The Word for Today with Ray: February 2014

Friday, February 28, 2014

Speaking Evil and Utterly Perish 2 Peter 2:12

The apostle Peter continues his discourse on the fate of those who are false prophets who bring “damnable heresies” into the church. In chapter two and verse twelve he becomes more emphatic about what he deems their destiny will be. He wrote:

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

The verse begins, “But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed,” Peter likens these false teachers to animals that are “absurd, destitute and contrary to reason”. He said their entire reason for being created was to be “captured” brought to “corruption, destruction, and to be perished”. We get this sense from this language that Peter is greatly against these false prophets, and so should he be.

The verse goes on to say, “speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;” As to further explanation of his reason for being against these teachers, Peter said they “speak evil” which is the Greek word “blasphemeo” and means to “speak reproachfully, rail at, revile, calumniate, blaspheme, to be evil spoken of” things of which they are “ignorant, do not understand, make error or sin through mistake, and are wrong”. These evil speakers will ultimately be “corrupt, depraved, destroyed, and perished” within their own “corruption” and moral decay.

We should get a sense of the seriousness of the apostle Peter as he shares these words. First he declared that these false prophets would arrive on the scene of the church and noted that they shall be among us. He then told of the fate of those in history who followed such false teaching like the fallen angels, the ungodly in Noah's day, and those in Sodom and Gomorrah. These presumptuous teachers speak evil of dignities things they do not understand, and because they do, their fate will be a destiny of perishing in the very corruption and moral decay they promote.

As we think about these false teachers and ponder their doings, we will benefit by making sure we do not align ourselves with them or their doctrine. Secondly we should be all the wiser to those who bring in heretical doctrine that does not align with the gospel and God's word. There are false teachers and prophets even among us, and by knowing the truth and examining what they teach, we too will be as adamantly opposed to them and their teachings as Peter was.

Next time we learn more about these false prophets, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Angels Rail Not 2 Peter 2:11

As the apostle Peter uses “the unjust” as an example before his readers of those who will be judged for their actions, he described them as those who “walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government.” He also said they are, “presumptuous, self-willed, and not afraid to speak evil of dignities.” In chapter two and verse eleven, he compared their behavior to angels where we read:

Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

The verse begins, “Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might,” Peter employed “angels” as his example to demonstrate how foolish these “unjust” prophets are. He notes that these angels are “greater in power and might” which is “ability, force, and strength” and “inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or by which a person or thing exerts and puts forth”. These angels have the ability to perform miracles, have moral power, and have “excellence of soul”. In other words, in comparison to these “unjust” false prophets, they excel far above them.

The verse goes on to say, “bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.” Though the angels have greater power and might, they do not bring “railing accusation” which are the Greek words “blasphemos” and “krisis” and mean “blaspheming, speaking evil, slanderous, reproachful, railing, abusive” with a “sentence of condemnation, damnatory judgment, condemnation and punishment” against those who are in authority positions. Let us notice too that they do not bring these accusations “before the Lord” of whom they have access on a regular basis. In other words, these angels who are greater in power and might and are much closer to the Lord than these unjust prophets do not participate in the speaking evil of dignities.

As we consider this example from Peter, we might be inclined to compare ourselves to these angels. Just how far do we pale in comparison to them, and yet, do we presumptively “bring railing accusation” against those who are in authority above us? Though the apostle Peter is speaking primarily against these unjust false prophets and their presumptuous, self-willed behavior, we can use this as a litmus test for our own. May the Lord Jesus continue to use verses and thoughts like these to bring us into alignment with His ways and make us aware of those who are “the unjust” in our lives.

Next time we learn of the fate of these false prophets, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Presumptuous, Self-willed, and Speaking Evil of Dignities 2 Peter 2:10

As the apostle Peter continued his discourse on false prophets, he wrote of God's ability “to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished “. In chapter two and verse ten, he shares more specifically as to who these false prophets are and what they do. He wrote:

But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

The verse begins, “But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness,” Once again Peter uses the word, “but” to begin this verse which declares an even more direct reference to those of which he speaks. These are “chiefly them” or the ones “above all”, “the most” or “especially” the ones that live according to their fleshly desires. Peter describes these false prophets as ones who “defile and pollute” themselves with their fleshly cravings and their desire for what is forbidden.

The verse goes on to say, “and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self willed,” Not only did these false prophets walk after their own unclean desires, but they also “despise government”. In other words they “contemn, despise, disdain, think little or nothing of” those who have “dominion, power, lordship” over them. These false prophets are daring men who are “self-pleasing, self-willed, and arrogant”. They resent being governed over, live rudely, and are overconfident, smug, pretentious, and pushy.

