“Descriptions, Accusations, Consequences”

Download discussion questions:  2 Peter 2:10b-22 Descriptions & Accusations
2 Peter 2:10b-22 Whoever Lacks These Qualities
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I encourage you to look at the passage in 2 Peter before you read this Blog entry.  What do you see in the text yourself?  What questions come to your mind?  How would you interpret what the writer says?  After even a few minutes examining and thinking about the text you will be much better prepared to evaluate the comments in the Blog.

When we discussed 2 Peter2:10b-22, our focus was on the specific phrase “the Master who bought them” and the theological implications growing from various interpretations.  But we never looked in detail at the particular statements that Peter made about the false teachers: the descriptions, accusations, and consequences the apostle ascribed to them.

Descriptions, Accusations, Consequences

One observation from studying the passage suggested that Peter’s comments fall generally into three categories.

• • Descriptions of the false teachers: What are they like?  What overall impressions do Peter (and others) have of them?  For example: e.g., “bold and willful” (v. 10b), “blots and blemishes” (v. 13b), “mists driven by a storm” (v. 17), etc.  These seemed to be Peter’s subjective yet inspired opinions.
  • Accusations of specific behaviors: What are the false teachers actually doing? What objective evidence is there for those being deceived (v. 13b) and enticed (vv. 14, 18) by empty promises (v. 19). Peter provides proof for the unsteady souls (v. 14) and those barely escaping (v. 18).
  • Consequences that will certainly result: Instead of promised freedom (v. 19), the false teachers (and their followers) face destruction (vv. 1, 12) and suffering (v. 13), consigned to gloom and utter darkness (v. 17).

The “Descriptions & Accusations” handout uses colored highlights from the observation of the passage to emphasize the three categories and how Peter intertwines them.

The Qualities of Genuine Faith

At the very beginning of our study of Peter’s second letter we discussed the list of character qualities that he encouraged.  We recognized that the qualities are not requirements for blessing or for salvation or for gaining God’s pleasure.  Instead, Peter exhorts believers to diligence as evidence of a life that is being authentically, supernaturally changed by God’s redeeming work.

In the current passage, Peter describes the false teachers.  How does this list of their character and behavior compare with the list of qualities in 2 Peter 1:5-7?  You can see the lists side-by-side in the “Whoever Lacks These Qualities” handout.  That handout includes a few lines connecting the lists.  What does the conduct of the false teachers say about their “faith” when measured by the qualities of genuine belief?  (Since we didn’t have the opportunity to discuss this together, I encourage you to use the handout to see what connections you would make.)

A little time spent drawing lines on the handout reveals the hollowness of the false teachers’ claims to faith and the danger of their teaching.

For example, consider these contrasts:

• • Faith? Denying the Master (v. 1), they do not tremble (v. 10b) at supernatural realities
  • Virtue? Deception (v. 13), insatiable for sin (v. 14), love gain from wrongdoing (v. 15)
  • Knowledge? Like irrational animals (v. 12), blaspheme about matters of which they are ignorant (v. 12)
  • Self-control? Bold and willful (v. 10b), creatures of instinct (v. 12)
  • Steadfastness? Forsaking the right way (v. 15), mists driven by a storm (v. 17), again entangled (v. 20), turn back from the holy commandment (v. 21)
  • Godliness? Blaspheming (vv. 10b, 12), slaves of corruption (v. 19)
  • Brotherly affection? Reveling in deception (v. 13), enticing unsteady souls (v. 14), promising freedom (v. 19)
  • Love? – The entire list of their attitudes and behaviors betrays any claim of Christ-like love.

As you look at the passage, you can probably add to the list.

A graphical depiction of those observations shows the complete failure of the false teachers to meet Peter’s exhortation to “be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election” (v. 10a).

Whether or not Peter intended the clear contrast between his two lists, the false teachers clearly missed his benchmark for belief that is genuine.

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (v. 8).

May we learn from Peter’s exhortation to diligence.

For if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (vv. 10b-11).