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WELLS WITHOUT WATER, CLOUDS WITHOUT RAIN!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
2 Peter 2:17-19
Romans 6:16-22
 
“Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Whosoever committeth sin
is the servant of sin.”
 
WELLS WITHOUT WATER, CLOUDS WITHOUT RAIN!
 
The strong condemnation of false teachers continues in today’s reading. In the strongest terms, Peter warned and exposed the wickedness of such men. It is therefore required of all faithful men to be like Peter. Good ministers of the Word are those who fearlessly preach against erroneous doctrines that creep into the Church. False teachers often hide themselves by calling for more “love and tolerance.” But they would not get enough “love” from Peter to hide their wicked teachings and practices.
 
Once again Peter boldly portrayed them as unprofitable men. They were like “wells without water,” and “clouds that are carried with a tempest.” Concerning true believers, Jesus said, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). These men are just the opposite. They appear like a well, but do not have the benefits of a well. They also appear like clouds bringing rain for thirsty grounds but in reality they bring no shower. Like those passing clouds, that are blown away by the wind into darkness forever, they also vanish without bringing any shower of spiritual blessings.
 
If they have nothing wonderfully spiritual to offer, how do they attract followers? Peter gave several answers. First, “they speak great swelling words of vanity” (2 Pet 2:18). They are good orators, but without truth. Their impressive eloquence attracts people. Second, “they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness” (2 Pet 2:18). They give sufficient room for their followers to continue their lustful pursuits. Instead of putting away sins, they make provision for sinful lifestyles. They were like many modern preachers who avoid preaching against sin, blaming that such an approach would put people on “a guilt trip.” Through their “wantonness” they are also able to defile even those who have cleansed themselves from error for a while. Peter further confirmed this truth in verse 19: “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.”
 
THOUGHT: Temporary reformation of life is not true regeneration.
PRAYER: Father, may the power of Christ’s blood and His Word constantly sanctify my life.

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