2 Peter 2:10-22
Q.1. Why should we show care while engaging in spiritual warfare? Was Peter speaking about anyone in the church? How can we discern false teachers? (2 Pet.2:10-15 c.f. Acts 20:29-30; Gal.5:13-21)
Solomon warned – like one who takes a dog by the ears is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him (Prov.26:17). How much more caution is required in facing the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenlies. Peter exposed the folly of people in the church who – do not tremble when they revile angelic authorities (2 Pet.2:10). He pointed out that even – … angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord (2 Pet.2:11). Those who make inflated claims about their spiritual power over Satan, are – … reviling where they have no knowledge, and will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed (2 Pet.2:12). Peter stated that such people can worm their ways into church communities, and gain authority like Balaam. However, in reality they are false prophets and teachers. By understanding that such people will always want to gain notoriety in the church, we will protect ourselves if we judge them by their fruits. Those who draw disciples after themselves, rather than submitting to the approved leadership are to be marked out (2 Pet.2:13-15 c.f. Mt.7:15-20; Acts 20:29-30; Rom.16:17-18; Gal.5:13-21).
Q.2. How can some members attending churches be accursed people? How may some operate in the church? Who are they like? How did Peter view phony leaders? – (2 Pet.2:14-22)
As we have seen, the enemy is not only outside the church. They also operate within the church (2 Pet.2:13-14 c.f. Acts 20:29-30). The claims of professing Christians are not necessarily ratified by God. Jesus warned – 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day,Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’ (Mt.7:21-23). Jesus included prophets (preachers), exorcists, and miracle workers in His exposure. Therefore, Peter’s inclusion of legalists as well as those encouraging lawless living, was not surprising (2 Pet.2:17-19). He used the illustration of the prophet Balaam, who was summoned to place a curse on God’s people. He was unsuccessful, and ended up with a crushed foot, and a rebuke from a donkey … (2 Pet.2:15-16). Though we are saved entirely by the merits of Jesus Christ, we cannot presume upon our salvation, and live as we please (2 Pet.2:20-22). What some put forward as freedom, is actually slavery to sin, and can lead to even greater bondage – 19 promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. 20 … the last state has become worse for them than the first (2 Pet.2:19-20). Peter mocked these phonies – It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.” (2 Pet.2:22).