10). Righteousness – In this context the doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God. the Holy Commandment – The standards and laws delivered to us through Christ and the New Testament writings. v. 22 A Dog Returns to His Own Vomit – This is a quote from Proverbs 26:11 and quoted to illustrate the actions of a fool. A Sow, Having Washed, to Her Wallowing in the Mire – These are repulsive illustrations of what these animals commonly do. |
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