The Way or Astray

Scripture:

2Pet. 2:1   But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive opinions. They will even deny the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. ² Even so, many will follow their licentious ways, and because of these teachers the way of truth will be maligned. ³ And in their greed they will exploit you with deceptive words. Their condemnation, pronounced against them long ago, has not been idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

Observation:

Peter was gravely concerned about false teachers who were influencing these new believers. Some of them were arising from within the group and were bringing with them secret opinions that would prove to be destructive to the community of faith. Ultimately, these false teachers will have a hard time recognizing Jesus for who he really is and will try to make excuses. This will lead to their own demise because you cannot preach Christianity without knowing Christ! 

Sadly, the false teachers would fall by engaging in behaviors that satisfied their own sexual desires without restraint and this was giving Christianity a bad reputation. The people of God were known as the people of “The Way” and therefore “The Way” of truth was being maligned by the bad behavior of those claiming to be followers of Christ. 

False teachers are not servant leaders, but are greedy leaders: driven by the marks of worldly success, they are the antithesis of Jesus’ humility. Paul reminded us of the humility of Christ, his power never being exploited for his own good, but only for the good of others. False teachers use their power and authority for their own good, growing successful and wealthy by the world’s standards, teaching what people want to hear. While their condemnation may not be visible today, it was pronounced by Christ long ago, and their destruction will come. They are not leading on “The Way” but they are leading sheep astray. 

Application:

Throughout Christian history there have been false teachers who have led innocent followers astray. Peter’s concern remains to this day where we find the struggle for traditional faith under fire by those who want to make “The Way” more appealing to the culture. The reality is that “The Way” never has been appealing to culture, and probably never should be. 

Culture will lead us astray and to following our “licentious ways.” Merriam Webster defines licentious as: “lacking legal or moral restraints especially : disregarding sexual restraints.” Far too often we find those who have been high and mighty falling because of a lack of sexual restraint. Success and power can be intoxicating and without spending time at the foot of a humble cross, a leader can become consumed by all that the world has to offer. The temptation to cheat a little here and there is placed before the individual, and as they are led astray, so they will lead others from “The Way.” Why? Because they will find comfort for their own discomfort by bringing others with them, and they will feel comfortable within the culture. Sadly, the witness of the church will be wounded by their behavior, and the world will be left wondering whether those followers of “The Way” really do believe in anything. 

Just as the church has had to be vigilant throughout history, so she must remain vigilant today. There will be false teachers among us, and any leader who does not point us toward Jesus, is leading us astray. The trajectory may be very small at the beginning but when we stray from “The Way” — we can end up way off course. 

Prayer:

Lord, I pray for discerning ears and eyes, that I might faithfully follow you. Amen.