The Depravity of False Teachers
March 6, 2021
Commentary
In this passage we learn just how serious is “The Depravity Of False Teachers”. For example:
They “revile” against those in authority (vv. 10-12).The Lord is especially hard on people who disobey him and don’t think of anything except their own filthy desires. (v. 10). Although angels are more powerful than these evil beings, they don’t dare to accuse them to the Lord (v. 11). By walking after the flesh, they became little more than “natural brute beasts” (v. 12). Their own corrupt deeds will destroy them.They “riot” with great pleasure (vv. 13-14) They love to “riot” (carouse) (v. 13). The word “riot” (or “revel” or carouse) refers to extreme indulgence in sensual pleasures. They count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. This is not to suggest that it is all right to carouse at night. They think it is fun to have wild parties during the day. The feast may have been part of the celebration of the Lord’s supper. This was a full meal that ended with Communion. The false teachers, although they were sinning openly took part in these meals with everyone else in the Church. This was one of the greatest of hypocritical acts. They are immoral, and the meals they eat with the people are spoiled by the shameful way they carry on Their eyes are full of adultery. (this speaks of their depravity) (v. 14). Their heart is “trained with covetous practices.” All they think about is having sex with someone else’s husband or wife.They “revolt” against the right way (vv. 15-16). “They have forsaken the right way and gone astray” (v. 15). They have left the true road and have gone down the wrong path by following the example of the prophet Balaam. He was the son of Beor and loved what he got from being a crook. Like the prophet Balaam, they were swayed by the “wages of unrighteousness” (v. 15). The “wages of unrighteousness” refers to the monetary compensation one receives for their sins (money). But a donkey corrected him for this evil deed (v. 16).
Application
My depraved sin nature can only be conquered by the shed blood of Calvary’s cross.
2 Peter 2:10– 16 (NET)
10 especially those who indulge their fleshly desires and who despise authority.
11 yet even angels, who are much more powerful, do not bring a slanderous judgment against them in the presence of the Lord. 12 But these men, like irrational animals—creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed —do not understand whom they are insulting, and consequently in their destruction they will be destroyed, 13 suffering harm as the wages for their harmful ways. By considering it a pleasure to carouse in broad daylight, they are stains and blemishes, indulging in their deceitful pleasures when they feast together with you. 14 Their eyes, full of adultery, never stop sinning; they entice unstable people. They have trained their hearts for greed, these cursed children! 15 By forsaking the right path they have gone astray, because they followed the way of Balaam son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, 16 yet was rebuked for his own transgression (a dumb donkey, speaking with a human voice, restrained the prophet’s madness).