Deceptions of False Teachers – Part 1 – 2 Peter 2v18-19

In the last two releases of Study Scripture articles, I have talked about false prophets and the judgment that awaits them from the Lord. Now, I want to shift my attention from that of false prophets to speak about the deceptions of false teachers. It’s in two parts, covering from 2 Peter 2:18-22. But let’s look at verses 18-19 for today’s study.

Verse 18

“For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error.”

2 Peter 2:18 (NKJV)

Here, the Apostle Peter was speaking about some characteristics of false teachers. If you see a preacher exhibiting these traits, know that that person is not from the Lord. So, what are they?

1. They speak great, swelling words of emptiness.
2. They allure through the lusts of the flesh and lewdness to deceive those who are just escaping from error (especially the recent converts who were unbelievers).

From these traits, it is essential to consider the kinds of preachers you listen to, especially as a new convert. Why? Because doctrine can either hurt or harm your life. If the doctrine you receive from the man of God is wrong, it will harm your life. But if what you receive is godly, your life will be better with time.

You cannot save someone from a thing you are a slave to.

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Verse 19

“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.”

2 Peter 2:19 (NKJV)

Another thing to note about false teachers is that they promise liberty to their hearers in order to convince more people to follow them. Meanwhile, they themselves are slaves to the lusts of this world. The Apostle Peter then continued by stating a simple principle.

“… for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.”

That means you cannot save someone from a thing you are a slave to. In God’s house, that works so much. If a pastor is battling with lust in secret, no matter how well he teaches against it in public, the people won’t change. You are a living witness of Jesus. So prioritize living clean before Him.