Author: Charlie Garrett

Thursday, 6 February 2020

…having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. 2 Peter 2:14

Peter continues on with his lengthy list as he describes the traits of false teachers. He now says they are “having eyes full of adultery.” The eyes can be used in various ways. Two in particular should be defined. First, they can be used to allow in the objects of lust such as Job spoke of –

“I have made a covenant with my eyes;
Why then should I look upon a young woman?”

They can also be used as objects of lust –

“Do not lust after her beauty in your heart,
Nor let her allure you with her eyelids.” Proverbs 6:25

The heart is where the root of adultery lies, but the eyes are where the adultery is watered. From there, it blossoms and takes over the mind. Therefore, to avert the eyes from that which is enticing will then deprive the condition from what it needs to grow. What is probably most on Peter’s mind is the second example from Proverbs. The reason for this is that he uses a noun. It literally says, “of an adulteress.”

Because of this, they “cannot cease from sin.” Their eyes reflect their nature, it is a nature which is in the Greek literally means “unceasing from sin.” Like the whore who flashes her eyes and captures the wandering sheep, taking him to slaughter, so the false teachers do to their unsuspecting victims. Peter says they are “enticing unstable souls.”

The thought is comparable to what Paul said to Timothy –

“For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts.” 2 Timothy 3:6

Whether a gullible woman or an unstable soul, the false teachers and wicked people of the world know how to control others with their unholy schemes and intents. People who are lacking discernment are ripe pickings for those who know how to mislead others. By saying the right things, things which sound correct, but which are twisted and unscriptural, false teachers lead many astray. And it is so easy for them, because “they have a heart trained in covetous practices.”

It speaks of the state of the individual false teacher, but which represents them all. The heart has been conditionally allowed to covet, being left completely unrestrained. Because of this, it has become their very nature to seek after that which the heart covets.

The word Peter uses is gumnazó. It is the root of our modern word “gymnastics.” It signifies training with full effort, using all of the physical and emotional force one can muster. With such an attitude, the actions follow suit, seducing others to appease the fleshly lusts which arise in them. In this, Peter says they are “accursed children.” Here Peter uses two nouns, literally saying, “children of a curse.” It reflects the state in which they exist. Just as Paul says those under the law are “under a curse,” so these false teachers exist in such a sphere. They have not come to the grace of God in Christ, and thus they remain in the realm of a curse.

Life application: It is shameful to hear about televangelists who preach “prosperity” for those who send money to their ministries, telling them that a “financial breakthrough” will come from their obedient and sacrificial giving. Unfortunately, those who fall for this are often those who are in rough times already. If things were going well, they wouldn’t be worried about a financial breakthrough.

Eventually, these supposed ministers are exposed through lavish living – large houses, expensive cars, fashion clothing, etc. There is no sense of decency or morality in their lives. They have profited by enticing unstable souls. Regardless of how they appear to those following them, the Lord reads their thoughts and the motives of their hearts. Destruction and hell will be their reward unless they correct the unholy path they are following.

Take the time to look into the lifestyle of those you intend to follow before, not after, you start giving. What is being taught here isn’t unique to Christianity. Rather, even the secular world – both in ancient times and today – understands the attitude addressed here. As Homer said in the Iliad, “Hateful to me as the gates of Hades is that man who hides one thing in his heart and speaks another.”

If we simply look at actions, rather than flowery speeches, we can discern the truth. Inspect the politicians you choose, not on what they say, but on what they do. Be discerning in the leaders you look to for your government, your business, and especially your spiritual life.

Lord, keep us from those who are bent on evil gain at our expense. Guide us to sound leaders who properly handle the word of truth. May those who lead our government, our financial institutions, and our churches be held accountable when they covetously strive to prosper at the expense of those who trust in them. Amen.

Wednesday, 5 February 2020

…and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, 2 Peter 2:13

Peter continues to speak of the false teachers that he has been referring to throughout the chapter. He states that they “will receive the wages of unrighteousness.” In this life, these false teachers may be profiting handsomely. They may never have trials or troubles, and the money may flow into their coffers like waters rushing in to fill a pond, but these are temporary riches. Eventually, the true wages they deserve shall be paid to them.

The word “wages,” however, is not the same as that which was used by Paul when he speaks of the “wages of sin” in Romans 6:23. It speaks of a reward or recompense which is given as a compensation for an action or decision. It is the same word that will be used in 2:15 when referring to Balaam who was hired to curse Israel. There is an action which is worth a certain hire, and that is what is then received by the one who was hired. In this case, Peter speaks of the reward for their unrighteous actions. He then further defines the thought by saying of them that they are “as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime.”

