An Article of Faith

“Be on guard against false teachers” is the key to understanding 2 Peter:
“But false prophets also arose among the people [in the Old Testament], just as there will also be false teachers among you [today], who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep” (2 Peter 2:1-3).
What are the characteristics of false teachers? And how can we recognize them? Peter provides three features of false teachers. First, they teach “destructive heresies”:
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, [notice] who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, ...”
The term “heresy” implies “the content of teaching which is not true.” It may also be translated, “they will bring in false teachings which are destructive.”
You may be wondering, “If what the false teachers are teaching ‘is not true,’ then how come they get away with it?” The answer lies in the words “secretly introduce.” False teachers always “introduce” false teaching alongside the truth teaching of God’s Word. Every heresy – every false teaching – which has obtained widespread acceptance has been so accepted because of the “grain of truth” which was found in it: “Beware of the false prophets,” warns Jesus, “who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15).
A second feature of false teachers is their indulgence in sensuality: “Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned;” or “brought into disrepute” i.e., public disgrace and “scandal.” “Sensuality” of course means “lewdness,” i.e., “unrestrained in moral attitudes and behaviors.” False teachers are dominated and controlled by the flesh. Immorality, impurity, and sensuality is a way of life for them: “You will know them [fully recognize them] by their fruits” i.e., “by the way they act” (see 2 Peter 2:7, 13-14, 18).
A final feature of false teachers is greed: “and in their greed they will exploit you with false words.” False teachers are good at making up clever lies to get hold of your money.
Every false teacher will manifest one or all of these fleshly features. They teach “destructive heresies,” indulge in “sensuality” and are motivated by greed; not God.
“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers,” warns Paul, “disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

(Jessie J. Charpentier Sr. is pastor of Jenkins Memorial Baptist Church in St. Martinville.)