Finally the verse says, “ they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.” As though Peter's appraisal of these false teachers has not been descriptive enough, he adds that they have no fear when speaking ill of those with authority to make “opinions, judgments or views”. These people do not “tremble” when they “speak reproachfully, rail at, revile, calumniate, and blaspheme” those whom ultimately God has allowed to be in authority. Peter's inference is that such behavior should never be done, and yet these presumptuous, self-willed despisers of government have no trepidation in doing so.

It is quite easy to point fingers at others instead of examining ourselves when we study verses like this one. As we think about these things do we “walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness”? Do we “despise government” and would we be found to be “presumptuous, self-willed, and not afraid to speak evil of dignities”? Perhaps as we ponder the traits of these false prophets of which Peter writes we will find some of their traits within us. If we find them, let us be sure to bow our heads before our Savior Jesus Christ and allow Him to align us with His truth once again.

Next time we learn how not even angels do what these people do, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Monday, February 24, 2014

Godly Delivered, Unjust Punished 2 Peter 2:9

The apostle Peter has been warning the church against false prophets who would bring in “damnable heresies” among them. He has given three historical groups of people who were judged for following false teaching as examples of God's punishment for straying from the truth – the fallen angels, the ungodly in Noah's day, and the people in Sodom and Gomorrah. In verses seven and eight of chapter two Peter mentioned “just Lot” who escaped the latter judgment, and in verse nine Peter shares the difference between the “godly” and the “unjust”. We read:

The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Peter begins this verse with, “The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations,” We should pay particular attention to this portion of this verse because we find that God is knowledgeable about how to save those who trust in, rely upon, and cling to Him “out of temptations” which in this instance is “the trial of man's fidelity, integrity, virtue and constancy”. It implies “an enticement to sin whether arising from the desires or from the outward circumstances”. As we noted in verse eight the word “vexed” means “to be tried and tested”, and Peter who knows what it meant to be tested and fail was an expert on what it means to be delivered “out of” temptations.

The verse goes on to say, “and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:” In contrast to the godly being “delivered out of temptations” the ungodly God will “reserve” which means “to attend to carefully, take care of, to guard” the “unjust” which are those “who violate or has violated justice, the unrighteous, sinful, and those who deal fraudulently with others, deceitful.” Notice too that these “unjust” ones are not just reserved unto nothing and for no reason, but they are reserved unto “the day of judgment” which is “a separation, a sundering, a separation, a sentence of condemnation, damnatory judgment, or condemnation and judgment.” This “day of judgment” may seem far off, but the consequences of it are to be “punished” which means “to lop or prune, as trees and wings, to chastise, or correct”. Although it may appear for a time that those who are “unjust” are getting away with their evil deeds, God will have His day with them, and O' what a dreadful day that will be.

As we consider the gravity of the words we have just read, perhaps we too should take the time to discover once again into which group we belong. Would we be considered to be the “godly” or the “unjust”? We know by Peter's words that the Lord is able to deliver and reserve those within whichever group we may find ourselves, but obviously we want to be in the group in which He delivers out of temptations. Maybe the best way to end the study of this verse is to bow our heads, seek God's face, and ask Him to give us the grace to be found in the group of the “godly”. And Lord Jesus, so we all pray, in Jesus' name, amen.

Next time we see how the ungodly behave, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Lot's Soul Vexed Day to Day 2 Peter 2:8

In sharing his three examples of judgment that fell upon those who were following false teaching, the apostle Peter shared about the fall of Sodom and Gomorrah. We learned that “just Lot” lived within the city of Sodom, and saw that he was “vexed” with their manner of living. In chapter two and verse eight Peter adds a parenthetical phrase to share more about Lot's daily vexation. We read:

(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)

The verse begins, “(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing,...” Peter called Lot “that righteous man”. This is an interesting label considering that he chose to live within Sodom. As Lot left his uncle Abraham as we see in Genesis chapter thirteen, he “pitched his tent toward Sodom”. Later he was dwelling within Sodom and was sitting at the gate of that city which was the place of authority. Yet, Peter calls him “righteous”. Peter also notes that Lot was dwelling among them and saw their activities and heard their words as he lived there. In other words Lot was an eyewitness to their evil behavior.