The idea is that of being completely unashamed of their actions. Those who carouse, normally do so at night. The dark hides their shame and it conceals their identity. During the day, they put on a different face so that they might be thought of as honorable people. But those Peter speaks of are so bold in their unrighteousness that they openly flaunt what they do. They have no care that their teaching is false. The money pours in, the suckers enrich their coffers, and they feel justified that they are worthy of their ill-gotten gain.

Because of the attitude, Peter further describes them by saying that “they are spots and blemishes.” The first word comes from the Greek: spilos. One can see the root of our modern word for “spill.” It was only used elsewhere by Paul in Ephesians 5:27 where he noted that Christ will present His church to Himself without “spot or wrinkle.” When one has a beautiful garment that gets a spot on it, nobody notices the garment any longer. Rather, the only thing that is seen is that horrible spot. That is what these false teachers are like. They ruin what is otherwise pure and beautiful.

The word translated as “blemish” is only found here, mómos. It is that which causes disgrace. One can see that the “spots” speak of the individuals in the church, whereas the “blemishes” speak of how they affect the church. Of these people, Peter then says that they are “carousing in their own deceptions.”

A different word, translated as “carousing,” is used here than was used in the previous clause. It speaks of self-indulgence and luxurious living. They are so set on living out their dream world of luxury that their deceptions are all they can think of. It is as if they are the center of the universe and everything around them was set in place just for them to live out their own luxurious existence. Peter says this occurs, “while they feast with you.”

In other words, even while joining together with believers, their conduct remains unchanged. They have taken on such an openly self-centered existence that they cannot perceive any need for change when they are around true believers who live holy lives and are truly pious in their actions, including the very meals they partake of.

Life application: God, who is rich in mercy, offers a gift – eternal life through the Lord Jesus. On the other hand, Peter takes this concept and says (still speaking of false teachers) that they will receive their wages. These are the people who actively disobey the gospel of Jesus and yet they are the same people who sit at feasts with believers.

Think on those in Christian circles who fit this description – people who claim to know Jesus, but who deny His authority by the life they lead. They openly flaunt their disobedient lifestyle while wearing garbs of the pious.

There is never a reason to trust someone just because they have on a minister’s attire or have a degree from a theological seminary. Rather, an instructor in Christianity is to be evaluated on how he handles the word of God and how he treats the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Lord God, You have stated that judgment begins at Your house. How terrifying it will be for those who have improperly handled Your word, and who have diminished the glorious work of Jesus Christ. They sit in Your church now, but they have never truly been a part of it. Keep us from such teachers that we may be found approved on the Day of Your visitation. Amen.

Tuesday, 4 February 2020

But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, 2 Peter 2:12

There are two views on how to translate the word “natural” here. The first is to connect it to the words “brute beasts.” The second would be to tie it to the words “caught and destroyed.” The second option seems more likely, so the second view will only be cited here. Charles Ellicott translates it as “born naturally for capture and destruction.”

Either way, Peter continues to speak of those he has been describing. They are people who walk according to the flesh, who despise authority, and so on. He now says that they are “like natural brute beasts.”

Here, he uses the word alogos. It is the word logos, meaning “reason,” which is prefixed by the negative particle a. Therefore, it signifies “unreasoning.” Just as an animal is unable to reason things out, these people have become so degraded in their minds that they live by animal instincts. They are unwilling to simply stop and think things through in a logical, rational way.

Peter notes that such animals are “made to be caught and destroyed.” He is not actually calling for these people to be culled from the pack, but that is the expected lot of the animals which they are like.

In other words, though not calling for them to be caught and destroyed, this is what would otherwise be expected of them because they have reduced themselves to the same state as such animals that do need to be destroyed. They have not only reduced themselves to a state of no value at all, but they are actually harmful to society. Logically then, unless they come to their senses, the Lord will handle them as they deserve in due time.

Peter continues by saying that because they are like such irrational animals, they “speak evil of the things they do not understand.” What God has ordained in the universe, from the movement of the atoms to the movement of the cosmos, is perfectly ordered. Each aspect of the created order works in a harmonious way. This then extends to the thought that God is infinitely wise and what He has done should be considered as such.

