2 Peter 2:1-9

     In 2 Peter 2, Peter gets to the heart of what he wants to talk and warn about: false prophets.  Jesus warned that there would be those who would sneak into the church and claim to be true believers and teachers but who were not (see Matthew 24:11 for example).  Peter goes on to tell here what is the result of they're teaching and how to identify them.
     The first thing that Peter says is that the false teachers will "deny the Master who bought them." verse 1  The word bought is the word "purchase" (in the greek is the word agorazo) and it is talking about how through the blood of Christ we were purchased and redeemed for heaven.  It isn't always a popular doctrine today to say that some people will be condemned because they don't believe in Jesus.  It is easier to believe in heaven than hell.  I think false teacher are ones who do this.  They create a gospel where there is no hell and everyone is a good person. 
    One of the other evidences of a false prophet is that this person does they're ministry for personal gain.  They exploit those who are under them.  I remember when I lived in Texas, there was a man who would come on television late at night and claim to be a bible teacher.  He would sit in front of the camera and smoke a cigar and show pictures of his granddaughter riding at horse riding events.  There is nothing wrong with horses or horse riding events, but he showed that instead of preaching or teaching!  He never would open his Bible, but was always begging for money to stay on the air.  Many won't be this obvious, but the end result is the same.  To them, it is about the position, the fame, the bigger buildings, the recognition. 
    One way that these false teachers do this is through lies and flattery.  They want to be popular, so they won't try to step on toes, unless it is someone who other people don't like.  They want to be liked and want the spotlight on them.  Satan is a liar and those who are his followers also lie.  You know a false prophet by his not recognzing the redemptive work of Christ and by his lack of integrity.  In contrast to this, it is impossible for God to lie (Heb 6:18)  Peter says that the true way will be maligned because of these false teachers.  We see some of that today as people call Christians backwards and close minded.
    Peter gives us three examples to encourage us that these people will be judged in the end.  He gives us the example of angels who were condemned verse 4.  He gives us the example of the ancient world that was condemned when Noah was alive verse 5 and he gives us the example of Sodom and Gomorrah verse 6-7.  I am not sure of what angels here that Peter is referring to in verse 4 and I am not sure that it matters.  The point is that these false teachers will be judged by God in the end verse 9 and God will protect and honor those who honor Him.

    If you've never read one of Warren Wiersbe's commentaries on the Bible, I would highly recommend them to you if you are a serious bible student.  Currently, I am reading through the one for 2 Peter called "Be Alert" (picture to the left)  It also includes 2 and 3 John.

   As I am studying through 2 Peter, I noticed how many times the word "knowledge" is used.  Peter thought that it was important that knowledge grow in the believer.  I think that is a big problem today that many believers simply settle for what the pastor tells them to believe and doesn't take the time to study or read the Bible for themselves.  It is one of the reasons that many believers end up falling for so many false religions like Jehovah's Witnesses and groups like that today. 

    Wiersbe points out that Peter did not say that spiritual growth was automatic with the believer.  Rather, in 2 Peter 1:10 he tells us "be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble."  It is the believer and the Lord working together, the believer submitting his will to God that allows growth.  The "these things" were mentioned in verses 5-7

  "Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith suppy moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; and in your knowledge, self-control and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindenss, love." 

   Peter goes on to say that if these things are growing in you, you will be fruitful and never useless when it comes to the kingdom of God.  That is because, to the point where we reflect that we know Christ, then we are useful.  To the point where I am surrendered and in his will and faithful then I am useful.  To the point where I am still having my own way then I am not useful.  Those parts of who I am still need to be pruned away. 

   This is not to say that knowledge always equates with spiritual maturity.  Sometimes it leads to pride and legalism also.  Those are two conditions we must watch out for.  The Pharisees were blasted by Jesus because they were arrogant and thought they were self-righteousness.  They pursued knowledge for knowledge sake and it became an end in itself.  But, for the believer, it is never an end in itself.  The pursuit of knowledge is so that I might grow in my relationship with God and know Him.  He is the reason for this pursuit and to please Him.

   I'm sure you have met people who are legalistic or self-righteous.  Some churches seem to manufacture them like shoes.  They are a poor example of what the faith is like because they do not see their need.  When Moses or Peter came close to knowing God and into his presence, there were moments when they simply had to fall on their faces and acknowledge his holiness.  Truth knowledge about God and who he is should result in this same type of humility.  The more we know, I hope the more we want to know.  But, the closer we get to the light, the more we realize our own darkness, our own need.