The verse goes on to say, “ vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)” Lot's reaction to this foul behavior was that his righteous soul was “vexed from day to day”. The Greek word for “vexed” Peter employed in verse seven of this chapter was “kataponeo” which means “to tire down with toil, exhaust with labor, to afflict, or oppress with evils, make trouble for, or treat roughly”. The word “vexed” in this verse is “basanizō” which means “to test (metals) by the touchstone, which is a black siliceous stone used to test the purity of gold or silver by the color of the streak produced on it by rubbing it with either metal”. This word implies “questioning by applying torture”, to torment, be harassed or distressed”. In other words the “unlawful deeds” of those surrounding Lot tested and tormented him every day. His surroundings were the “black siliceous stone” that proved his value and preciousness as he was rubbed against it.

We might often feel like Lot. Our surroundings are sometimes so filled with “unlawful deeds” that we too are both “vexed-kataponeo” and “vexed-basanizo” with the environment. As we think about the darkness that is about us, let us keep in mind the “divine power” and “great and precious promises” that God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ have made available to us. As our faith is “tested” by the “filthy conversation” of people who live within our city, may our “day to day” vexation find us aligned in righteousness and not inclined to follow their pernicious ways.

Next time we see how God delivers the ungodly, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Just Lot Delivered 2 Peter 2:7

As the apostle Peter continued with his examples of those in history who were judged for following false doctrine, he cited the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. One of the people who lived in Sodom was a man named “Lot” who was the nephew of Abraham. In chapter two and verse seven we get an insight into the way Lot felt about his surroundings. We read:

And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

The verse begins, “And delivered just Lot,...” The idea behind the word “delivered” is “to draw one's self” or to “rescue”, and the meaning of the word “just” is “righteous, observing divine laws, and rendering to each his due”. This is interesting because we learn from the book of Genesis in chapters thirteen through nineteen that “Lot”, which means “veil or covering”, pitched his tent toward Sodom, lived in Sodom, and then became one who sat at the gate which means became an authority in Sodom. Yet, Peter calls him “just Lot”. Though Sodom was wicked exceedingly, Lot kept righteousness as the principle within his life, and God rescued him from this evil city.

The verse continues, “vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:” Peter employs the word “vexed” which is the Greek word “kataponeo” and means “to tire down with toil, exhaust with labor, to afflict or oppress with evils, make trouble for, or treat roughly”. He then tells of the “filthy conversation” which means the wicked behavior of those within Sodom. They exhibited “unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, or insolence”in their wickedness. In other words, as Lot lived within the atrocious behavior of the people of Sodom, his soul was vexed by their evil ways.

As we think through this passage of scripture, perhaps we will be able to relate to the way Lot felt as he lived in Sodom. When we consider the evil deeds of those within our own society, we may wonder if there are very many who make righteousness the principle by which they live. One of the huge benefits to reading the Word of God is that we can use our imaginations to put ourselves within the confines of the characters about which we read. Perhaps the trouble and vexation we feel about those around us will be the stimulus for being greater prayer warriors and witnesses for our Lord Jesus Christ before He comes. May the Lord bless us with His divine nature to do so.

Next time we will learn how the behavior of those in Sodom and Gomorrah affected Lot each day, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Sodom and Gomorrah into Ashes 2 Peter 2:6

Thus far the apostle Peter has listed the fallen angels and the ungodly during the time of Noah's flood as examples of those who followed false teaching and were judged for it. In chapter two and verse six, Peter adds Sodom and Gomorrah to the list. We read:

And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly;

The verse begins, “And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes...” In Genesis chapter thirteen and verse thirteen we are told:

But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

And in chapter nineteen of Genesis and verse twenty-four we read:

Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven

Those who were in Sodom and Gomorrah though themselves to be immune from judgment for their behavior, but they were not. We learn from chapter nineteen of Genesis that they were far from the principles of God, and this became their pending doom. Peter uses them as an example of those who follow after false prophets, and though Abraham appealed to God to not destroy them if as little as ten righteous men were found there, their demise was imminent.

The verse continues, “...condemned them with an overthrow,” Because these people were so far away from God He “condemned” which means destroyed them “with an overthrow” which is the Greek word “katastrophē” from which we get our English word “catastrophe”. Let us be reminded that it was “God” who did this according to verse five of Second Peter chapter two. Though they thought themselves exempt from the outward force of God, and yet it was God who brought this catastrophe upon them.

Finally the verse says, “making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly; Because of this massive devastation for their evil, Sodom and Gomorrah serve as “an example” to anyone who lives an “ungodly” life. This ominous instance should make everyone who reads about it beware, beware, beware.

