Author: Charlie Garrett

Saturday, 8 February 2020

… but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet. 2 Peter 2:16

Peter now finishes the thought of Balaam which he began in the previous verse. But his words are a continuation of the whole thought so far presented concerning false teachers. In the case of Balaam “who loved the wages of unrighteousness,” Peter now says that “he was rebuked for his iniquity.”

The Greek reads, “he had a rebuke for his transgression.” The word signifies a violation of a law. The Lord gave Balaam a directive, but Balaam went through with his actions intending to violate that directive. Thus, it was a violation of what the Lord had spoken, and the Lord rebuked him as such. In this, the rebuke came through “a dumb donkey.”

Here the idea of a donkey would only be known if one had read the story. The Greek simply says, “a beast of burden.” The Lord took a mute beast and used it to overthrow the supposed wisdom of this soothsayer. In doing so, it was considered a significant rebuke. This is especially so because it was “speaking with a man’s voice.”

There are times that animals make sounds that we may perceive as a known word or set of words. One can teach a dog to say, “aww wuv you.” From there, we think the dog is saying, “I love you,” but it is with the voice of a dog. Even donkeys may bray in a way which shows some hint of supposed intelligence, but the voice, or sound, is always that of a donkey. But this animal spoke with the voice of a man. In this, it “restrained the madness of the prophet.”

The Greek noun, translated as “madness,” is only found here in the New Testament. It comes from two words signifying “beside” and “the mind.” It has a kindred verb, also found only once when used by Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:23. There Paul says –

“Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself)” … (WEB)

The prophet had lost his senses as he pushed on towards the hope of profit. It consumed him and he had left proper thinking behind. The Lord had spoken to him, and yet he didn’t consider that if the Lord had spoken to him in his own country, that the Lord was not just an isolated “God of the Hebrews,” but the God who knows all and is everywhere. In such a state, disaster loomed. But a brute beast spoke to him in order to bring him back to a state of reason.

Life application: The story of Balaam is not that long and is full of intrigue and special insights into the spiritual realm. If you have never read it, take a few minutes today to look it over. It is found in Numbers 22-24 and is actually a very fun read. From it, countless generations of songs and stories have come about, but it also contains deep truths concerning the sovereign workings of God in the affairs of man. It also reveals God’s eternal love for the people of Israel and how He deals with them and through them. In addition, how God views the nations which come against Israel is also dealt with.

It is important to understand that God’s covenants with Israel are binding and are in effect to this day. When analyzing the different aspects of God’s relationship with Israel, we make a fundamental error when we view the church as having replaced Israel.

Balaam, a diviner, was asked to curse the people of Israel by one of the surrounding nations. At first, he refused, but was eventually given authorization to proceed under certain conditions. On his way, the Angel of the Lord took His stand in the way as an adversary against him. Three times his donkey attempted to avoid the Angel of the Lord who was unseen to Balaam. Each time he beat his donkey for being an obstinate mode of transportation.

Eventually, the Angel of the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey to speak to him. The donkey questioned why he had beaten him. In turn, Balaam stated, “Because you have abused me. I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you!” (Numbers 22:29).

In time, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Balaam’s eyes as well and stated, “The donkey saw Me and turned aside from Me these three times. If she had not turned aside from Me, surely I would also have killed you by now, and let her live” (Numbers 22:33).

Even conservative scholars will attempt to weasel out of belief that the donkey actually spoke. Rather they claim it brayed in a manner which made Balaam understand something was going on. However, the Bible is clear that the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth in order to speak. God created man; God created donkeys; and God made a way that the two were able to communicate. In real speech, the donkey’s intentions and purposes for its actions were made known to Balaam.

Lord, if You can open the mouth of a donkey in order to speak, then surely You can open our mouths to speak to others about Jesus. Give us that ability, and also give us the strong desire to do so. May we never shy away from those around us who need to hear the good news. With You as the inspiration for our words, we know that we can effectively communicate what they need to hear. Amen.

Friday, 7 February 2020

They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 2 Peter 2:15

It is such a fascinating verse to study. Peter, still speaking of the false teachers, now brings in a real-life example from Israel’s past, Balaam the son of Beor. The main story of him is found in Numbers 22-24, though he is mentioned at various times in both the Old and New Testaments. This is the first of three times in the New. Peter says of the false teachers, that “They have forsaken the right way.”

The Greek more literally reads, “Having left the straight way.” They have left, and they continue on that departure. The word “straight” signifies that which is correct or proper. Peter is possibly referring to his words of verse 2:2 where he notes that “many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” There is the proper way of following Christ as outlined in God’s word, and there is that which departs from this path.

