2 Peter 2 - Teaching

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.