We can see through Peter's words that he was very serious about those who would come into the church and teach false doctrine. The fallen angels, the ungodly of Noah's day, and Sodom and Gomorrah are severe examples of those who thought themselves on the correct paths, but soon found out they were not. As we consider these austere illustrations as set forth by Peter, let us once again look at our own lives and “make our calling and election sure”. The consequences for not doing so could be eternally damning, and our fates could be separation from God.

Next time we will see what Peter has to say about Lot, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Friday, February 21, 2014

Noah Saved, but the Ungodly Flooded 2 Peter 2:5

As the apostle Peter shared about false prophets in chapter two of the book of second Peter, he began to give historical examples of those who were judged for falling away from the truth. After presenting the angels as a reference of judgment, in chapter two and verse five he turned to Noah and the ungodly as examples. We read:

And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

The verse begins, “And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person,” Peter calls the church's attention to a time when the whole world was not spared as a precedent for judgment. Bible students remember the story of Noah and the ark as recorded in Genesis chapters six through eight, and recall how people were described in Genesis chapter six and verse five:

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Noah, however, and his family, eight in total, were saved from this judgment.

The verse continues, “a preacher of righteousness,” This is Peter's description of Noah. Noah was a “preacher of righteousness” which meant he was constantly proclaiming the truth. The word “preacher” is defined as “a herald or messenger vested with public authority, who conveyed the official messages of kings, magistrates, princes, military commanders, or who gave a public summons or demand, and performed various other duties”, and Noah's primary declaration was to share how one ought to be to be acceptable to God. He proclaimed “integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting”, and promoted “justice or the virtue which gives each his due.”

Finally Peter says, “bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;” The result of the “ungodly” not adhering to Noah's preaching was the flood came upon them. Because these people who heard and rejected the word of God from Noah judgment fell upon them. They rejected the truth to believe their own lies, and they paid for their beliefs with their lives.

As we can see through Peter's examples it is important that we know whether we believe false prophets or the truth. False teaching and false prophets lead to destruction. As we ponder this verse let us evermore be aware of the pending judgment of the ungodly and the reasons for it. Peter isn't through with his examples, but this one should be enough to make us all take heed.

Next time we will see Peter's third example as he tells about Sodom and Gomorrah, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Thursday, February 20, 2014

The Angels that Sinned 2 Peter 2:4

Peter the apostle has been warning the church about false prophets bringing in damnable heresies and deceiving many who would follow their pernicious ways. He stated that these prophets would make merchandise of them and that their judgment would be quickly forthcoming. In chapter two and verse four Peter begins to give several examples of how judgment came upon those who followed false ideas. We read:

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment,

The verse begins, “For if God spared not the angels that sinned,” As Peter gives his examples of judgment that is sure to come, he begins with “angels that sinned”. In verse six of the one chapter in the book of Jude we read:

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

And in Revelation chapter twelve and verses three and four we read:

And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

And in the book of Genesis in chapter six and verses one and two we read:

And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

From these verses we see that one third of the angels fell with Lucifer when he was cast out of heaven. Those that were cast out were the ones who left their first estate, and now they join satan in his nefarious deeds. However, Peter does not stop his example about them at this point.

The verse goes on to say, “but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness,” These “angels” are the ones that were “cast down to hell” which is the Greek word “tartaroo” which is “the name of the subterranean region, doleful and dark, regarded by the ancient Greeks as the abode of the wicked dead, where they suffer punishment for their evil deeds; it answers to Gehenna of the Jews”. These wicked and rebellious angels are being kept by “chains of darkness” which are restraints that will not allow them to be released from the blackness and darkness within which they dwell.

Finally the verse says, “to be reserved unto judgment,” Though it may seem that they are not punished for their wicked rebellion for some time, they are being “reserved” which means “to attend to carefully, take care of, and guarded” until their judgment day comes.

Let us keep in mind that this is the first of Peter's example of the judgment that will come upon false prophets. These angels who dwelt in heaven with God at one point in their existence forfeited their estate, and opted to rebel against Him. Their judgment in sure, and as an example, so is the judgment of those who are false prophets. As we think about these fallen “angels” and ponder their ways, perhaps it will do us well to consider our own ways to be sure that we do not fall away from the truth of Jesus Christ in any manner or way. May the Lord Jesus and God the Father keep us in their truth as we continue in the Word.

