“A Sign of The Times ”
Week 3
2 Peter 2:1-10
Verse of the Week
The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.
2 Peter 1:9
Main Idea:
We should be aware of false teachers by recognizing their fruit, remembering their judgment and be reminded that God delivers His people
VS 1-3
Peter is reminding growing Christians of the dangers of false teachers. He tells us that false teachers are not just “out there” but they are already among us. Jesus warns us in Matthew 24:11 that in the end times many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. So how can we know who these false teachers are? The best way to know what is false is to know what is true. However, Peter gives us ways we can identify a false teacher. We can identify them by their fruit which is their actions, by their greed and by their lies. Even though they may look like or sound like the real deal, watch their actions and listen to what they say. Do they line up with what is true? Do they line up with scripture? This is why Bible reading and memorization is important. If we know what is true then we can easily spot what is false. Satan is a liar and his main goal is to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Usually what he does is take what is true and twist it into a lie. He did this with Adam and Eve in the garden, he did this with Jesus in the wilderness and he continues to do it with us today.
Discussion Questions:
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Have you ever been led astray by a false teaching? How did you come to know that it was false?
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What can you do to help protect yourself and others from the effects of false teaching?
VS 4-10
Even though there are false teachers living among us, we don’t have to live in fear. God gives us 2 promises (again this is why it is important to know scripture). His first promise is that false teachers will receive punishment on the day of judgment. God is a loving God but He is also Just. Proverbs 11:21 says be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free. He also gives us a promise that He will protect the righteous. Who are the righteous? We are all sinners deserving of God’s anger and punishment. But because of His great love for us, God who is rich in mercy sent Jesus Christ to take the punishment we deserve. Therefore those who believe in Him are declared righteous by being forgiven through the blood of Jesus and God’s grace alone. Romans 3:22 says that righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. God’s promise is that He will protect those who believe. Just as He did for Noah and his family and just as He did for Lot.
Discussion Questions:
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What does this passage teach us about who God is?
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What does it mean to be righteous?
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According to one count, there are 3,573 promises in the Bible. Which ones have you memorized?
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What is one of your favorite verses that we have covered so far in 2 Peter? Describe how it has helped you grow in your relationship with Jesus.
Important Announcements:
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Next Heart and Soul Class will begin on February 19th at 4pm in the museum.