Merchandise of You
2 Pet 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
They are among us now. No teacher is free from mistakes and it is not wise to judge good teachers if you disagree with something they say. It is satan's description to accuse the Christian teachers, to destroy the shepherd so the sheep will be scattered and he has many doing this.
Satan also has many false prophets and teachers. Beware of any teacher who criticizes everyone and especially the traditional church. Who has made him judge of the Church? These are used of the devil to scatter the sheep.
Know the word of God and you will know the false ones.
2 Pet 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
The way of truth is mocked, abortion, fornication, drunkenness are the ways of those who oppose the truth.
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
2 Pet 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
I do not like to hear teachers begging for money. One tactic they use is to examine an evil, and then plead for money, as if they would remove the evil. Let's face it, if money is so important maybe they should get a job. The Lord provides, ask him. The word is for all to read, why merchandise it, as if the teacher is the only way to hear truth? Worse yet is the merchandising of psychic advice. That is asking for trouble and judgment from God.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Angels that Sinned
2 Pet 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
Not all of the rebelling angels are cast into hell, but some are. These were the angels in the time of Noah who took on the form of men or entered men. This story is found in the book of Jude and Genesis.
Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Their first estate was as an angel of God, they followed satan to earth and have with his direction caused problems.
Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
Rev 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
These are the angels that kept not their first estate or beginnings. They were created as ministering spirits, now they serve an evil devil.
Some controversy is found in the record in Genesis 6, as to who the sons of God were who had relations with the daughters of man (Adam). Some say it was the ungodly line of Cain joining with the lineage of Seth. But this may not explain the next verse;
Gen 6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
Gen 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
These may have been satan's fallen angels who took the form of man, producing a race of giants. Remember that satan and his angels, demons, can only steal kill and destroy. Perhaps the ability to create giants came from men posessed with evil spirits that satan made abnormal. The pituitary gland has been known to cause abnormal growth. It makes sense to me that satan brought imbalances and diseases to altar normal growth. Then entering a person they would be given super evil powers. This brought about judgment from God.
2 Pet 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
Jesus said there would be no marriage in heaven and used the angels as an example.
Mat 22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
Just Lot
2 Pet 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
Gen 19:1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
Gen 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
Note that Lot knew these as special messengers from God, worshipping them. Then he asks them to stay with him and wash their feet. Apparently they had the form of men. Also the streets were not safe at night, like the streets in some of our larger cities. Already we are seeing that Sodom was as our modern time.
Gen 19:3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
These angels looked like men and they can eat, if so perhaps they were every way as men in appearance.
Gen 19:4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:
Gen 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.
The entire city of men, young and old, where perverted homosexual fornicators. They were going to do great harm to the angels who appeared as men. Later the angels would blind these evil men.
2 Pet 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
Gen 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
I do not see anything noble in Lot offering his daughters to these men, but they wanted a man not a woman.
Gen 19:12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place:
The angels were there to bring Lot and his family out.
Gen 19:13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.
Our Father God is well aware of the sin in a nation, ours included. As Lot, we are commanded to get out. The Holy Spirit works in us first to convict us of sins. Then we ourselves are to put off our sins.
Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
We are to always follow the Spirit, for the heart of Jesus beats within us, and it is pure and holy.
They delivered Lot, who did not appear to be righteous , but the word here says he was just, so he was just and he was disturbed with the the filthy way of life where he was.
2 Pet 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
Again the Holy Spirit speaks through Peter about the anguish in Lot's heart over the sin of Sodom and Gomorra. The laws of the city may have been accepting of the evil and fornication, but God's law was against these unclean acts.
Paul could say his conscience was pure in what he did;
2 Cor 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
Lot knew in his conscience that he was in a place that was not good for his family or for his soul, it certainly was not a place where God was honored.
Are we where God wants us to be? Are we in a sinful place with evil ways, perhaps you can save someone from this place, but think hard on whether you should have your family in such a place. In the end Lot was responsible to God for his families spiritual guidance. In the end we see God's grace, for he is known as "just" Lot.
Just and unjust
2 Pet 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
What a wonderful promise, the Lord always knows how to deliver his own from temptations and trials. Call upon the Lord and he shall hear, call upon the name of Jesus. His promise is to deliver his own.
1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Psa 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Mat 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
The ungodly shall be punished at the day of judgment.
2 Pet 2:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Who will be punished?
Those who walk after the flesh with unclean lusts.
Those who despise government or authority. Governments are set up to keep order and the peace. We must not despise authority, for Christ Jesus even submitted to the Father's will, even to death on the cross. We are to serve one another, but these evil ones serve only their evil desires.
They are presumptuous, they are daring, always willing to do what is not lawful. They are self-willed, they do their own thing, and this is being taught in our schools. As in the book of Judges, all do what they think is right in their own eyes, there is no submission to the will of God. Because of this they have no respect for those in authority, they speak evil of honorable people. In a court they would be disrespectful to the judge. They are only interested in the base things of their own perverted flesh.
2 Pet 2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
Even the angels have respect for dignitaries and those in high positions. Angels have respect for authority. Taking this own step further, the angels do not personally accuse satan, but go through the higher power of God.