In their departure from this proper path, they have “gone astray.” The Greek word signifies roaming into error. Peter spoke of this concerning those he addresses in his first letter, saying, “For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

One can stray intentionally, or one can simply wander off the right path and into error, but either way, that person is no longer walking in accord with what God intends. Of the false teachers, Peter next says that they are “following the way of Balaam.”

What is remarkable is that Peter speaks of “the way of Balaam.” The introductory story of Balaam is found in Numbers 22, in the span of just a few verses. The Hebrew word, also translated as “way,” is found 8 times. Balaam was on a way which was perverse before the Lord. Peter uses this thought, which comes from his own history as is recorded in Scripture, and he applies it to false teachers in the time of the New Covenant. Of this, Charles Ellicott notes –

“Are gone astray. — The main verb of this long sentence. Here parallels with Jude begin again. In the historical incident of Balaam, as in that of Sodom and Gomorrha, our Epistle is more detailed than Jude (see on 2Peter 2:7). The past tenses in this verse are quite in harmony with the view that this chapter is a genuine prediction. (Comp. Genesis 49:9; Genesis 49:15; Genesis 49:23-24.) The future foretold with such confidence as to be spoken of as already past is a common form for prophecy to assume.”

Ellicott says that Peter is using a literary technique which takes past tense verbs and applies them in the sense of future prophecy. There are, and there will continue to be, false teachers who depart from the word. He is referring to them – throughout the age – as assuredly following this contrary path which Balaam had set out on.

Next, he calls Balaam, “the son of Beor.” This is an incorrect translation. The text from which the NKJV is translated says, Βοσόρ, or Bosor. The translators, thinking they need to help Peter’s words, have changed “Bosor” to read “Beor.” The reason they did this is because Balaam’s father is “Beor.” This is seen, for example, in Numbers 22:5 –

“Then he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying: ‘Look, a people has come from Egypt. See, they cover the face of the earth, and are settling next to me!’”

Maybe thinking that Peter was sleepy when writing out his epistle, they change his word “Bosor” to “Beor.” But Peter made no error. Here is an example of what Peter is doing –

“And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you.” Luke 10:6

Jesus wasn’t saying that the person’s father was named “Peace.” Rather he was saying that the person emulated the noble trait of PEACE. Peter is doing the same thing here. One Hebrew word which is commonly translated as “flesh” is basar. Peter is using that Hebrew word and calling Balaam “son of the flesh,” meaning he was a carnal man – exactly how he is describing these false teachers. As he said in verse 2:10, they are “those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority.”

In this, Peter is then making a play on words. He knew very well that Balaam’s father was Beor, but – as we do all the time – he purposefully mispronounced the name to make a theological point. The Hebrew letter ayin, when pronounced in an especially guttural way, would make the name sound like Bosor, and would then correspond to basar. In other words, he makes a pun by calling him “Balaam, Son of the Flesh,” which speaks of his pursuing the carnal lusts of the flesh in his madness to get rich. As he says to finish out this verse, it was this Son of the Flesh “who loved the wages of unrighteousness.”

Peter uses the same term that he just used in verse 2:13, “the wages of unrighteousness,” to again tie the false teachers he has been speaking about with that which is improper. The account of Balaam shows that he was highly influenced by the call of profit, and he set about to enrich himself as outlined in the story. The path he followed was a reckless one, but despite that, the Lord used him in order to bless Israel. The story of Balaam is an ongoing story of those who perversely follow after riches, power, sexual domination, or whatever other perverse things they put before their love for God and His word.

Life application: In Revelation 2:14, Jesus speaks of Balaam in this way –

“But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.”

Compare what Peter says here to the false teachers Jesus warned us of. Jesus says they do three things to hinder their followers –

1) putting a stumbling block before the congregation
2) eating things sacrificed to idols
3) committing sexual immorality

When evaluating a supposed religious leader, look for such things in his character. Notable figures of the past that held to such practices are Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, David Koresh of the Branch Davidians, etc. Even a host of televangelists have engaged in unrepentant sexual immorality.

Jesus gives strong warnings that such leaders will take their congregants down paths which lead to condemnation. Pay attention to who you follow. If he is not leading you to Christ, or if he is doing it in a way contrary to Scripture, then flee from him and his wayward teaching.

Heavenly Father, may we never put our trust in man who is fallible. Give us the wisdom to follow Jesus alone and to attend a congregation which is solely devoted to fearing You and adhering to Your word. Keep us from the false teachers who would lead us astray for the sake of money or some other immoral precept. Amen.

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