false teachers & their destiny

And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

2 Peter 2:2-3

A major theme of the book of 2 Peter is warning the church against false teachers. Here in these two verses we see some of their characteristics and get a glimpse of their future. What was true of the earliest expressions of a false gospel is still true today, so we should take note of what is being explained to us by Peter in this passage.

False teachers gather crowds. The text says many follow them. So we should not be shocked when large groups, big churches, entire denominations, or “successful” ministries are caught in the grip of a false gospel.

False teachers attract with sensuality. Moral ambiguity marks their efforts. They like being sexy. Their teaching is attractive because it appeals to the flesh. They make much of their appearances. Sex scandals follow what is false, sadly also defacing legitimate believers trying to be true with the gospel.

False teachers blaspheme God. Ultimately their selfish, ego-centered, lying ways deny God. Some even put themselves in the place of God.

False teachers are greedy. Money and worldly success are their real gods. They worship and exalt health and wealth and deny that Christians suffer and endure insisting on a “best life NOW” worldview. Whether their goal is a gold-plated basilica or a million dollar private jet, they flaunt greed. And their multi-million dollar ministry lifestyles steal the glory of Christ’s humble servant’s sacrifice.

False teachers exploit. They use people to get what they want. they have no ethics, blinded by sensuality, greed, and a denial of God. They are often criminal in their motives, plans, and actions.

False teachers speak false words. They lie… often knowingly in order to deceive. They use their charisma and charm to make lies sound so attractive. But they do not speak God’s truth.

False teachers are condemned. From God’s eternal past, hell is already burning for false prophets and teachers. It is not idle. Their doom is certain. And their destruction may begin in their own lifetimes by God’s sovereign justice. God will not be mocked by them. He has the last word… the truth… that puts false teachers eternally under His fiercest wrath.