Beware of False Teachers

Series: 1 & 2 Peter – Faithful Endurance
Text: 2 Peter 2

Main Idea: Be careful who you are listening to.

2 Peter 2:1-3
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.”

Explaining the Context

This section begins with “but,” connecting it to what came before.

2 Peter 1:16-21
“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty… knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

The church was in exile, under persecution, and false teachers were distorting the Word of God.

I. False Teachers Have Always Been With Us

We live in an age where anyone with Wi-Fi can teach, influence, and gain followers. Sadly, many believe things regardless of whether they’re true. But false teachers are nothing new—they’ve prowled the Church since the beginning.

2 Peter 2:1-3

Key Points:

• False teaching leads people away from the truth and away from God.

• The devil is the father of lies.
  John 8:44
  “You are of your father the devil… When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

• False teaching is often subtle—it mimics truth while distorting it.

• Know what you believe and why you believe it.

• Be cautious about who you allow to influence your theology—seek trustworthy, gospel-rooted sources.

II. False Teachers Are a Danger to Themselves and Others

False teaching can look refreshing, but it’s spiritually toxic.

2 Peter 2:17-19
“These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm… They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.”

Key Points:

• Peter uses two metaphors:

  • “Waterless springs” – looks promising but has no life.

  • “Mists driven by a storm” – chaotic, unstable, and dangerous.

• False teaching appeals to the flesh, not to the Spirit.
  Jeremiah 2:13
  “For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

• False prophets offer vain hopes.
  Jeremiah 23:16-17
  “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes... they say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, ‘It shall be well with you.’”

• In today’s world, this is what the prosperity gospel does—it turns the gospel inward and focuses on self instead of Christ.

III. Cling to the Truth

The Codex Sinaiticus – an ancient, nearly complete New Testament manuscript from around AD 350. The New Testament has unparalleled historical accuracy and reliability.

Historical Comparison:

• Aristotle – lived 384–322 BC; earliest copies from AD 1100 (1,400 years later), 49 copies.

• Homer’s Iliad – written in 900 BC; earliest copies from 400 BC (500 years later), 643 copies.

• New Testament – earliest copies within 100 years, 5,600+ manuscripts with 99.5% accuracy.

Scripture Emphasis:

2 Peter 1:16-21
“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths… but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty… pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place… no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

• Peter was an eyewitness of the Transfiguration.
  Matthew 17:1-6
  “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

• This isn’t secondhand belief—it’s firsthand testimony.

• We can trust God's Word. It is inspired, preserved, and powerful.

• Jesus said:
  John 8:31-32
  “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Conclusion

In a world full of dangerous lies, we have access to the source of all truth—God’s Word.
Peter didn’t just preach the gospel—he died for it.

Be careful who you listen to.
Compare everything to Scripture.
Cling to the truth.

Challenge

Lectio Divina – John 14:1-14

• Read – Slowly read the passage.

• Reflect – What stands out to you?

• Respond in Prayer – Talk to God about it.

• Rest – Sit quietly in His presence.