2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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DESTRUCTIVE DOCTRINES
MONDAY, JUNE 15
2 Peter 2:1-2
Jeremiah 6:16-17
“Many false prophets shall rise,
and shall deceive many.”
DESTRUCTIVE DOCTRINES
Why should we be wary of the false teachers? Why should we separate ourselves from someone who differs from us concerning the doctrines? Can we not all live and serve together by putting aside some of these doctrinal differences?
We should never co-operate with those who teach false doctrines. First, because they are persistent deniers of Christ (2 Pet 2:1b). They will appear in the Church that is bought by the Lord with His blood, only to deny Him. We all know that Peter, who wrote this epistle, denied our Lord in the face of strong temptation. However, he did not persist in his denial. Unlike Peter, the false teachers will be persistent in their negation and denial of Christ.
Second, their denial will “bring upon themselves swift destruction” (2 Pet 2:1c). The word “swift” means “sudden,” although not necessarily “soon.” The destruction is firstly spiritual and then physical. Persistent following of the false teachers can mean that we are also actually devoid of all the spiritual blessings, such as salvation from eternal peril. Eternal peril abides with all those who continually deny our Lord Jesus.
Another disastrous outcome of the false teachers is that “many shall follow their pernicious ways” (2 Pet 2:2a). They often receive widespread following. They will be so popular that a great number of people will be drawn to their destructive teachings.
Peter also told us that “by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of ” (2 Pet 2:2). The enormous number of people following their false ways will cause others to judge them to be right and the way of the truth which the faithful few follow to be evil. Jesus reminded us that “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt 7:14). That many will be deceived is a terrible outcome of the false doctrines!
THOUGHT: “Truth may be blamed, but can never be shamed.”
PRAYER: Guard my soul, O Lord, from damnable heresies.