2 Peter 2:17-22

These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved.  For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error.  They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.  For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.  For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.  What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

There are consequences to actions and reactions.  Toleration of false prophets will also bring about consequences to the churches and individuals who give ear to them.  These warnings are sobering and should motivate all to expose and expel false teachers from our midst.

DECEPTION WITH WORDS: The truth will stand on its own, while lies require bravado.  False teachers will make loud boasts but what they say is foolish and untrue.  Their speech may sound attractive, and it ends up captivating the interest of those who hear.  They appeal to the sensual desires of the flesh of those who are immature and lack the understanding of the truth.  They make promises of liberty and freedom, but their teaching only guarantees that they will continue to be slaves to sin.  

CAPTIVATION IN SIN: Corruption and decay is the natural condition of mankind and only through the truth of the Gospel can we be set free from this state.  When people give into the lusts of the flesh, they are overcome by those desires and become enslaved to them.  That is not freedom.  Those who are exposed to the truth of the Gospel and begin to escape from the defilement of the world because of this teaching and fellowship with the body of Christ are experiencing God’s grace.  However, this knowledge about Jesus is not the same as a genuine relationship with Him.  Those who experience some of the blessings associated with salvation by exposure to the Gospel, but who do not truly believe and then they return to their previous sinful practices are worse off than they were before.  Exposure to the Gospel and temporary benefits associated with this serve as a sort of vaccine that ends up preventing genuine faith.

CONDEMNATION FOR ETERNITY: False prophets and those who follow them will face judgment by God and eternal condemnation.  This passage starts with a declaration that the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved for them.  They are like dogs who eat their vomit or pigs that return to wallow in their own slop.  The are victims of their own sinful nature and will face God’s wrath and eternal condemnation.  Following false teacher of being a false teacher means captivation now and condemnation for eternity.

APPLICATION: Expose the lies of false teachers with the truth of the Gospel.  Warn those who are simply drawing close to the Gospel without truly believing the Gospel, that they are vulnerable to deception.  Know that false teachers may thrive in a fallen world but be assured that they will be eternally judged.

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