Section 9 – 2 Peter 2:10-16
10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; 11 yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord. 12 But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.
13 They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. 14 With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood! 15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness. 16 But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—an animal without speech—who spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. (NIV)
Questions
● (vs10-16). Make a list of traits and actions of false teachers described in this passage of scripture.
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● (vs 10-16) Do you think all false teachers display all of these traits and actions? Why or why not? Why would Peter list off all these traits and actions of false teachers? How could it be used?
● (vs10-11). What were false teachers doing that even angels would not do?
● (v 12) What are false teachers compared to in verse 12? Peter uses very harsh language to describe the outcome of false teachers. What will be their outcome? Who will administer this outcome?
● (vs15-16). Which individual from the Old Testament are the false teachers compared to? What did Balaam do wrong?
See Numbers 22-24.
● How can you spot someone who is a false teacher?
● What can you do if you spot a false teacher or suspect that someone is?
● What is something from our passage or study you are challenged to ponder further this week?________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
Suggested Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your Holy Word. Thank you for Peter’s warnings about false teachers that can rise up among believers in the church and seek to deceive them. Help me to be vigilant and aware of the teachings of false teachers and seek to protect fellow believers who might be vulnerable to their lies and deceptive actions. Allow me to study and know your Holy Word so that I might be quick to recognize any false teachings when I encounter them. Amen.
Passages for reference: Numbers 22-24