Beware!

 2 Peter 2  This is a long passage. We will discuss it over the week.  Hopefully you can take time to read it. The early church fathers were already concerned about false teachers creeping into the church. Vs.1 suggests that false teachers may not be easily recognized when they enter the church- they will secretly bring in their destructive teaching. 

The 1st point of their false teaching is a denial of what salvation is. They "deny the Master who bought them (1).  True salvation will call us to a new life- leaving sinfulness behind. The false teacher in this instance is encouraging sinful life choices rather than turning from sinful choices.

An example of their destructive heresies is found in the word sensuality (sensual). Found in vs.2,7,18 sensuality means 'licentiousness' which, in turn, means 'to disregard accepted rules.'  It is often associated with sexual sin as noted in v.7,18. Today, the church in general, has not had a strong voice among it's own when it comes to sexual purity. We must define what it is. Premarital sex, extramarital sex, adultery, pornography, partner exchanges are all activities that are found within the church and are biblically condemned, having no place in it.  We must be aware of false teachers and false teaching.  False teaching does not necessarily come under the guise of one man, but often has a soft entrance by the subtlety of cultural influence and biblical ignorance. God's law has not changed. It remains the same! Let's apply God's word to our lives. 

Pastor Paul