Explore The New TestamentSample

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

• This chapter describes false teachers who introduce destructive heresies. False teachers are people who speak about God but distort the truth of the Bible or, steer people away from the Bible completely. 
• In verses 20-22 we're told that it would have been better for these false prophets to have never known Jesus than for them to say yes to him and then turn away and go back to their old lives.

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

• Although we may get frustrated when people get away with bad things, we need to remember that God sees everything and will judge everything in the end.
• Although the warning about turning away from God was specifically in reference to the false teachers, it should provide a word of caution for us as well.
• Verse 19 says "a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him." When we have desires or behaviors that we can't seem to say no to, we have become a slave to them.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

• Today, we still have "false teachers" walking around. The only way to not be swayed by them is to know the Bible very well.  Are you spending time in the Bible everyday? Knowing God's Word will help you know what God actually said and what he didn't. Don't be swayed.
• What has mastered you? Is there a desire that seems to control you? A behavior you can't seem to stop? You may think you can, but if so, then stop. If it's a behavior that isn't good for you or doesn't honor God, stop. Unfortunately, stopping isn't always as easy as we think. Where could you get help (resources, encouragement, accountability) so you can stop doing the thing you want to stop doing? Why don't you do that?