And yet, a good example of the type of people Peter speaks of are those who attribute these magnificent workings of God to time and chance. They blaspheme God by saying that order was brought from chaos through an evolutionary process. This is but one of countless examples of how people take what is good and true about God, and what He has done, and they twist it or ignore it, they speak evil of it, and yet they have no true understanding of it. Of them, Peter says that they “will utterly perish in their own corruption.”

The Greek of these words has a play on words which is not seen in the English. By taking the noun and verb forms of a word, Peter says something like “in the destruction of them, they will also be destroyed.” The probable meaning of his words is that just as they have reduced themselves to the state of irrational animals, so they will be destroyed as irrational animals are destroyed. Their own moral corruption will be as a sentence against them, and because of it, they will get what they deserve.

Life application: In Revelation 2 and 3, we are given a direct look into the thoughts of how carefully Jesus considers the state of His church. We stray from His precepts at our own peril, and those who add to or detract from His word do so at their own condemnation. The words there carefully reveal the truths that Peter writes about in this epistle.

An example of what Peter is referring to is reflected in the attitude of the Episcopal church. All the way back in 2011, they stated, “On Good Friday, the day we mark the crucifixion of Christ, God in the flesh, might we suggest that when Earth is degraded, when species go extinct, that another part of God’s body experiences yet another sort of crucifixion…” The note goes on to state that it is notable that many religious leaders are celebrating both Good Friday and Earth Day as “holy.”

Equating their perverse climate agenda with the crucifixion of Jesus is not only contemptible, but the theology made in the comparison is severely deficient. The earth is not a “part of God’s body.” Rather it is a part of His creation. Man has been given dominion over the earth, but the earth – its climate, its future, and its existence – is under the complete control of God. Man’s role in earthly matters will be judged based on his relationship with Jesus, not on global warming.

As the years have passed since that Good Friday statement was issued, the levels of depravity within the Episcopal church have increased almost exponentially. Those who teach such corrupt theology, rather than the truth of Christ, will have to face God someday, and they will be treated just as irrational animals, which they are, should be.

Lord God, surely sound doctrine is of great value. When it is lacking, there can only be a departure from the truth of Your word. This, in turn, will lead to separation from You and eventually to destruction. Open our minds to properly reason out our theology so that what we hear and believe will be acceptable in Your glorious eyes. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

Monday, 3 February 2020

…whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. 2 Peter 2:11

Peter just spoke of “dignitaries,” noting that those who walk according to the flesh and who despise authority “are not afraid to speak evil” of them. As noted, the word translated as “dignitaries,” literally means “glories.”

Without being dogmatic over the intent of Peter’s wording, he may have been referring to natural authorities, or he may have used the word to describe heavenly beings – angels, Christ, or God. There is a contempt for any authority, most likely that which exists in the spiritual realm. Hence, such people will use the name of Christ or the name of God in a reviling manner without batting an eye.

The book of Jude closely follows this chapter of 2 Peter, and there he uses the same word, speaking in just that manner –

“Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. ⁹ Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” Jude 1:8, 9

Thus, it is a clue that this is also probably what is on Peter’s mind here. With that thought in mind, Peter now says, “whereas angels.” This is in contrast to those people. Angels are a completely different category than men. As he says, they are “greater in power and might.”

There are two possibilities concerning these words. Peter is either referring to the angels being greater in power and might than the false teachers, or he is contrasting the angels to the archangels, who would then next be mentioned.

The first option initially seems more likely based on the contrast being made, but the second option would then set the proper tone for the conduct of the angels before those “dignitaries” to which they were subordinate. In this, it would show an even greater distinction between the false teachers and the object of their evil speaking.

Either way, man is mortal, he ages, he lives within the sphere of the material world, his power and strength are limited, and so on. And yet, despite this lowly state, such arrogant people are willing to speak against these “dignitaries,” or “glories.” As Peter next notes, even angels “do not bring a reviling accusation against them,” meaning these “dignitaries.”

And this type of accusation is noted by Peter as being “before the Lord.” That is expanded on in the quote from Jude mentioned above – “The Lord rebuke you!” Jude places his words in the context of Michael and Satan. However, a comparable thought is found in Zechariah 3 –

“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. ² And the Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?’” Zechariah 3:1, 2

In the end, the thought Peter is presenting is that of a complete contrast between these earthly, fallen men who speak evil against authorities, while even those who possess much greater power and rank would not do so. Thus, it shows the high level of arrogance and folly exhibited by these people.

Life application: In revealing the utter contempt of these people for the holiness of God, their actions demonstrate that their judgment is more than deserved. They use their tongues to destroy the line of authority God has ordained. They do this despite being mere mortals who have no true power or authority over anything, including the moment of their demise. In this, their words condemn rather than justify them.

