Scripture
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
Reflection
Peter starts this section with the word “but” because he was explaining in prior verses about how their message was authentic, with reliable eyewitness testimonies. Now he warns readers just as there were false prophets all throughout Old Testament times, and false teachers were still present in their time. Such people who communicate untruths about God are ever present, and the reader must be aware of their devious intent, their domino effect on those who follow/believe them, and the serious consequences that awaits these falsifiers.
Thoughts for the day
- How familiar are you with God to know/sense what is a false – or an incomplete (and therefore untrue) – representation of who God is when you hear it? Make effort to get into His word – it’s full of his words and actions that reveal who he is?
- Sometimes it does not take a physical false teacher to mislead, sometimes the devil plants conclusions or assumptions about God in our hearts and minds. Check yourself every now and then by asking, “What do my actions and decisions (especially those that generate tension, nervousness, anxiety) reflect about what I really believe about God?” Check today?
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Dear God and heavenly father, please let me know you more truly each day. Help me enjoy being in your word. Open my eyes to your heart towards this world and me. Give me insight into where I have misunderstood you or somehow just believed or assumed something about you that is untrue.
