I want to thank the Lord for allowing me to post the sermon this week, and I want to thank you for taking the time to read the sermon. I hope that everyone is doing well.
For the last few weeks, we've been in a series of messages on the book of II Peter. In last weeks, message, we started chapter 2, and we explored some of the ways that we can tell if someone is a false teacher.
Today, we will continue with chapter 2. In this chapter, Peter is focusing on how bad God thinks false teaching and false teachers are. Peter will compare them with some of the most evil characters in the Bible.
We saw last week that God will bring those who teach what is false about God into judgment. In chapter 2, Peter states that God's judgment is sure because we can see how God judged those who did wrong in the past. The first example that Peter gives us is of the judgment that God has announced on the angels that sinned and rebelled against God. Peter says that they have been condemned to chains of darkness.
The second example given by Peter is from the time of Noah. God brought judgment on those who did not listen to the message of Noah. Only Noah and his family were saved when the flood came upon the earth.
Peter goes on to give the example of Sodom and Gomarrah. When fire and brimstone was rained down on these cities, only Lot and his family were brought out to safety.
In verse 9, Peter states that these are examples of how God rescues the righteous, but the unrighteous are punished. The Lord considers those who teach what is false to be among the unrighteous.
At this point, let me stop and state how I think we can apply this teaching to today. I think that the most important message that we can get from what Peter is explaining in this passage is that it is very important what we believe. So many today don't emphasis correct doctrine. I think that is a shame because what we believe about the Lord is of eternal importance.
We live in a day and age when many people are claiming to be Christians and speak for God. However, their beliefs don't line up with the orthodox teachings of the church. Their lifestyles are at odds with what is taught in the Scriptures.
We must be diligent to examine the things that are taught about the Lord and the Bible. We should test things by the Word.
Starting in verse 15, Peter will compare false teachers to Balaam from the Old Testament. Balaam was the man whose donkey talked to him. Balaam was greedy. He was willing to curse the people of God for money. Peter tells us that greed is one of the prime motivators of false teachers. They will teach those things that will allow them to make the most money.
A true teacher of the Lord's Word is not out to make a lot of money. Always look at this when you examine if someone is a true or a false teacher. Ask yourself if Jesus would be doing what a particular teacher is doing. Always look to Jesus as the example of what is true and what is untrue.
Throughout our passage today, Peter describes those who teach false doctrine in very unflattering terms. You will find many of these same descriptions in the book of Jude. Both Jude and Peter want us to be aware that there are many false doctrines and teachings. We must be on guard so that we are not led astray.
I believe that there are two ways to make sure that we are not led astray. First of all, we need to be so familiar with the Bible and right teaching, that we can recognize a counterfeit right away. In order to do this, we must be diligent students of the Bible. It takes time and effort, but in the Bible we find what the Lord would have us to do and believe.
The second thing we need to do is to test everything by the teachings and example of Jesus. If Jesus did not or would not do something, then we should be cautious of those who do the opposite of what Jesus would do and yet say that they speak in His name. If anyone contradicts something that Jesus said in His teachings, that is a sure sign that what they are teaching is not correct.
It is my hope that everyone who reads this blog will be a diligent student of the Word. I hope that we can all look to Jesus and follow Him. If we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, we will stand firm. We will be with Him, because Jesus will take those who are His to be with Him forever. Amen.
Prayer Requests And Other Matters
We had a lot of snow this week, but there weren't really any major problems. Thank you all for your prayers in this matter. I would ask that you pray for me this week as I am not feeling very well. Thank you.
As we go to prayer this week, please remember to pray regarding the situation with the coronavirus. Pray that this will stop spreading and that treatments can be found. Also pray for those suffering from the flu in the US and other places. Those in Congo still need prayer regarding the ebola situation.
Let us pray for those in Australia. That nation is still experience terrible fires. Pray for an end to the fires, and pray for the safety of those fighting the fires.
There is a location in the Philippines that is experiencing damage from a volcano. Pray that these people will receive the aid that they need.
We need to keep praying for the people in Puerto Rico, They are having a lot of earthquake damage and need a lot of help.
Continue to pray for peace in the troubled areas of this world. Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen and Libya especially need our prayers.
For our prayer focus countries, let us pray for those who live in Suriname and Taiwan. Pray that many will hear about the love of Jesus.
Next week, we will continue with our series on II Peter. I will post the sermon on Saturday, and we will be finishing up chapter 2. I will post the verses on Monday, and I hope to post a review on Wednesday. May God bless you all. Amen.
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