Exposing False Teachers – A Study of 2 Peter 2

"Exposing False Teachers"

I. Introduction

A. Purpose of the Letter

B. Structural Overview (ABBA pattern)

NT Apostles (1:16–18)

OT Prophets (1:19–21)

OT False Prophets (2:1a)

NT False Teachers (2:1b–3)

II. The Rise and Traits of False Teachers (2:1–3)

A. Origin “Among You” – Internal Threat

B. Characteristics

Destructive Heresies

Denial of Christ (in doctrine and practice)

Depraved Behavior

Exploitation and Greed

Use of Made-Up Stories

C. Consequences

Swift Destruction

Maligning the Way of Truth

Condemnation is Certain

III. Old Testament Precedents of Judgment (2:4–10a)

A. Angels (Gen 6 / 1 Enoch references)

B. Noah and the Ancient World

C. Sodom and Gomorrah

D. Lot’s Rescue

E. Lesson: God Judges the Wicked and Rescues the Righteous

IV. Description of False Teachers’ Behavior (2:10b–16)

A. Arrogance and Boldness

B. Slander of Spiritual Beings

C. Carnal and Animalistic Instincts

D. Hypocrisy and Deception within the Community

Feasting and Fellowship

Hidden Sin (Adultery, Greed)

Targeting the Unstable

E. Comparison to Balaam

Driven by Greed

Rebuked by a Donkey

V. The Hopeless End of False Teachers (2:17–22)

A. Empty Promises – “Springs without Water”

B. Preying on New Believers and the Vulnerable

C. Slaves to Corruption Despite Promising Freedom

D. Worse Off Than Before Knowing the Truth

E. Illustrations: Dog Returning to Vomit, Sow to Mud

VI. Discussion Questions and Application

A. Why do false teachers gain a following?

B. Who are their primary targets?

C. What are the warning signs?

D. Why is the doctrine of judgment and Christ’s return essential?

VII. Additional Scriptures

Matthew 7:15–20, Matthew 24:11, Matthew 24:24, Luke 6:26, John 8:44, Acts 20:29–30, Romans 16:17–18, 1 Corinthians 11:19, 2 Corinthians 11:13–15, Galatians 1:6–9, Ephesians 5:6, Colossians 2:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22, 1 Timothy 1:6–7, 1 Timothy 4:1–2, 2 Timothy 3:13, Titus 1:10–11, Hebrews 13:9, James 3:1, 1 John 4:1