Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings;
Summary: Peter tells us something important about false teachers, something easy to recognize: they are bold and arrogant.
Arrogance is a bit like cancer. It starts small and then grows and metastasizes. In the end, it takes over the mind filling it with a false sense of self-importance. Self-importance, in turn, acts as a curtain over the eye of the mind, preventing the victim from being able to see their shortcomings or errors. Once a person becomes blind to their own mistakes, all that is left is a feeling of superiority.
People who suffer from arrogance become bold. After all, why not? They are never wrong, as far as they know. People who are never wrong should be respected by others. They expect others to bow down to them. Lesser people whose shortcomings are obvious to everyone should expect to be abused. Right?
Nope.
People do not deserve to be treated like “lesser people.” God is amazingly patient and kind. He is meek and humble. His love endures forever (1 Chronicles 16:34). Would you like an example?
Who would be more deserving of abuse than the guy who betrayed Jesus to the Pharisees to be crucified? Can you imagine any human less deserving of respect from God? So how does God (aka Jesus), treat him?
In chapter 13 of John’s Gospel account, he tells us that Jesus washed the disciple’s feet. When he got to Peter, they have a bit of an argument. Peter doesn’t think he is good enough to have Jesus wash his feet. Jesus, knowing that he would later explain why he did what he did, insists. Peter submits, but says, “‘Then, Lord,’ Simon Peter replied, ‘not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!’” (John 13: 9)
Jesus replies:
“‘Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.’ For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.” (John 13: 10-11)
Unspoken is the fact that Jesus had washed Judas’ feet along with everyone else.
That is how our God rolls! Humility on steroids!
False teachers do not exhibit this kind of humility. Instead, they “heap abuse on celestial beings.”
What does that mean?
How many “celestial beings” do we know about in the Bible?
The first one who comes to mind is God himself. Of course, along with God, we would include Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Then there are the angels. These include the good angels like Michael and Gabriel, as well as the bad angels such as Satan.
Consider the example of Zechariah’s vision:
“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you!’’ (Zechariah 3: 1-2a)
The heavenly being who is speaking does not say, “Shut up.” He says, “The Lord rebuke you.” By doing so he acknowledges God’s authority and rightfully submits to God in the process.
Humility is the opposite of arrogance. You know it when you see it. A humble person is unassuming. A servant of the Living God acknowledges God in all that they do. Even in the presence of their enemies, they maintain respect for their Creator, putting others before themselves.
In this passage, Peter tells us a little about God, and something very important about those who serve God. Their attitude gives them away.
Application: Consider the humility of Jesus before his accusers.
Food for Thought: If the opposite of a false teacher is meek and humble, how does this ensure that what they teach is in line with God’s will?
While it doesn’t guarantee what they teach is in line with God’s will, it certainly allows them to seek to glorify God rather than themselves. If their focus is on God and His will, then their mindset is off of themselves and on God and they will be better prepared to help others see God through their teaching.
Good point, Rich.
Also, anyone who approaches God’s Word with the right heart attitude will be more open to correction. All of us are teachers if we want to share God’s Word with others. At the same time, we are all students, too.
I agree with Rich, humility doesn’t guarantee that we will be correct. But as Jeff commented on a previous day, if we don’t allow room for our opinion to have been wrong then we will never correct ourselves. Humility is the heart attitude that allows us to accept correction. Humility is the place that allows us to love those who haven’t figured it out yet.
Humility is the avenue of Christ likeness. We want to be Christlike and He was certainly humble, but I don’t recall any place in scripture commanding us to be humble. It just seems like it tells us that God rewards the humble…. That may just be that I don’t feel forced into it which doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s not a command, just my perception.
A,
Thank you! I like the phrase, “Humility is the avenue of Christ likeness.” It reminds me of Jesus’ words, “The greatest among you will be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11)
I agree with the Word is what they will teach. Gods word giving glory to God always. Not thinking about how they can accomplish anything but how God uses them to accomplish things. Knowing that they are Loved by God and that’s enough, not deserving anything else in this world. A servant of their Lord.
Well said, Mr. T.
Your words make me think that the “self” we have been talking about eventually melts away in the Christian leaving our love for God and others in its place.
I thing that anyone that tries to point at scriptures and God in all that they can is on the right path.
I would just like to point out that if you alphabet people are trying to spell C-A-T then you need to get better organized! 🙂
– Amen!
11-06-2021, 2 Peter 2:10b, : If the opposite of a false teacher is meek and humble, how does this ensure that what they teach is in line with God’s will?
Be meek and humble toward, before God, and allow the Holy Spirit Himself to speak to others through us.
Throughout history pride has been recognized as the deadliest of sins and is almost celebrated as a virtue in our culture today. Few people understand how dangerous it is to our souls, how greatly it hinders our intimacy with God, our love for others and is sometimes called “the great sin.” It was through Pride that the devil became the devil, and is the pathway to every other vice and a totally anti-God state of mind.
Every believer has at some point been convicted by the Holy Spirit and faced the frightening experience of seeing our true unclean self, the depth of our sins, and our need for salvation through the Righteousness of Jesus Christ. At that moment we became truly meek and humbly before God. To be used by God, this must become our state of being, and we will spend the remainder of our lives trying to get back to that point. Some will try under their own power, others will accept Jesus’ offer to share His yoke.
Matthew 11:28–30, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Blessed are the poor in spirit (The humble, who rate themselves as being insignificant. ) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3
Because, when you humble yourself and put the needs of other’s before your own, it is then God’s responsibility to take care of you. He will give you favor with Him and with man Proverbs 3:3-5.
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.- Proverbs 29:23
Thank you, Ron.
When the door of the heart is closed, we call that pride. When it is open to the Holy Spirit, we call that humility.
Great work with your blog Jeff. Thanks for the great material.
Blessings,
Ron
Thank you, Ron!
I appreciate the encouragement . 🙂
I am so very thankful for people like yourself who are willing to both read the blog and share their thoughts. This is not a one-way street. I have learned a great deal from all of you who travel here.