Next time we will learn what God did with fallen angels, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Making Merchandise of You 2 Peter 2:3

The apostle Peter is concerned for the church. In this second letter he has expressed his desire for them to grow in their relationship with God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. He has declared proofs of the do ctrine he proclaims in his experience on the mountain of transfiguration and “the more sure word of prophesy” found in the holy scriptures. In chapter two Peter's attention is drawn toward false prophets and those who follow them, and in verse three he discloses the motive and behavior of these false prophets. He wrote:

And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingers not, and their damnation slumbers not.

The verse begins, “And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you:”As one of the indicators of these false prophets, Peter indites them for using “feigned” or “molded, formed, as from clay, wax, or stone” words to “make merchandise” which means “to go a trading, travel for business, deal in or use for a gain”. The words chosen by Peter are specific. He uses the Greek word “plastos” from which we get the English word “plastic” to describe the idea of using “feigned” words, and he uses the word “emporeuomai” from which we get the English word “Emporium” to describe the way these false prophets treat their followers. In other words, these false prophets use their crafty words to take their followers' money.

The verse goes on to say, “ whose judgment now of a long time lingers not,” Peter says that these pernicious false teachers will be judged swiftly even though for some it may not seem quickly enough. Though these false prophets may appear to prosper currently, they will find the quick judgment of God Almighty who is certain to take vengeance upon them.

Finally the verse says, “and their damnation slumbers not.” Once again Peter uses the Greek word “apōleia” to describe what will happen to false prophets. Though it appears that the judgment of them “slumbers” which means “to be overcome with sleep”, there will be a penalty for their actions.

We must be aware of those who would use the gospel of Jesus Christ to advance themselves in this world. In the days of the disciples a book called the “Didache” was written to help Christians identify false prophets and teachers. There were many itinerant teachers in those days, and it was difficult to know who was of the truth and who was false. Three actions by these false promulgators were indicators of falsehood: 1) If they ever asked for a feast to be called in their name, they were a false prophet. 2) If they ever stayed in someone's home for over three days, they were a false prophet, and 3) if they ever asked for money, they were a false prophet. We might wonder how “prophets” and “teachers” of today would compare if these standards were applied. As Peter continues his discourse upon these false prophets, perhaps it will be a good time to examine our own actions and attitudes and pray for the Lord Jesus to keep us aligned with His truth and aware of those who present falsehood.

Next time we will learn what God did with fallen angels, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Pernicious Ways 2 Peter 2:2

In his final words to the church, the apostle Peter shared ways to grow in a relationship with God. He also added that his experience with Jesus' transfiguration upon the mountain was proof to the validity of his words, however, there was a “more sure word of prophesy” with the scriptures that were inspired by the Holy Ghost and given to holy men. In chapter two and verse one Peter continued his discourse with the idea of “false prophets” being among those who wrote the scriptures, and he warned they would be among the church as well. These false teachers would bring in “damnable heresies” and would be “denying the Lord that bought them” which would lead to their “swift destruction”. In chapter two and verse two, Peter tells us the result of these false prophets teachings. He wrote:

And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

Peter begins this verse by writing, “And many shall follow their pernicious ways;” It has been written that “False teaching seems to swoop in like an eagle where the truth comes in on the back of a snail”. Peter tells us that “many” which means “much or large” groups of people “shall follow” or “to follow one's authority, to comply with, yield to” these teachers' “pernicious ways” which means “destroying, utter destruction, a perishing, or the destruction which consists of eternal misery in hell”. This is the same Greek word “apoleia” Peter used in verse one of this chapter. Because these teachings are so convincing, “many” will follow them to their own demise. Jesus said in the gospel of Matthew in chapter seven and verses thirteen and fourteen:

Enter in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction (apoleia), and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it.

Peter's warning about these false prophets is that many will believe they are following the straight path, but will actually be following the path that leads to destruction.

The verse goes on to say, “by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” Because of the teachings of these false prophets, “the way of truth” which is the way Peter has been describing throughout this book “shall be evil spoken of”. Peter employs the Greek word “blasphemeo” which means “to speak reproachfully, rail at, revile, calumniate, blaspheme, to be evil spoken of”. In other words, the teachings of the false prophets will go so far as to revile, blaspheme and rail at God's way of truth. Jesus said in the gospel of John in chapter fourteen and verse six:

I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.

Any prophet or teacher who disputes, rails on, reviles or blasphemes these words by Jesus is a false prophet, and as Peter warned those to whom he wrote in his day, we should be warned about them as well. Eternal destiny depends upon it, and those who are following these false prophets would be well-advised to search the scriptures daily to see if their sayings are true.

