Session 12
2 Peter 2:1-3,17-19; Jude 17-23"
Memory Verse: Jude 3
Second Peter and Jude are largely a combined “deep dive” into the dangers of false teachers in the church and the inevitable judgment they will face for their opposition to the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this way, these heretics remind readers of the serpent in Genesis 3, for they effectively sided with him and behaved like him in their convictions, character, and tactics. "
Of course, false teaching is still dangerous today. As Bible study leaders, we have a responsibility to handle God’s Word well for the benefit of those we lead (2 Tim. 2:15). As you dig into this session, consider how false teaching could wiggle its way into your life and your teaching. Ask God to protect you and the adults you lead from the empty heresies that plagued the church in the first century."
Many vehicles now contain three relatively new safety features. First is the lane departure system. This warns a driver when he crosses into another lane without a blinker. A second safety feature is lane-change assist technology, which warns a driver that a car is in his blind spot. Third is automatic braking technology, which warns the driver something has stopped in front of him. This may prevent an acci-dent if the driver’s attention is elsewhere. (PSG, p. 109)"
Second Peter 1 ends by emphasizing the need to pay close attention to the prophetic words of the apostles, based on Scripture and the teachings of Jesus—both of which haven been inspired by the Ho-ly Spirit. The reason for this renewed attention on what is true is expounded in chapter 2 and in the book of Jude. Namely, false prophets abounded in the church, and one would never be able to distinguish their heresy without a sure and certain grasp of what is true. "
Peter’s words emphasize the emptiness that characterizes false teaching, while Jude focused on the divisions such teaching has on the church as a whole. Together, they present a unified strategy for how the church should respond to those who spread heresies and those who succumb to the false teaching."
For many, the book of Jude is a mystery, but it holds great value today. Despite its brevity, Jude is singularly focused on warning believers about the dangers of giving in to false teaching. Rather than en-ticing the church with the bright present and future of being in Christ, Jude spoke plainly and truthfully of false teachers, their content, and the results of their efforts."
By “calling it like he saw it,” Jude equipped the believers who received his letter to make their deci-sion to follow Jesus that much easier. The false teachers, he noted, were arrogant, immoral, and greedy. What’s more, these teachers are doomed to eternal judgment by the Father. Why follow them to their condemnation? Such is the question that Jude placed before his readers in the first century and the 21st century. His urgency dovetails well with Peter’s second epistle, reminding us of the dangers of false teaching."
In verses 5–16, Jude elaborated on the character of the false teachers, citing biblical examples that negatively illustrated their behavior. He also affirmed the gift Scripture is for discerning false teaching. "
While Jude had harsh words for the heretics, he demonstrated great compassion toward those who were trapped in heretical teaching. In verses 17-23, he exhorted the church to hold fast to the truth and authority of Scripture. At the same time, though, he urged them to have mercy toward those who have given in as a means of reclaiming them.
Peter and Jude each stood against false teaching in the church that gave empty promises (2 Pet. 2:17-19) and sowed division (Jude 17-19). By remaining alert and focused on the gospel, believers could avoid the pitfalls of believing false teachings about Jesus and actively uphold what’s right. "
Read 2 Peter 2:1-22 and the book of Jude. As you read the passages, underline verses that indicate the content of false teaching. List any points you find in these verses that might describe the false teaching and why it was so dangerous. (PSG, p. 110) "
EXPLORE THE TEXT
1 There were indeed false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teach-ers among you. They will bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, and will bring swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved ways, and the way of truth will be maligned because of them."
3 They will exploit you in their greed with made-up stories. Their condemnation, pro-nounced long ago, is not idle, and their destruction does not sleep. "
(v. 1) False teachers among you: Peter expected—and even guaranteed—that individuals and/or groups would consistently work contrary to the gospel message. These false teachers would rise up from within the congregation with content or propositions that would be just “true” enough to lure some in. Since the garden of Eden, Satan has been cultivating cheap imitations of God’s truth. He was follow-ing the same pattern in the early church, and he continues his efforts to fool people today."
Peter noted that while their lies might be subtle, they would be destructive. The fact that the here-tics were planted and thriving within the local congregation made them even more dangerous. Peter referred to them as being bought by Jesus, suggesting they may have professed Christ at some point. It is doubtful they ever established a genuine relationship with Jesus if they could not affirm His deity or His atoning death. These false teachers had decided to turn away from the One who had died for them, denying Him and guaranteeing their own destruction."
(v. 2) The way of truth will be maligned: The content of false teaching referenced in verse 1 carried severe consequences. By highlighting these consequences, Peter equipped his readers to look ahead and to consider the logical results of believing false teaching, as well as the benefits of seeing the false teaching for what it is. "
Even with these warnings, Peter expected many in the church would follow the lie instead of em-bracing the truth. Peter saw this degradation of the faith leading to a culture that maligns the faith as a whole. They would belittle the gospel and slander its message for their own agendas. Taken within the context of both of Peter’s epistles, fidelity to the gospel can lead to such a response outside the church, as well as infidelity inside the church."
