Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
For they [false teachers] mouth empty, boastful words …
Summary: People do not like to appear stupid. To avoid this, rather than admit that we do not know, we sometimes make up answers. Guesses that move us closer to the truth can be helpful. People who present their guesses as truth are not being helpful.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:18a — Special Knowledge”
These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.
Summary: The Church, sadly, is not perfect. False teachers have caused confusion and division. Even so, the church is still loved by Jesus, and judgment waits patiently for those who dare mislead the Lord’s bride.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:17 — Lost in the Fog”
But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—an animal without speech—who spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.
Summary: The story of Balaam’s donkey is an unusual reminder of things both seen and unseen.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:16 — Donkey Talk”
They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness.
Summary: The story of Balaam provides us with a powerful illustration of how a false teacher operates.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:15 — Behind Closed Doors”
…they are experts in greed—an accursed brood!
Summary: Experts in greed are different than those who occasionally struggle with desire. The expert has committed themselves to get what they want.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:14c — Calling Card”
…they seduce the unstable …
Summary: Being wobbly in the Word is not only annoying to others, it is dangerous to the Body of Christ.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:14b — “Clump-Clump””
With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning …
Summary: Peter is not afraid to tackle tough topics. In this passage, he takes on adultery.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:14a — Eye Full”
They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done.
Summary: God’s nature is such that He is not capable of desiring revenge. Instead, we condemn ourselves if we reject His Son and His Word.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:13a — Payback is Hell”
They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.
Summary: Today’s tip on recognizing false teachers takes us to the farm.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:12b — Butt Heads”
But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand.
Summary: Teachers of truth point to the truth. False teachers spend their time talking smack about other teachings.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:12a — Finger Pointing”