Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 164th Edition.
Dear Heirs with Christ of the Kingdom of Heaven,
Today’s passage (2 Peter 2:1-3) is a continuation of the thought in the previous passage, about the trustworthiness of the word of God. But it takes a turn and introduces a new theme, one that is central to the message of this letter: false teachers. This in turn is a preamble to another key theme, the Day of the Lord. But that will come later.
Denial (v. 1). This chapter begins with the word “but,” which provides a contrast to the previous thought. That thought was the divine source of prophecy. The contrast is the false teachers, whose false prophecies deny “the Lord who bought them.” Most false teachers deny something major about the Lord Jesus – his virgin birth, his deity/divine Sonship, humanity, death and resurrection and his being the only way to the Father. It is not enough for someone to say that they believe in Jesus. Sometimes the form of belief they hold to is a denial of Christ.
Destruction (vv. 1b – 2, 3b). False teaching is not just an alternative to what others believe. Peter says it is blasphemy. That word means to “address with irreverence…, revile, abuse” (Webster’s). To insult God is to invite his wrath and inevitable destruction. The denial of the basic teachings of the Bible is a denial of the gospel and therefore unbelief.
Deception (v. 3a). False teachers are driven by greed. The love of money and material things is evident in their preaching, lifestyle, and associations. This is why they also exploit the greed of their followers. It is easy to tell someone that if they sow one thousand shillings, they will reap a hundredfold. Not that there is anything wrong with sowing – it is a biblical teaching, and so is the resultant reaping. The catch is in the deception of covetousness. Many people who give to the false teachers are not giving to God’s work, which is what our attitude in giving should be, they are simply looking for the hundredfold returns.
In other words, they are driven by greed. Do not be taken for a ride, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). When you give, give to bless, to meet a need, and to facilitate the work of God, then go your way.
The blessings that will come your way will make some green with envy.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.