The Path of PerseveranceSample

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 Peter 2:1

Chapter 2 is the entire reason why Peter has sent a second letter to the scattered believers in the Roman Empire. This is the warning and exposure of false teachers. He warns that they not only exist in the present, but there will be more that arise. They are denying that they have been purchased with the blood of Christ. They are mocking the things they do not understand. They are willingly participating in sin and see it as no big deal. They are grooming others to join in on their lifestyle. In verse 17, Peter uses the analogy that they are like wells without water.

Interestingly enough, David refers to God as the fountain of life in Psalm 36, and Jesus tells the woman at the well in John 4 that if she drinks from the water that He gives, she will never thirst again. Peter warns that in false teachers, there will be no life. There is no satisfaction like that is found in Jesus. All other doctrines, apart from the divinity of Jesus, are lifeless, empty, and void. Peter's warning: They will fall into swift destruction and bring with them any who give ear to their teachings.

1. Are there any areas in my life where I am being influenced by false teachings or desires that could lead me astray from the truth of God's word?
2. How can I be more discerning of false teachers and live in such a way that I avoid their influence?