Read this description of false teachers Peter writes in his epistle.

These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.”

2 Peter 2:17-22

There is a kind of so-called freedom the world wants to offer, a freedom that is actually slavery in disguise. This comes from the spiritual oppression of sin. More than any worldly person, government, or other force could ever force us into submission, the slavery of sin grabs us only after convincing us that subjugation under base and defiling desires is better than spiritual freedom under God.

Moreover, the false freedom that the world promises comes under many disguises. The teachers who preach this secret slavery are not interested in truth. They want to sway emotions by appealing to patriotism or sympathy or lust or hate or any other feeling that is strong enough to change your mind. But watch carefully!

As strongly as they work to convince you in one direction, they will gladly abandon it for the next thing, as long as it keeps them in the spotlight. They know the truth of the Word of God, but corrupt it to match their own evil desires. As long as their appetites are met, they don’t care what they have to say or who they have to hurt.

Do you know any teachers like that?

Ethan Kirl

Originally published September 24, 2020