December 23rd~Twisted Scripture

1 Peter 5:12-14

2 Peter 1:1-3:18

We read Peter’s second letter, which was an urgent warning against false teachers. Peter was in Rome and the Lord had revealed to him that he was about to die (1:14). Therefore, we could say that these were Peter’s final words. “I will work hard to make these things clear to you. I want you to remember them long after I’m gone” (1:15).

First, Peter reminded his readers that he had witnessed Jesus’ ministry personally. He had heard Jesus’ voice! Who could be a more reliable source than someone who actually walked and talked with Jesus? “For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of Christ... (1:16-18).

Second, Peter encouraged them to have “confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets... Pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a light shining in a dark place... You must understand that no prophecy of Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God” (1:19-21). The Old Testament prophets were inspired by God. Their message is from God Himself. Trust it!

Third, he warned them to watch out for false teachers. “They will cleverly teach their destructive heresies about God... Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality... In their greed, they will make up clever lies to get a hold of your money... They make a game of luring unstable people into sin... They promise much but deliver nothing... They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves to sin and corruption... So watch out and don’t be carried away by the errors of these wicked people. I don’t want you to lose your own secure footing” (2:1, 2, 12, 17; 3:17).

Daily Reflection

Peter went on to tell his readers how false teachers get away with their schemes. “Some of Paul’s comments (which were the wisdom of God) are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters around to mean something quite different from what he meant, just as they do with other parts of Scripture” (3:16).

Twisting Scripture is a devilish strategy, taking something that most people trust and making it say something it does not say, something that God would not condone. The problem is that the ignorant and unstable blindly follow along. Why?

Can you provide a modern example of how the true message of the Gospel is getting twisted into something that is not true or biblical?

What are some ways that you can protect yourself from false teachers? How can you be sure not to get pulled in by their twisted message?

If you know the truth, you can spot the lie.

BiAY.org | Day 357 — 8 Days to Go