They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”
Summary: Nobody is free without Jesus.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:19 — Trapped”2 Peter 2:19 — Trapped
2 Peter 2:18c — The Wilderness Group
… they [false teachers] entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.
Summary: Peter shows us where the false teachers ply their trade. Between those who live in error and those who live in Truth is a wilderness where the false teacher finds his victims.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:18c — The Wilderness Group”2 Peter 2:18b — The Third Person
…and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh …
Summary: We live in two worlds. God calls us to live in the spiritual realm. Satan temps us with the desires of the flesh.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:18b — The Third Person”2 Peter 2:18a — Special Knowledge
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”2 Peter 2:17 — Lost in the Fog
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”2 Peter 2:16 — Donkey Talk
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”2 Peter 2:15 — Behind Closed Doors
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”2 Peter 2:14c — Calling Card
…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”2 Peter 2:14a — Eye Full
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”2 Peter 2:13c — Paint Job
They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.
Summary: Our ability to see blots and blemishes is a reflection of God’s work in our lives.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:13c — Paint Job”