EXPLORE THE TEXT

Empty Promises (2 Peter 2:17-19)

Application Point:

Believers are to beware of teachers who live ungodly lives.

17 These people are springs without water, mists driven by a storm.
The gloom of darkness has been reserved for them.
18 For by uttering boastful, empty words,
they seduce, with fleshly desires and debauchery,
people who have barely escaped from those who live in error.
19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption,
since people are enslaved to whatever defeats them.

Key Background

Connections to the Old Testament

As he expanded on his condemnation of false teachers,
Peter reflected on three examples from the Old Testament
of God judging people who had rebelled against Him.

1. First, he noted angels (v. 4).
   Initially, angels were created to serve God,
   but a portion rebelled against Him and suffered judgment as a result.
2. Second, the apostle noted the people during the time of Noah (v. 5).
   While God protected the righteous, He poured out His wrath on the wicked.

3. The third example related to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (vv. 6-8).
   Again, the Lord spared Lot,
   but God made these cities an example of what happens when people reject Him.

These three illustrations move
from a larger scale to a smaller scale—
from angels to the world to individual cities.
But they leave no doubt that God is willing and able to judge those
who turn away from Him and encourage others to do the same. "

Ask:

• What makes identifying false teaching so difficult? (PSG, p. 113) "

Explain:

explain the meaning behind the two visual illustrations Peter used
to describe the emptiness of the false teachers
(springs without water and mists driven by a storm)."

(v. 7) Springs without water:

The arid climate of the Middle East means that water is scarce.
Reliable water sources are viewed with great hope and joy.
False teaching, Peter noted, is akin to a water source that turns out to be no source at all.
The false teachers might make big promises, but they do not have the ability or authority to deliver on what they say.

17) Gloom of darkness:

Far from being able to make life better for their followers, the heretics led others farther down a path of ruin.
Instead of refreshment, they provided darkness.
The Greek wording suggests a thick gloom that is dense and foreboding.
Sometimes, we talk about “feeling” darkness.
That is similar to the idea Peter is sharing here.
And this tangible, murky darkness is what God has reserved for those who distort His Word. "

Critique:

critique the following:

Strong communication skills are the foundation of a good salesperson—
so much so that a confident salesperson can deliver almost any product by building meaningful relationships with people,
setting product expectations, and discussing a person’s perceived need.

Discuss how that description applies to Peter’s description of false teachers and their empty promises."

Ask:

• Why is it important to recognize the empty promises of false teaching? (PSG, p. 113)"

Transition:

Jude, a brother of Jesus, stood with Peter on warning Christians concerning false teachers. "