1. Read 2 Peter 2:1–19. Record the characteristics
of false teachers described by Peter. Explain in writing how your list helps
you recognize false teachers today.
·
Denying that Christ paid the
price for their sins
·
Covetousness
·
Filthy conversation
·
Lust of uncleanness
·
Despise government
·
Presumptuous, self-willed
·
Not afraid to speak evils of
dignities
·
Speak evil of the things they
don’t understand
·
Count it pleasurable to riot
in the daytime
·
Sporting
themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you
·
Eyes full of adultery, that
cannot cease from sin
·
Forsake the right way
·
Love the wages of
unrighteousness
·
Words of vanity allure the
lusts of the flesh
·
They promise liberty while
they are servants of corruption
As I reviewed these characteristics, I realized that being able to
recognize false teachers keeps me aware of the things and teachings I need to
avoid in order to keep myself on track with the Lord. This list is a tool in helping me see the
truth behind flashy and salacious headlines or slogans. Especially in today’s world where the
internet provides so much anonymity and “freedom” to people to express their
views, without any fear of consequence or harm to others, this is most
applicable. We need to be aware of the
tools that Satan and his minions use so that we can protect ourselves from
their fiery darts. The more we are able
to detect false teachers, the more we can keep ourselves unspotted from the
world.
2. Read 2 Peter 2:20–22; Doctrine and Covenants
82:3, 7. In your own words, write a few sentences describing the dangers of
returning to the “pollutions of the world.”
These references teach that it is worse to receive knowledge and to
then turn away from that knowledge than to be ignorant of the truth. It’s like with children. A two-year-old is not held to the same standard
as an eight-year-old. That little
two-year-old probably doesn’t know any better.
They don’t know or understand how the world works and why certain
actions have specific consequences. An
eight-year-old, however, understands quite a bit more. They know enough to know how they should behave
and what is expected of them. There is a
greater ability to control their actions and emotions. There is also increased knowledge and
understanding. If a two-year-old takes a
toy off a store shelf and tries to leave with it, it’s purely an accident. That toddler hasn’t learned what stealing is
or the difference between right and wrong in that circumstance. If an eight-year-old does the same, they have
the understanding of what right and wrong is.
They understand that stealing is wrong from a completely different
perspective.
When we are given knowledge and truth, we are held to a higher
standard of behavior. If we learn that
stealing is wrong and then we turn around and steal something, the consequences
will be far greater for us than someone who doesn’t have that knowledge. I could come up with ten different examples
to illustrate this principle. But what
it ultimately comes down to is that intentional sin is very different than
ignorant sin.