(v. 3) Exploit you in their greed: Peter identified a likely, if not certain, motive of the false teachers: greed. Eager to live more comfortably in this life, false teachers infect the church with a heretical doc-trine that would have no spiritual power but would serve to line their own pockets. Their goal was not the restoration of souls, but the enhancement of their own physical wealth and pleasure."
The Greek word rendered exploit often referred to the mechanics of business and making money. It described someone selling a product for profit, even if that product was useless or defective. The false teachers were doing something similar from a spiritual perspective. They were hawking a set of de-structive doctrines which would provide no benefit to those who “bought” what they were selling. "
(v. 3) Made-up stories: Myths and legends were common within religious circles of the first century. Every god had an origin story and a set of heroic tales to validate their place in a particular pantheon. However, these tall tales held as much truth as the traditional bedtime stories we share with our chil-dren. Peter wanted to draw a clear contrast between the made-up accounts the false teachers would dream up and the reliable message of the gospel."
(v. 3) Destruction does not sleep: One area where the false teachers were distorting the truth was in relation to Jesus’s return and His judgment. But Peter made it clear that they would experience God’s wrath. Regardless of what they thought, their destruction was not sleeping. It was real, and it would be devastating."
EXPLORE THE TEXT
17 These people are springs without water, mists driven by a storm. The gloom of dark-ness 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 de-feats them. "
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. First, he noted angels (v. 4). Ini-tially, angels were created to serve God, but a portion rebelled against Him and suffered judgment as a result. 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."
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 illus-trations 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. "
(v. 17) Springs without water: The arid climate of the Middle East means that water is scarce. Reli-able 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. Promising satisfaction, it delivers nothing. The effect is soul-crushing to those who give in to it. The false teachers might make big promises, but they do not have the ability or authority to deliver on what they say. "
(v. 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 word-ing 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 re-served for those who distort His Word. "
(v. 18) Seduce: The false teachers were attempting to seduce new believers back toward their old ways by highlighting the benefits they once enjoyed (albeit temporarily). The Greek word used here (deleazousin) can be associated with bait for hunting and/or fishing. Peter stated that in the same way hunters and anglers trick their unsuspecting prey, so do the false teachers for new believers in particu-lar. The emphasis on new believers—those who have barely escaped—makes sense. They would be easier targets for false teachers, highlighting the need for the churches to offer solid discipleship for all new Christ followers from the moment they chose to follow Jesus."
(v. 19) They promise them freedom: By taking away certain moral expectations in their false teach-ing, freedom became a major selling point for the false teachers. In reality, though, such behaviors ul-timately enslave those who practice them. Again, the heretics could only provide the opposite of what they had promised. Those who had escaped spiritual bondage through Christ were voluntarily placing themselves back in bondage by accepting the lies of the false teachers."
(v. 19) Enslaved to whatever defeats them: Peter may have coined this saying that would be widely quoted by Christian authors across the centuries. Using military imagery, he reminded his audience that conquering nations often enslaved the ones they defeated. Those conquered by sin become slaves to sin. (See also Rom. 6:15-18.)"
EXPLORE THE TEXT
17 But you, dear friends, remember what was predicted by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They told you, “In the end time there will be scoffers living according to their own ungodly de-sires.” 19 These people create divisions and are worldly, not having the Spirit. "
Like Peter, Jude stood tall against the false teachers. Early in the short letter, he described himself as a servant of Jesus and a brother of James. Most likely, this “James” was the half-brother of Jesus who also served as a leader in the Jerusalem church. If so, that would mean that Jude also would have been a half-brother of the Messiah. In fact, he was likely the “Judas” mentioned in Matthew 13:55. Yet, he fo-cused on servanthood. Despite having serious concerns about Jesus early in His ministry (John 7:1-5), Jude now was a fully devoted follower of Christ and refused to sit by as false teachers wreaked havoc on the churches. "
(v. 17) Dear friends: Verse 17 represents a new section in the letter, so Jude set it apart with a ref-erence to his affection for his readers. However, the Greek wording also carries the sense of emphasis, challenging his readers to pay special attention to what he was about to share. He loved his audience, and he did not want them to miss what he was about to say to them. "
(vv. 17-18) Remember what was predicted: In the Bible, there is more to remembering than simply calling something to mind. The biblical use of the word entails taking something to heart. Rather than simply engaging the mind, it requires engaging the heart and one’s behavior. It focuses on the lessons or meaning at stake. "
Jude urged his readers to etch into their minds and hearts the teaching of the church founders in stark contrast to the work of false teachers. This would have included Jesus’s disciples, other apostles like Paul, church leaders like Jesus’s brother James, and Barnabas (see Acts 14:4). Each had provided a faithful witness and faithful ministry to the church, and their teachings were worthy of respect and ac-ceptance. "
(v. 18) Scoffers: Among the things shared by Jesus and His apostles was the rise of scoffers as Je-sus’s return drew nearer in the end time. Jude’s reference did not mean that he intended this for some far-off generation, for the last days had dawned with the coming of Jesus and His death and resurrec-tion. In addition, New Testament writers described their own times as the last days (Acts 2:17; Heb. 1:2; 1 Pet. 1:20). "
The Greek word “scoffers” meant to disparage or have a low estimate of someone or something. In Greek life, mocking was considered one the highest forms of dishonor and shame. These scoffers mocked Christianity by pursuing ungodly desires instead of pursuing the way of truth and righteousness through Christ."
