Grace and Peace be multiplied to you through the Knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. ~ 2 Peter 1:2
Has Peter Been Reading Your Mail?
No, but you can read his . . . he wrote a letter to believers warning them about false teachers––spiritual abusers. This letter is meant for us, too, and chances are, you can identify people that fall in the category of “false teachers”.
But First: A Word of Comfort
Before he launches into God’s pronouncement of judgment over evil religious people, Peter assures us of God’s provision for godly spirituality. One cannot just stroll casually through the book of 2 Peter. Within the first few verses, we are captivated by startling and glorious truths:
False Teachers Are On God’s Radar
The way Peter relates to us in the 21st century is comforting because he tells of God’s justice regarding spiritual oppression. If you have suffered from religious trauma, you need to know this.
Spiritual abuse was as prolific in Peter’s time as now. We define this term as the harm resulting from a person who uses God’s name, God’s word, or a position of religious power or authority to deceive, control, or coerce others for selfish gain. Heretics are so common and prevalent, we are to constantly be on the lookout:
Peter says that false teachers even deny Jesus; they are depraved, they corrupt the way of truth, they exploit people, they are greedy deceivers. Their destruction is imminent––they will be punished for their evil ways.
And now for the good news: God sees you if you have been harmed by someone who has used God’s name or authority for evil purposes.
The Lord knows how to rescue the godly. ~ 2 Peter 2:9
We Are Responsible For Walking in Truth
Peter urges us to know and practice the truth. Friend, this can’t happen passively. We must employ the spiritual disciplines of prayer, reading God’s word, and gathering with other believers if we are to escape false teaching and all the evil that comes with it.
Why The Bible Is More Than Relevant
We live in a world of lies and deceit. Some of us come from families steeped in lies and deceit. There is only one source of truth: God himself, and he has revealed himself in his word, the Bible. Jesus is the living word; the way, the truth, and the life. He has placed his Holy Spirit inside believers to bear witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Without truth, we can’t escape the lies and detriment of the enemy–especially the religious enemy!
The only way we can have the peace Peter talks about in chapter 3 verse 14 is to reconcile in our minds and hearts what is true. We cannot walk in lies and truth at the same time. Believe me, I’ve tried! When I came out of my abusive marriage (in which I was living the lie), I needed a theological correction. I learned that I had believed twisted scriptures––no wonder I was so confused! As God continues to pour out his truth on me, I experience more and more peace.
Friend, may I encourage you to stay connected to the word of God, and to Jesus through prayer? You will develop wisdom and discernment as you spend time with him, becoming less susceptible to subtle false teaching. The wiser you are, the less likely you will be deceived. Revisit 2 Peter for yourself––you may think he’s been reading your mail!
©2024 Julianne Knapp. First published 1.30.24
But First: A Word of Comfort
Before he launches into God’s pronouncement of judgment over evil religious people, Peter assures us of God’s provision for godly spirituality. One cannot just stroll casually through the book of 2 Peter. Within the first few verses, we are captivated by startling and glorious truths:
- Jesus’ power gives us all we need for life and godliness––we lack nothing! (see also Psalm 23:1)
- Jesus’ amazing promises allow us to share in the unity of the trinity
- Jesus has made a way of escape from worldly evil (see also 1 Cor. 10:13)
- Jesus guarantees purpose and fruitfulness as we increase in his knowledge (we aren’t “stuck”!)
- We must constantly, intentionally refresh our memories to keep truth at the forefront of our minds (see also Romans 12:2)
- There IS such a thing as objective, observable truth in Jesus Christ
False Teachers Are On God’s Radar
The way Peter relates to us in the 21st century is comforting because he tells of God’s justice regarding spiritual oppression. If you have suffered from religious trauma, you need to know this.
Spiritual abuse was as prolific in Peter’s time as now. We define this term as the harm resulting from a person who uses God’s name, God’s word, or a position of religious power or authority to deceive, control, or coerce others for selfish gain. Heretics are so common and prevalent, we are to constantly be on the lookout:
- 1 Pet. 5:8 tells us to be vigilant because our enemy is looking for an opportunity to pounce
- 1 John 4:1-3 tells us to test spirits so we can know whether the teaching is coming from God
- Acts 17:11 congratulates the Bereans because they searched the scriptures to confirm the truth of Paul’s teaching.
Peter says that false teachers even deny Jesus; they are depraved, they corrupt the way of truth, they exploit people, they are greedy deceivers. Their destruction is imminent––they will be punished for their evil ways.
And now for the good news: God sees you if you have been harmed by someone who has used God’s name or authority for evil purposes.
The Lord knows how to rescue the godly. ~ 2 Peter 2:9
We Are Responsible For Walking in Truth
Peter urges us to know and practice the truth. Friend, this can’t happen passively. We must employ the spiritual disciplines of prayer, reading God’s word, and gathering with other believers if we are to escape false teaching and all the evil that comes with it.
- Be aware. Scoffers will deny the Lord’s return, acting as though there is no God (Psalm 14:1).
- Destruction is coming to those who deny the word of God.
- Righteousness is coming to those who wait on God’s promise
- Avoid corruption and obtain peace by walking in God’s salvation
- Know that those who twist scriptures will be destroyed: do not follow them.
Why The Bible Is More Than Relevant
We live in a world of lies and deceit. Some of us come from families steeped in lies and deceit. There is only one source of truth: God himself, and he has revealed himself in his word, the Bible. Jesus is the living word; the way, the truth, and the life. He has placed his Holy Spirit inside believers to bear witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Without truth, we can’t escape the lies and detriment of the enemy–especially the religious enemy!
The only way we can have the peace Peter talks about in chapter 3 verse 14 is to reconcile in our minds and hearts what is true. We cannot walk in lies and truth at the same time. Believe me, I’ve tried! When I came out of my abusive marriage (in which I was living the lie), I needed a theological correction. I learned that I had believed twisted scriptures––no wonder I was so confused! As God continues to pour out his truth on me, I experience more and more peace.
Friend, may I encourage you to stay connected to the word of God, and to Jesus through prayer? You will develop wisdom and discernment as you spend time with him, becoming less susceptible to subtle false teaching. The wiser you are, the less likely you will be deceived. Revisit 2 Peter for yourself––you may think he’s been reading your mail!
©2024 Julianne Knapp. First published 1.30.24