False Teachers

Peter gives us a very strong warnings about the kind of teachers that will be around in the Church age. He says,

“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 Peter 2:1

Israel had her share of false prophets over the years. Balaam had caused a great deal of grief and is even mentioned by name by Peter. Elijah had dealt with the prophets of Baal and even the false prophet Micaiah (1 Kings 22). Jeremiah wrestled with Shemaiah, one of the false prophets, who prophesied that the captivity of Babylon would only be temporary (Jeremiah 29). Just as Israel wrestled and were troubled by false prophets, so the Church would struggle with false teachers. These false teachers would privately bring in heresies.

One doesn’t have to look too far in our age to see the kind of heresies that Peter could have been referring to. Some today are minimizing the importance of the cross and resurrection of Christ. Still others reject the historic teaching of eternal punishment for those who reject the gospel. In addition, we hear of attacks on the Bible, the second coming, and many of the essential teachings of the Scripture.

Peter mentions that these false teachers will seek to make merchandise of the people who follow them. In an age of cynicism, you could say that it normally comes down to the money. That’s what the false teachers are interested in and long to have you come to their meetings. Beloved, avoid these individuals who deny the faith and earnestly contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

Christ has given to us all that we have need of to stay on the path of life. We have His eternal word and His life giving Spirit. In addition, God has provided good under-shepherds who love the truth and the flock of God. They are not hard to find if you are looking for truth in an age of false teacchers.