(v. 19) Create divisions: The phrase create divisions translates hoi apodiorizontes and implies the intruders made distinctions between people in the church. Jude made a bold, yet factual, accusation regarding the work of the false teachers to split believers from one another. The enemy always seeks to create division, whereas God seeks to provide peace for those who will lean into Him. "
EXPLORE THE TEXT
20 But you, dear friends, as you build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting expectantly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life."
22 Have mercy on those who waver; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; have mercy on others but with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. "
(vv. 20-21) Build yourselves up . . . praying . . . waiting: Build yourselves up and praying are partici-ples that most likely modify the command to keep yourselves in the love of God (v. 21). The means by which believers can keep themselves in the faith are to grow stronger and to pray. Prayer highlights the dependence all believers have on the Father to keep them in God’s love. In this case, Jude challenged his readers to pray in the Holy Spirit. He provides the power and the assurance that our prayers are heard. "
Waiting for Jesus’s return also plays a significant role. Believers can be confident that He will come back; and, on that day, the mercy Jesus has had on believers will be realized fully. "
(v. 20) Most holy faith: Faith in Jesus and in His Word is the foundation upon which believers must build. The enemies of the churches had assaulted both collective faith (that is, the message of the gos-pel) and the individual faith of the people. If the Christian is to have a sustained relationship with God, he must stand firm in the defense of the truths that have been protected and handed down from the apostles. Without these truths, our faith is in vain. "
(v. 21) Eternal life: Jude reminded his readers that Jesus would demonstrate mercy upon His return. This mercy would be reserved for those who followed Him and remained loyal to Him and to His Word. The blessed result would be eternal life in His presence. The suffering and struggles of this world would pale in comparison to the gift of spending eternity with Him.
While Jude did not state it specifically, there is an implied contrast here. While the righteous would find peace and mercy, those who reject Christ will face His wrath. They would not receive His mercy or eternal life."
(v. 22) Have mercy: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus stated that those who show mercy toward others will receive mercy when they need it (Matt. 5:7). In verse 22, Jude urged his audience to adopt a similar practice, particularly those who waver. Rather than reacting harshly against those who had been deceived by the false teachers, Jude encouraged them to be gracious and compassionate as they tried to move these individuals back toward an orthodox view of the faith."
Some commentators think Jude may also have had the false teachers in view. In either case, mercy was to be shown, for through it certainty in the truth of the gospel could be established. One must not give up on those who have, for now, given themselves to false teaching. This mercy is to be tempered with the fear of God (v. 23). It is not sentimentality, but a firm commitment to know what’s right and to practice what’s right, even as one encourages others to do the same."
(v. 23) Garment defiled by the flesh: Showing mercy did not mean ignoring the heresy. In fact, sin had defiled the false teachers and contaminated them. Christians needed to show mercy, but they did not need to get so close that they became like their opponents. "
Spend time praying Scripture using Jude 3. Read the verse, then respond to these questions:"
Ask God to show you what it means to contend for the faith. Thank Him for delivering the faith to you and ask for the boldness to stand firm when His Word is under attack.
During the session, invite adults to pray this Scripture, as well. "
Review these points from Apply the Text on page 117 of the Personal Study Guide:
Guide the group to discuss the first set of questions on page 117 of the PSG. Allow adults to suggest false teachings that might be commonly believed and how Christians can respond to these modern-day heresies. Emphasize the need for mercy mixed with the fear of the Lord in our responses.
Close in prayer seeking God’s help in identifying false teachings and the destruction that results in the church and in the lives of those who adopt them. Lead adults to continue using the prayer prompts for Jude 3.
Reinforce the session by sending the group an email or text encouraging them to devote time in self-evaluation using the second set of questions on page 117 of the PSG. Let them know that you are available to talk with anyone who is struggling with false teaching in their own lives or in the lives of someone close to them.
Scripture reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human con-duct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. (See 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12.)"
Read, reflect on, and react emotionally to a Bible verse."
Focus on Jude 17-23. Read the passage aloud several times. Each time, emphasize different words or phrases as you read. For example, in one reading emphasize the verbs. Then read the verse again, emphasizing all the commands. Emphasize still other words in a third reading. Take note of your thoughts. How does the verse move you emotionally? What feelings were evoked by the different words and phrases as you emphasized them?"