Before my husband and I became followers of Christ, we sometimes watched a show called the PTL Club. The infamous preacher Jim Bakker and his spider-lashed wife Tammy Faye were the creators and hosts. We didn’t watch it to get religion. We watched it for its entertainment value.
Jim Bakker acquired millions by “enticing unsteady souls” (2 Peter 2:14), and paid high prices to cover up his sexual escapades. Though, while in jail, he has since repented (and only God can know his heart), he was the quintessential false teacher described in 2 Peter 2.
Second Peter 2 is a harsh indictment against false teachers. God unambiguously holds in holy disdain anyone who would infiltrate his church and lead his children astray. He calls false teachers “bold and willful” (v. 10), “irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed” (v. 12), “blots and blemishes” (v. 13), “accursed children” (v. 14), and “waterless springs” (v. 17). Peter writes with Old Testament vehemence to illustrate the gravity of God’s righteous wrath against those who would dare try to deceive his elect.
Jesus addressed this issue in Matthew 24:24. “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” These words are terrifying, until we remember that if we remain in Christ, relentlessly pursuing knowledge through scripture and following his precepts, he promises to rescue us just like he did Noah and Lot.
Matthew Henry wrote, “When God sends destruction on the ungodly, he commands deliverance for the righteous; and if he rain fire and brimstone on the wicked, he will cover the head of the just, and they shall be hid in the day of his anger.” These are comforting words, if you are confident enough to count yourself among the righteous. How do you gain this confidence? By knowing the living God and his Son, Jesus Christ, through a constant study of scripture.
Reflect
False teachers are subtle, just like their “father below,” to quote C.S. Lewis. Their teachings are peppered with enough truth so those who stay ignorant of God’s Word might easily fall prey to them. They use scripture as craftily as Satan did when he tempted Jesus in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11). They boldly proclaim, “You can do it, because thus says the Lord!”
Our only protection against false teachers is a proper and thorough understanding of the inerrant Word of God.
Read the following quotes from some prominent false teachers of our day. Then read the accompanying scriptures.
What are some distinctions between these false teachings and those that are true?
“Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you’re going to live your life.” Joel Osteen
“Your job is the relentless pursuit of who God made you to be. And everything else you do is sin…” Rob Bell
“God has already done everything he’s going to do. The ball is now in your court. If you want success…wisdom…to be prosperous and healthy, you’re going to have to do more than meditate and believe; you must boldly declare words of faith and victory over yourself and your family.” Joel Osteen
“If it is true, if it is beautiful, if it is honorable, if it is right, then claim it. Because it is from God. And you belong to God.” Rob Bell
Pray
Dear Father, thank you for leaving your Word to guide us into all truth. Help us to reject the subtle lies sown into the teachings of false teachers. Help us to love the truth, seek the things above, and to claim victory in the pursuit of Christ alone. Amen