In the Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible's outline of 2 Peter 2:10-22, we se a very long list of characteristics of a type of people in the church:
1 They walk after the flesh (v.10a)
2 They despise authority (v.10b)
3 They are presumptuous or arrogant (v.10c)
4 They are self-willed (v.10d)
5 They speak evil of dignitaries (v.10e-12)
6 They carouse around in pleasure and they do it openly, that is, along with the unbelievers of the world (v.13)
7 They have eyes full of adultery (v.14a)
8 They entice unstable souls (v.14b)
9 They are covetous (v.14c)
10 They have forsaken the right way and gone astray (v.15-16)
11 They are filled with emptiness and instability (v.17)
12 They speak great swelling words of emptiness (v.18a)
13 They lure people through the lusts of the flesh (v.18b)
14 They promise liberty, but they only enslave people (v.19)
If you looked at this list carefully, what would you think the subject is? Some would have to agree that we see these attitudes in the last few generations of the church. Some might say these are characteristics of youth in church. Others would see TV evangelists. Some may see perhaps even an entire church denomination. Some may just see them as hypocrites of all ages and denominations.
What some of us can agree on is that we have definitely seen them here on this site. This is not because the site encourages it, but because we welcome people here, saint or not, to come and enjoy a clean chat site that, hopefully, would lead people to Christ and christian fellowship.
Just who are these people the Apostle Peter is speaking of? It may shock your socks off to find out that Peter is describing false teachers!
But, wait a minute. Aren't false teachers the kind of people that we see on TV? You know, the name-it-and-claim-its, the blab-it-and-grab-its, the ones that preach that worldly prosperity is God's will for your life?
These are only the tip of the iceberg. The churches, the christian chat rooms, and yes, even whole denominations are full of them! Perhaps you are skeptical of this writing and want to know who these people are. Maybe you just can't believe the church age is that close to ending, in the great falling away.
You heard the many "discussions" about smoking, alcohol, premarital sex, rock music, being unequally yoked, homosexuality, other religions besides christianity going to Heaven, only to name a few. Remember those who fought for these things, declaring them to be "OK" for christians to partake of? Remember those who were convinced by the influence of "popular", "reputable" people, simply because they were good at debating? Every time this happened, saints and sinners alike were beguiled by false teachers. Prominent, influencial, highly respected people have done this as well as the "spiritual underdog" that some folks want to see win in spite of their lack of understanding.
While veiwed by some as fun & games, this attitude is an abomination to God. Christians are to pull sinners out of the fire (Jude 1:23), not toss baby christians into it! Remember this the next time in a discussion; the things you say might just send you and everyone that believes you to Hell. Before you consider answering this thread, think carefully about what you say. Somebody's reading it.
What are your thoughts concerning this? If you believe this, your comments will confirm it. If you don't, your comments might confirm it anyway!
James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
1 Timothy 1:1-4 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
