The Evil From Within

2 Peter 2:1–3 (ESV) But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

False teaching IN the body is as old as the church.  Peter turns from compelling believers to trust in the written words of Prophecy to warning them against "new" and false prophecies from within their ranks ("among the people .. among you").  This has been the reality of the movement of God from the beginning.  Wherever there is a Moses, there is a Korah.  Where you have a David, there is an Absolom.  

In the early times after the New Testament, a heresy called Gnosticism arose.  These people believed the soul was saved and the body was evil and immaterial, therefore, it didn't matter what you did with your body.  Salvation was ONLY about the soul being delivered from the body.  

Still today many people today try to justify sensual lust and evil behavior.  From those who use grace as a license for sin to those who apathetically hold once saved always saved, "I'm okay as long as I say I have faith"... the heart of man is deceitful.

For the rest of chapter 2 Peter is going to outline the history and future of such people.  Swift destruction and judgment awaits.  It's going to be clear that they may have had a religious experience for they come from within but whatever it was - it wasn't real.  They did nothing fruitful, but only walked continually in selfish disobedience. 

What is our lesson?

Be aware.  As important as it is to know the truth, it's also important to recognize the error.  We cannot be ignorant of the false heresies trying still to sneak into the church.  We cannot be surprised if "many" follow them.  We cannot expect everyone who says they have faith to be truly converted.  And for this reason, we need reminders continually...

2 Peter 3:1–3 (ESV) This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.

It's not a fun reminder, but usually, it's the serious warnings that save us from the most harm.

PRAYER:

Father, it is clear, you do not tolerate rebellion from within.  Protect my mind from the subtle lies of the enemy.  I ask you to keep me soberly watchful of the destructive heresies of today.  Thank you for salvation.  Help me continue to work it out.