1 + 2 Peter | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsNäide

2 PETER 2

GOD WILL BRING JUSTICE TO FALSE TEACHERS

Peter addresses the common problem of false prophets and corrupt teachers within the church. Instead of kindness and truth, these leaders are driven by greed and exploitation. Peter trusts that these false teachers will be brought to justice and God will bring judgment upon them.

Peter supports his warning with examples of God's judgment on the unrighteous. Peter recalls the fallen angels who rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven. Remembering God’s protection of Moses, Peter explains how the world was flooded, but Moses found favor with God (Genesis 7). Peter mentions Sodom and Gomorrah, cities that were destroyed for their wickedness and sin. Before they perished, Abraham asked God to save any righteous people and Lot was spared (Genesis 19).

Peter also references Balaam, who was hired as a prophet to speak against the Israelites, but ended up speaking on their behalf (Numbers 22-24). Before eventually abandoning sorcery and divination, Balaam would gain from his unrighteous practices. Peter is comparing the false teachers to the initial ways of Balaam, claiming that they are wanting to profit from their wrongdoing.

Peter calls the false prophets “waterless springs,” seeing their teaching as empty and corrupt. Peter condemns their abuse of grace as an excuse for continued sinful living, emphasizing their refusal to repent. Instead of boasting about God, they boast about their own sin. Instead of living in freedom, they are slaves to their own sin. Warning believers not to turn away from their faith, Peter depicts the false teachers as dogs who return to their vomit and pigs who wallow in mud.

STUDY QUESTIONS

2 Peter 2:19 teaches believers not to be overcome or mastered by anything. What are some common things that can easily “master” our lives?

Throughout 2 Peter, what references are made to Old Testament accounts?

Peter recalled Proverbs 26:11-12. How does this verse apply to the early believers?