Adultery, Sin, Unstable Souls, Covetous and Cursed 2 Peter 2:14

The apostle Peter continued his discourse on the false prophets that would emerge within the church, and in chapter two and verse fourteen we learn more about these unseemly characters. We read:

Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

The verse begins, “Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin;” In addition to being presumptuous, self-willed, not afraid to speak evil of dignities and more, Peter adds that they have “eyes full of adultery” which means they are filled with unclean lusts so much so that they desire to have others lust after the same things. They are so filled with the inclination to that which is evil that they “cannot cease from sin” which means they are unable to stop or be quieted from their sinful thoughts and practices.

The verse goes on to say, “beguiling unstable souls:” Because these false teachers are so filled with adultery and sin, they beguile which means “to bait, or catch by bait” those who are “unstable” or not steadfast. In other words those who are not stable are easily drawn away toward the same sin and lusts that these false teachers promote.

Finally the verse continues, “an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:” When speaking of false prophets, Jesus likened them to trees which bear fruit. He said in Matthew chapter seven and verse twenty:

Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.

Peter reveals that these false teachers would have hearts “exercised” which is like going to a gym for repetitions with greed to have more and filled with avarice. Because of their lust-filled attitudes and behavior, they are “cursed children” which means they are followers who are “exposed to a curse and doomed to God's wrath or penalty”. Once again we sense Peter's heart-felt passion against these false teachers.

As we think through the description within this verse, our minds may wonder about false prophets within our day. Are they out there? Are they filled with adultery, sin, converting unstable souls, filled with covetousness and doomed to a curse? How are we to be among them? How should we prepare our hearts to discover them, reveal them, and distance ourselves from their doctrine and ways? Let us ask the Lord Jesus to keep us in His word that we may never find ourselves without steadfastness, and may our hearts always be tuned to His that we may bear fruit that is pleasing to God.

Next time we see Peter use Balaam as an example of the behavior of these false prophets, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore