2 Peter 2:10-16

Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones, whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord.  But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you.  They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children!  Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet's madness.

The ability to identify false teachers is essential.  Rarely will a person self-identify as a false teacher.  One way to identify a false teacher is by the content of their teaching.  We must always evaluate any teaching we receive through the lens of Scripture.  Another way of identifying false teachers is their conduct.  Bad beliefs will certainly lead to bad behavior.  This passage describes the conduct identifies with false teachers. 

THEY DISRESPECT AUTHORITY: False teachers will regularly seek to promote themselves.  One of the ways they may do this is by striving to exhibit special control or power over evil spirits.  The term “glorious ones” seems odd as a reference to fallen angels, but it is the most likely interpretation as they are contrasted with angels.  There is a spiritual warfare taking place that is beyond our ability to fully understand.  Jesus and the apostles liberated people from demon possession and throughout history we have seen demons continuing to seek to gain possession over and oppress people.  This is serious spiritual warfare that should never be entered into flippantly.  If holy angels only rebuke fallen angels in the Lord’s name, we should be even more careful when confronted with these things.  One understanding of blasphemy is treating the sacred as profane.  “Playing” in the spirit world would certainly qualify as blasphemy and is greatly condemned by Peter.  Thanks be to God that the Spirit of God living in every person who has entrusted themselves to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is our protector and has authority over these demonic beings.  Any time we face demonic activity, it must be faced with humble dependance on the Lord.

THEY PRACTICE IMMORALITY: False prophets will also be revealed by their sinful practices.  Once a person abandons the truth for self-promotion, their sensual desires will no longer be kept in check.  Our thinking will always be reflected in our doing.  Peter accuses these false teachers of shamelessly flaunting their immoral behavior.  The sinful activities that most people attempt to hide in the cover of darkness are practiced by these people out in the open light.  They are shameless their deceit, adultery, gluttony, out of control, and unfortunately lead many people astray.  Sin is contagious like a cancer and can eat away at the hearts of men and then spread to others.  

THEY DESIRE PROSPERITY: Greed is another characteristic often see in false teachers.  Peter accuses them of following the way of Balaam who was enticed to speak against the children of Israel by the promises of financial gain from an enemy king.  Balam claimed to be able to hear from God but had to be protected by a donkey who spoke to and rebuked him.  Money is often a source and can be a sing of corruption.  It is ironic that prosperity is often associated with the blessings of God when it is so often a stumbling block and characteristic of false teachers.  False doctrine will lead to the worship of false gods.  Money is a common god for those who abandon the truth for their own fame and glory.  

APPLICATION: Take spiritual warfare seriously.  Don’t be overcome by fear of demonic forces of evil but don’t be flippant either.  Trust in the Lord and the power of His Spirit to protect us and strengthen us in the face of spiritual warfare.  Life holy and godly lives that are informed by and submissive to God’s Word.  Develop contentment with the provisions of God in our lives and be on the alert for the love of money that can so easily overtake us.