We are in a spiritual war. Satan and his army are bent on causing destruction and chaos in an effort to prevent the lost from being saved and the saved from growing in sanctification. Just like in physical war, one of the tactics that Satan loves to use is sabotage. He deploys secret agents who pose as allies but who are in reality enemies of the gospel. By means of deceit and manipulation the corrupt the truth, spread lies, and bring reproach on the name of Christ. The ensuing confusion turns people away from receiving the gospel and discourages Christians from growing in grace.
Peter was a veteran of the spiritual war who had faced off against false prophets many times. He saw the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, he argued against the elders and priests, and he had dealt with the Judaizers in the church. He knew that there have always been and there always be false prophets, agents of Satan who corrupt and deceive.
In 2 Peter 2, Peter goes to great lengths to warn believers about the danger of spiritual sabotage at the hands of false teachers. If we are not on our guard, we can unwittingly be influenced by heretical teachings that will hinder our growth and bring spiritual harm. We must arm ourselves with the truth and vigilantly guard against false doctrine and those who spread it.
Peter was a veteran of the spiritual war who had faced off against false prophets many times. He saw the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, he argued against the elders and priests, and he had dealt with the Judaizers in the church. He knew that there have always been and there always be false prophets, agents of Satan who corrupt and deceive.
In 2 Peter 2, Peter goes to great lengths to warn believers about the danger of spiritual sabotage at the hands of false teachers. If we are not on our guard, we can unwittingly be influenced by heretical teachings that will hinder our growth and bring spiritual harm. We must arm ourselves with the truth and vigilantly guard against false doctrine and those who spread it.