Teaching | Understanding 2 Peter: Fallen Angels and False Teachers (2 Peter 2:4-22)

The book of Proverbs warns us against people who “like the glaze covering an earthen vessel” possess “fervent lips with an evil heart (Proverbs 6:23).” Rarely do false teachers get on stage and announce boldly, “Believe this heresy!” The seduction of false teaching comes from the subtle prodding of our sinful desires. False teachers come draped with the pretense of love, compassion, and the fulfillment of our dreams. Behind every narcissistic celebrity lies a drove of zealous fans who feed their ego. Behind every false teacher lies a crowd of seduced followers following them on their path of destruction. Jesus himself warned that those who lead his people astray would be better of tying a boulder to their neck and plunging into the sea. In 2 Peter 2, Peter gives a profile of the false teacher: someone consumed with greed and their own lusts who use soft and pleasant words to draw people away from Christ. Their judgment will be swift. This is Understanding 2 Peter.