May 7, 2013

Today you should read: 2 Peter 2:1-22

You may be rocking back and forth in the fetal position after reading today’s chapter. Peter did not hold back when describing God’s wrath and judgment reserved for those who are known as false teachers or wolves in sheep’s clothing. It’s a sobering thought to know that there are people in the body of Christ who give off the appearance of a Christian that have certain positions of authority and influence will purposefully use those positions to deceive God’s people and blaspheme God’s word. These people are not just the average “lost” person who is blind to their sin and as Jesus described while hanging on the cross “doesn’t know what they are doing.” They know what they are doing and using Christ’s good, holy name to do it, reveling in their deceptions as they sit amongst you (vs. 13).

That’s part of the reason why Peter is so blunt in his warning and condemnation for these wolves in sheep’s clothing. It’s also why we need to be discerning and wise within the church ourselves. Usually these people start to show their true colors in sexual immorality, greed and other sinful characteristics (vs. 10-16). Not only do we have to keep an eye out for unrepentant hearts exhibiting these characteristics; but pay close attention to their teachings of closed hand issues like the exclusivity of the Gospel (vs. 1) and inerrancy of God’s Word (vs. 3). Of course, these characteristics and teachings don’t always come out at first and will most likely slowly leak out. And if you’re not careful, that wolf in sheep’s clothing will convince enough stupid sheep that what they are teaching and doing is from God and will lead people to Hell. All within the same community that Jesus calls to be a light in a dark world. That’s why the same judgment waters reserved for the wickedness of Noah’s time and the wrath that was poured out on Sodom and Gomorrah is used as an example for what is to come for those who use Jesus’ church to purposefully lead others away from truth. So, just like Peter was clear and blunt concerning heretical teachers within the church, I will leave you with a clear and blunt quote by Mark Driscoll when preaching at a Desiring God Conference a few years ago… “We must feed the sheep, rebuke the swine, and shoot the wolves,”

Questions to ponder regarding 2 Peter 2:

1. Have you ever seen a church suffering the consequences or fallout of a false teacher? What steps could have been taken beforehand?

2. How should we discern between ignorance in false teachings and aspiration to deceive others in the church? Should we treat those people differently?

3. How does CPC protect its flock in such matters?

Posted by: Erik Koliser

Author: Center Point Church

A multi-campus church in central Kentucky. Our mission is to take everyone we meet one step closer to becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ. View all posts by Center Point Church