Scripture to Read: 2 Peter 2:11–16
The unrighteous are arrogant, that they even criticize and condemn angels and demons. But then God has Peter note that not even angels dare to bring a charge before our Lord against the demons. An excellent example of an archangel not rebuking the devil is found in Jude 1:9. Michael the archangel said to the devil, “The Lord rebuke you!” God wants us to clearly see what these arrogant false teachers and lost souls are like, so God further describes them in 2 Peter 2:12–14. God says these false teachers are like animals who simply live by instinct. They choose to remain lost, mock the things they don’t understand, and just like animals, they will all be destroyed. Destruction is what they’ll receive because of the harm they have done while living in outright disobedience to our Lord. God says they also love to indulge in evil pleasures out in the open, with no shame for their actions. They commit adultery with their eyes, and their desire for sin is never satisfied (1 John 2:16–17, James 1:14–15). They lure weak people into sin, and they are incredibly greedy. There’s no doubt that God hates when anyone is led astray from Him and His Truth, for Jesus clearly stated this in Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:42, and Luke 17:1–2. God compares these false teachers to Balaam (Numbers 22), who was a false prophet. All of these are great reminders of why we must know God and His Word so we’re not led astray.
Challenge & Application
· What are the false teachers like and what do they do that reveals their arrogance?
· How are you feeding on God’s Word each day so that you’re protected from the false teachers of our day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!