ARROGANCE AND SLANDER

ARROGANCE AND SLANDER

2 Peter 2:10-11

… those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord. (NIVUK)

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Slander, the false statement that maliciously ruins reputations (James 4:11), does not stalk alone.  Its associate is the heart-attitude of arrogance.  Arrogant people think that they have the right to exalt themselves by speaking ill of others.  Wherever you see one of these ugly companions, the other is lurking nearby: both are dangerous and neither can be trusted.  Today's verse shows that there is no limit to the authorities which ungodly false teachers will try to topple by their bad-speaking.  As with every evil act, there is no satisfaction in being 'a little bad', and without repentance, sin will escalate until it engulfs its perpetrators. It is not clear who are the 'celestial beings' in this passage. Of the possibilities of church members, church leaders, good angels or fallen angels it is the latter that seems to fit the context best as they are mentioned in 2 Peter 2:4.  The false teachers have presumed to make accusations about them before God's throne (as Satan does in Revelation 12:9-10).  It may seem ludicrous that they would dare to try to get believers, angels or demons in trouble with God (Jude 1:8) ; but arrogance knows no bounds, and rebellion craves recognition - even from God.  But by contrast, loyal angels do not even whisper any complaint in God's presence. They know the truth of Deuteronomy 32:35 and Hebrews 10:30 where God says, "It is mine to avenge, I will repay". Alas, the false teachers who have invaded the church over the centuries understand no such respect; they destroy the reputations of godly people in order to establish their own authority.  Powerful and plausible they may be, but when motivated by arrogance they will express themselves in slander and try to tear down what God wants to build up, or what God is allowing until the time of judgement. The secular versions of arrogant slander can be found in every company and profession.  They will be found out eventually, but meanwhile they are to be pitied and prayed for - that they may find Christ.  But the church needs strong and Godly leadership to identify these spiritual posers, depriving them of the limelight they seek.  So, as well as praying for the arrogant at work, also pray that your church leaders will know how to deal with the malicious slanderers within the church.  In the end, the Lord will deal with both (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Almighty God. Thank You for being All-mighty. Forgive me for every hint of arrogance and for the times I have slandered others. Please root out these wicked characteristics from me. I now pray for those whose arrogance seems unlimited, and who have no fear of anybody or even of Your authority. Please bring them to repentance and faith, before they face Your judgement. And please give wisdom and courage to my spiritual leaders so that they may guard the flock against the arrogant slander of those who seek to gain influence in the church. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

ENEMY AGENTS

ENEMY AGENTS 2 Peter 2:1-2 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them – bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.  Ever since God has been expressing His truth to human beings, Satan has tried to undermine Divine authority by twisting truth into lies (Genesis 3:1-5).  The Old Testament prophets were appointed because God’s appointed truth-tellers (the kings) had been caught up in the lies, believed them and allowed them space to infiltrate what Israel believed.  Additionally, there were other false prophets who seduced the hearts of God's people, like Balaam (Revelation 2:14) .  In the same way, Peter says, false prophets were lurking in the churches.  Appearing to be followers of Jesus, they were enemy agents.  They may not have thought of themselves like that, and they would probably have come across as sincere teachers. Peter contrasts them with the true prophets whose words have been included in Scripture (1 Peter 1:19-21).  The motives and words of the false teachers were not from God (Jude 1:12-13) .  Unlike the true prophets whose message was open to all who would listen, the counterfeit preachers behaved covertly.  They packaged their lies in sufficient truth to deceive the believers who were unaware that they were being seduced away from Christ. Their false teaching was focussed on the person and work of Christ.  They ignored His deity and the all-sufficiency of His sacrifice.  The danger to the church was, and still is, that whenever error is given house-room and not immediately rejected (Ephesians 4:25-27), it ruins believers' discernment and spoils their consciences (1 Timothy 4:2) - so that people start to believe the lies.  Peter accurately predicted that such teaching would eventually destroy churches and bring the gospel into disrepute.  Peter himself had been a victim of such deception and Jesus rebuked him (Matthew 16:21-23), and later Paul needed to challenge Peter to come back to the true gospel (Galatians 2:11-21) – these were important lessons which Peter learned well. Unfortunately, false teachers are still around.  They are often popular, gathering admiring crowds who congratulate 'wise insights' (1 Timothy 4:1-4).  Even firm believers may be fooled.  So how can the church be defended against such doctrinal perversion?  Firstly, we must not be gullible: be on guard, aware that wherever the Lord is working in truth, error will lurk in somebody who speaks persuasively awaiting the chance of a hearing.  Secondly, we need to guard the apostolic teaching about the truth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Saviour of the world (Acts 20:28-31) .  And the best way to protect true doctrine, is to preach it!  Thirdly, do not be fooled into wrong belief just because thousands of other people think it is right (Luke 6:26): check it carefully against the teaching of the apostles who were appointed by Jesus to define and proclaim the truth of the gospel.  Then, whenever you find anything else taught, be bold and brave in identifying the error and warning others against accepting and believing it. Holy Father. Thank You for the gospel which has taught me how to be saved. Forgive my gullibility, accepting persuasive talk without checking it against apostolic teaching. Forgive me for accepting doctrinal compromises when Your Word speaks the truth clearly. And forgive me for my reluctance to challenge those who peddle falsehood, and when I have not vigorously supported Biblical leadership. Please give me a renewed passion for knowing, teaching and living Your truth, and refuting error. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.