The Bible lays out certain precepts. For example, elders and deacons are to be the husband of but one wife. Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormons, chose to disobey this. Likewise, the Bible condemns any sex not within the bounds of marriage between a man and a woman. Despite this, leaders in denominations and churches actively engage in illicit sexual behavior – daring God and reviling the boundaries of authority that He has given. Such examples are what Peter notes as worthy of destruction.

Be careful who you follow and why. Know your Bible and know your God!

Lord God, it is You who are to be obeyed. Below You, there is a line of authority which You have established for Your sovereign purposes. May we endeavor to obey the rulers and authorities appointed over us, and may our tongues be careful to not revile them – even when we disagree with the direction they choose. Rather, remind us to pray for them. Amen.

Sunday, 2 February 2020

… and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, 2 Peter 2:10

Peter had just noted the unjust whom the Lord has reserved “under punishment for the day of judgment.” He now highlights those people saying, “and especially those who walk according to the flesh.” The term “walk” signifies the conduct of life. It is their usual manner of living and acting. Therefore, to “walk according to the flesh” is to walk in a manner which is contrary to a moral and godly life.

Peter then further describes such an immoral and ungodly walk by saying, “in the lust of uncleanness.” The word translated as “uncleanness” is a noun. Thus, it is walking in the lust which causes the uncleanness. Peter then says that these same people “despise authority.”

This is a catchall phrase. Those Peter refer to despise not just one level of authority, but all authority. They despise the governmental authority which they reside under. They despise the authority of their master, or employer. They despise those appointed by law to protect and defend the populace. They despise the authority within the church. They despise all authority, heavenly or earthly. And this state is reflected in the next words Peter uses. He says, “They are presumptuous, self-willed.”

It is obvious that anyone who thinks he is above all authorities will be presumptuous. He will be daring in his conduct, bold in his words against those who he should show humility towards, and he will be impudent when asked to conduct himself in a respectable manner. Further, being self-willed goes hand in hand with that. He will be arrogant, impatient with others, unyielding even when shown to be wrong, and dogmatic about things which he may not even fully understand.

Finally, the verse ends with, “They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries.” This follows naturally with what has already been said. When such people despise authority, and when they are presumptuous and self-willed, they will show contempt for those appointed over them, or those whose responsibility it is to ensure they act in accord with the rules and laws of the land.

However, the word Peter uses literally means “glories.” In other words, though it may be speaking of natural authorities, and though they may be included in the thought, it is probably more intended to describe heavenly beings – angels, Jesus Christ, and God. There is a contempt for any authority which exists in the spiritual realm. Hence, such people will use the name of Christ or the name of God in a reviling manner without batting an eye.

Life application: In this verse, we have the evening news in a nutshell. It appears that little has changed in the 2000 years since Peter wrote this. Instead, they have gotten worse. Not because of the already wicked heart, but because of the availability of access and communication with those who act in the same manner.

Whereas trouble in earlier times was localized and contained, today people in the US can stir up trouble in Egypt. Someone at his computer in France can email whatever perverted thing he has dreamt up to people in 100 countries. Disobedience and the despising of authority are practiced and expanded upon in blogs and at news centers around the globe.

TV shows have gone from wholesome family values to complete perversion of both word and thought in less than two generations. Good is called evil and evil is called good. Israel is condemned for its restraint in combat while those who perpetually attack her are called the victims – and the lie increases with every biased broadcast of the presumptuous and self-willed commentator.

The lawless left challenges the authority of duly elected officials. Those who are in the minority, and who are elected to do their jobs, simply pack up and leave their post when they disagree with the majority – never considering their duty to the people who elected them.

Those who legally bear arms are called criminals, while those who illegally misuse them are said to have been brought up in sad circumstances and should be given light treatment.

Societies promote abortion as if the life conceived has no value, but they forgive murderers who rape and mutilate their victims before killing them.

All of this twisted and unhealthy thinking can be traced back to despising of the ultimate authority – The Lord God. The nations rally now, but He will be vindicated. The time of Christ’s reign is approaching where all uncleanness will be removed.

Lord, Your word speaks of hard issues which we often fail to take to heart. We forget that You aren’t only a loving and gentle Creator, but that You also are holy, righteous, and just. Better for us to put our hope in You and Your cross now than to attempt to stand on our own state, that of lacking any true righteousness, on the great Day You have prepared. Amen.