Next time we will learn the real motives of these false prophets, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Monday, February 17, 2014

False Prophets Among the People 2 Peter 2:1

Peter the apostle just closed out the first chapter of this second letter by stating the authenticity of the scriptures as given to “holy men” who were inspired by the “Holy Ghost”. In contrast to those scriptures, in chapter two and verse one Peter shares about those who were false prophets in the days when these things were written, and he notes that there shall be false teachers among his readers as well. He wrote:

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Peter begins by writing, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you,” Once again Peter uses the word “But” to begin his sentence, and although the chapter divides are available to us for easy reference of scriptures, they were not originally there. The “But” Peter references is in contrast to the “sure word of prophecy”, and the contrast he notes is that “there were false prophets among the people”. There is the “true” and there is the “false”, and this association with man's relationship with God has been since the Garden of Eden. There are counterfeits who were among those who wrote these scriptures, and Peter warns that they shall be among his readers as well.

The verse goes on to say, “who privily shall bring in damnable heresies” Peter tells his audience what the false teachers will do – they “privily” which means “to introduce or bring in secretly or craftily” “damnable” which means “a perishing, ruin, destruction” “heresies” which are “dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims”. These false teachers will come in contrast to the truth of the scriptures, and Peter's warning about them should make everyone who reads his words beware.

The verse continues, “even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” Peter says that these false teachers will go so far as to “deny” which means to “abnegate, abjure, not to accept, to reject, to refuse something offered” “the Lord that bought them”. Even though Jesus “bought” these false prophets with His own shed blood upon the cross at Calvary, these false teachers will deny Him and all His glory. By doing so they will bring upon themselves “swift destruction” which is a very quick ruin or damnation. It is interesting to note that Peter employs the same Greek word “apōleia” for both the word “damnable” and “destruction”. The damnable heresies will bring damnable judgment.

Whenever we encounter those who have “secret” ideas to their doctrine, we would do well to beware. False prophets were those who claimed to have special or private interpretations of the word of God. Peter lets us know this is “false” and that the scriptures are open and available to everyone. Those who would attempt to persuade us that Jesus is in “the secret chambers” or in an “isolated” spot that no one but they know have not read or obeyed what Jesus said in the gospel of Matthew in chapter twenty-four and verse twenty-six:

Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

As we think about the words of Peter, perhaps we will examine ourselves to be sure we are not following false prophets or teachings. Those who deny who Jesus really is, and those who bring in private doctrines should be very carefully observed lest we find ourselves in the very place of Eve – deceived.

Next time we will see how many people follow these false prophets, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Holy Men Spoke the Word 2 Peter 1:21

As the apostle Peter continues his exhortation to the church, he made reference to the time when he, James and John saw Jesus transfigured before them as proof of the validity of his words. However he makes note of a “more sure word of prophecy” and declared that the scriptures are of no “private interpretation”. In chapter one and verse twenty-one Peter tells us the source of all scripture. He wrote:

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The verse begins, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:” As Peter begins this verse he declares from where the “prophecy” did not come. The scriptures were not just a notion of some man or inspiration of someone's will. The reason there is no “private” or exclusive interpretation of scriptures is because they did not come from just man's will. The inference in context is that if the scriptures were by the will of man, then it could be possible to have a special ability exclusive to others to interpret them. But the scriptures were not just by the will of man.

The verse goes on to say, “but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” Since the scriptures did not come from the “will of man”, from where did they come? Peter answers this question clearly in this portion of the verse. The word “but” is employed and it means that what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just written. Peter states that “holy men” which means “sacred, reverent” men, men who were separated unto a special purpose by God, spoke as they were “moved” which means “to move by bearing, conveying or prompted” or inspired “by the Holy Ghost”. It was God Almighty who gave them the words. It was God Almighty who “moved” upon them to share, and His words are available to all who will take the time to hear and read them.

Have we ever taken the time to stop for a moment and realize that we have before us the very “words of God”? Yes, God used men to write them, but they are words from “the Holy Ghost” Himself. Do we understand even slightly the gravity of the scriptures and their power to persuade men into a relationship with God? And the fact that God used “holy men” to write them should make us all desire to be in His “holy” separated people. This “sure word of prophecy” is available to us and is all we need to continue growing in our relationship with God. May this “sure word” keep us advancing in fellowship with God for all of our days.

Next time we will start a new chapter and see what Peter has to say about false prophets, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...