2-1-10(2)

SERMON NOTES: CHURCH ON RANDALL PLACE 8/12/07

“BEWARE BUT GROW” A STUDY IN 2 PETER

TEXT: 2 PETER 2:1-10a “Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing”

I.                   Introduction

a.       Context:

                                                              i.      Ch 1: a reminder of the great promises and all sufficient work of Jesus Christ.

1.      These promises are found in God’s Word and are certain.

b.      Preview

                                                              i.      Ch 2 Peter makes a significant shift in his approach. He goes from an encouragement to a warning of destruction of those who refuse to follow God’s way.

1.      His purpose however remains the same. To grow and be unshaken.

II.                A certain reality

a.       False prophets were a reality in Israel’s history ( Num. 22-24; Jer. 6:13; Ez. 13:9).

                                                              i.      False teachers are a reality today.

1.      They rise from among the people.  The threat comes not from outside the church but from w/i. 

2.      They talk, look and act like true believers but are wolves in sheep’s clothing.

                                                            ii.      Value attracts counterfeits

1.      No one counterfeits that which has no value

2.      We protect what we value from those who may counterfeit

a.       The value of God’s promises (1:4), the truth of His redemption (1 Pet 1:7) are of infinite value. 

                                                          iii.      Because of their value it is certain that counterfeits will arise and it is necessary to protect what you value.

b.      What will they do?

                                                              i.      Secretly introduce destructive heresies.

1.      By underhanded methods they will teach that which should have no place in the Christian community.  Gain access by deception.

2.      Substitutes for truth (Gal 2:4; Jude 4).

3.      Destructive: This is a life and death issue.

a.       Preaching and teaching deal w/ eternal matters.  Not just a matter of opinion.

                                                                                                                                      i.      Not self-help or behavior modification.

                                                                                                                                    ii.      This is why Peter is so explicit.  Not a scare tactic, but for people to realize the gravity of their decisions.

                                                            ii.      Exploit you

1.      Deceive for self-gain.

2.      Shepherds unconcerned about the well-being of the sheep but only interested in their wool.

a.       Implication: unconcerned about Chief Shepherd.

c.       Will any follow?

                                                              i.      Many will follow and the way of truth maligned.

1.      Appeal to sensuality and God’s name will be denigrated.

III.             What do they teach?

a.       Their teaching

                                                              i.      Deny authority of Jesus (vs. 1, 10a, 10b, 18)

1.      To say “no,” to reject. 

2.      A false statement about Jesus that is in effect a denial of Him.

a.       To distort His claims.  

                                                            ii.      Promote licentiousness (vs.2, 6, 7, 10, 14, 18)

1.      Promote sexual immorality in the name of Christian freedom. Live in grip of sexual passions.  (Jude 4)

2.      Self-abandonment.

                                                          iii.      Greed (vs. 3, 14, 15): have no concern for God’s flock.

b.      Summary: they distort the person and work of Jesus to promote a libertine lifestyle, supported through their false words all for the purpose of financial and self-gain.

IV.             Will God Act?

a.       3 Examples of judgment from Jewish history

                                                              i.      Angels

1.      Jude 6; Genesis 6

a.       Most Jewish commentators and many evangelical teach this as angels having relations w/ human women.

b.      Or when Satan rebelled, some angels cast into hell.

                                                                                                                                      i.      Much discussion.

2.      Main point:  God judgment came

                                                            ii.      Ancient world: Pre-flood world.

1.      Brought flood on the ungodly. 

a.       For 120 yrs Noah lived and preached the truth.  Men mocked Noah.

b.      Ungodly think th/s safe, but judgment comes quickly.

                                                          iii.      Sodom and Gomorrah.

1.      Flagrant sexual immorality (Jude 7).

2.      To be an example to those tempted to follow them.

                                                          iv.      Summary: Since He has punished unrighteousness in the past; He will do so in the future.

b.      2 Examples of deliverance from Jewish history.

                                                              i.      Peter’s purpose was not to simply denounce apostates but encourage bel.

                                                            ii.      Noah

1.      He and his family kept the lamp of truth lit. God protected Noah but not by isolating him but enabling him to stand strong in midst.

a.       Kept from corruption and judgment of the world.

                                                          iii.      Lot

1.      He chose to get close to and live in Sodom. Peter tells us he was righteous. 

2.      A great example of one who is saved not by any merit of his own. But God knew how to save him.  God’s ability to save is great.

                                                          iv.      Summary

1.      Since He has shown His ability to save the righteous in the past, He is still able to save us.

2.      He may not deliver from temporal trials but you will be saved from His wrath when He judges the world.

V.                Conclusions

a.       Lessons for today

                                                              i.      Church is not immune from false teachers.  Keep y/s grounded in His word.

                                                            ii.      When people diminish Christ expect immorality and greed to follow closely.

                                                          iii.      Divine judgment is coming!  It would be unconscionable to go about as if it isn’t going to happen

                                                          iv.      God knows how to save us from judgment. 

1.      Only one way out.  God’s way. 

2.      Turn and repent to the Master who bought you w/ His blood. He will deliver you in the day of trial.