TO CHEW ON: "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. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption." 2 Peter 2:18-19
In this diatribe against destructive doctrines Peter gives his readers some ways to identify false teachers. As we face the array of teachers and teachings available through the radio, TV, books and the internet we do well to be alert to these things in what we see, hear, and read.
Characteristics of false teachers and teachings that Peter names:
1. They can be "among us" - 2 Peter 2:1.
2. They are secretive.
3. Their destructive heresies deny Jesus in some way.
4. They are covetous - 2 Peter 2:3,14.
5. They are presumptuous and self-willed - 2 Peter 2:9.
6. They are disrespectful.
7. They mock what they don't understand - 2 Peter 2:12.
8. They celebrate their new beliefs - 2 Peter 2:13.
9. They are adulterous - 2 Peter 2:14.
10. They seek to entice others.
11. Their teachings promise a lot but deliver little - 2 Peter 2:17.
12. Their teachings and lifestyles are sensual - 2 Peter 2:18.
13. They promise liberty but are themselves slaves of sin - 2 Peter 2:19.
A sidebar article in my Bible poses six questions we can ask when we encounter spiritual teachings:
"Here is a test to determine if any revelation is true or false. Does it reinforce God's word and: 1] lead me to Christ and fill me with love for His church; 2] align itself with the clear and complete teachings of the Bible; 3] strengthen my faith and give me an honorable purpose in life; 4] turn me from wrongdoing, promoting righteousness and purity in my life; 5] find wide acceptance and affirmation by notable men and women of God; and 6] build up the body of Christ equipping believers for the work of ministry?" James W. Ryle - "False Prophets," New Spirit-Filled Life Bible, p. 1776,7.
Faithfulness to God's word is the gold standard of teaching. Let's get to know it so we will not be deceived.
PRAYER: Dear God, help me to have a mind and heart that absorb and retain the truths of the Bible. Amen
MORE: Only 23 more sleeps till Christmas
Advent Calendar - December 2 Christmas Fact:
Advent calendars are thought to have been invented in Germany around the turn of the twentieth century. Many are double layers of cardboard with perforated windows which open onto the day’s surprise, perhaps a picture, trinket or piece of candy. In Germany, homemade Advent calendars were sometimes made in the shape of cardboard houses.
Writer Ann Voskamp's son Caleb and his siblings make a beautiful Advent wreath out of wood which also functions as a calender. The Cradle to Cross wreath can be used at Easter time too. Check out the Cradle to Cross Wreath here.
Whatever form they take, Advent calendars are a playful way to count the days between December 1st and 25th.
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