Jude speaks of these things;
Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Jude 1:10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
There are those who serve God with a pure heart, they will not be condemned. But there are those who are completely given over to evil lusts and thoughts, despising all authority. They will bow before Jesus and be condemned. God has given us a will, I choose Jesus and HIS righteousness. We have a free will, no one can blame God for their own choices.
Beware of deceivers
2 Pet 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed,
These are not described as children of God, made in his image, no, they are described as natural (men) brute beasts, animal behavior seeking only their own lusts. A warning to the young who fall in love with appearance, these may appear as rugged, tanned and handsome, and they may make romantic advances to you. Beware, and follow God's word:
2 Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
They would pull you away from God and destroy you, whether they be man or woman. They themselves were made to be destroyed, apparently they belong to satan, who would also use them to destroy you. Made to be destroyed, that is something to ponder.
Mat 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
Mat 13:48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
Mat 13:49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Again, something to consider.
(They) speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
Being presumptuous, knowledge and truth have no value, what is truth, I will make my own truth? These are the thoughts of so many today in the time we live. They speak evil of things they do not understand, sowing to the flesh they will reap corruption. (Gal 6:8)
2 Pet 2:13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time.
They riot, or indulge in strong drink or drugs in the day time. Often I see young able bodied men staggering down the street, some pushing a stolen shopping cart from the supermarket with several small children. Intoxicated in the day time, not seeking work living off of welfare.
Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
Spots and blemishes; I think of the bride of Christ, the church described as being without spot or wrinkle. Cleansed by the word and the blood of Christ. A holy people without blemish presented to our Lord Jesus.
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Eph 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
These are full of spots and blemishes, unwashed by God. Yet, they live as the unsaved unwilling to change, accepted but not changed or seeking to be as our Lord. They enjoy the good times, but do not come to Jesus to be made new and clean. Only Jesus can remove sins spots.
1 Pet 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1 Pet 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:Yet, they live as the unsaved unwilling to change, accepted but not changed or seeking to be as our Lord.
2 Pet 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
This was a problem in Peter's time, false brethren with false ideas, eyes full of adultery, unable to stop sinning for they have not the spirit of God who is our power to change. Beguiling unstable souls, enticing them.
Eve was beguiled by satan, as a serpent
Gen 3:13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
2 Cor 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Gal 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Col 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
Col 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Col 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
It is important to know the word of God and have Spiritual discernment, to not be fooled by satan's workers of iniquity. They are unstable, lustful, desiring gain from you, at your expense, they are cursed, though appearing as one of us. Use spiritual eyes, if there is something not right, you will know. You have been warned.
Sin of Balaam
2 Pet 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
Peter continues his strong rebuke of the false teachers who are a danger to the church. It is the truth that sets you free. Error is bondage and following a false way will lead to destruction. They have forsaken the way of truth for the way of self gain, the way of Baalam the prophet.
Num 22:10 And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,
Num 22:11 Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out.
Num 22:12 And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.
Balaam wanted the money offered to him by Balak, King of the Midianites. As a true prophet of God he was not able to curse God's people, but to bless them. Yet he earned his money by giving them advise to weaken the people. He had them send strange women with their strange gods to divide the hearts of God's people. He loved money more than God and God's people. When we love money and financial prosperity more then God, we are committing the sin of Balaam. When we follow lusts and serve strange gods we are committing spiritual adultery.
2 Pet 2:16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
God used a donkey to speak to Baalam. If he can use a donkey, he can use us.
Num 22:21 And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.
Num 22:22 And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
Num 22:23 And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.
Num 22:24 But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.
Num 22:25 And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.
Num 22:26 And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.
Num 22:27 And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.
Num 22:28 And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
Num 22:29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
Num 22:30 And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
Num 22:31 Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.
Num 22:32 And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:
A talking donkey is strange, but Baalam answering it as if it were a man is also unusual. Finally the angel was seen by Baalam. The point I see is, if we do something that we know is not God's will, don't expect everything to work out.
Have you ever had everything go wrong? Have you ever become so angry when things seemed to all go wrong? Slow down, and seek the Lord. You may be facing God sent resistance for your own good.
Still Balaam manipulated and received gain, only to loose his life later. We do not manipulate our way, we follow Gods spirit. Finances and power received through maniputaion will not last. The wages of sin is death. The false teachers that Peter was concerned about manipulated people and things for self gain, this was the sin of Balaam.
Avoid Bondage
2 Pet 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
Peter describes the souls of the false teachers. Jude continues;
Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
Jude 1:13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
These are pictures of the souls of the evil doers. On the Internet chats when these false ones come, often I quote these scriptures, sometimes upon hearing these descriptions they leave the rooms. First, correction is given, the truth of the gospel, but these self willed teachers of false ways will not hear.
2 Pet 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
The false teachers pray upon the weak in faith and the new believers. Yet Jesus warned that even the elect may be in danger.
Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Mat 24:25 Behold, I have told you before.
2 Tim 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2 Tim 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2 Tim 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Pet 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
Do not become entangled with a false teacher or a cult. They will put you under bondage. One evidence of a cult is that they say they are the only true way. Jesus is the way.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
False Brethren
2 Pet 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
2 Pet 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
Put this together with Hebrews 6;
Heb 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
Heb 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Heb 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
2 Pet 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
No change, no new heart, no new creation in Christ Jesus. They were only pretenders. Not all who say they are Christian are really born again.
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Wow, these scriptures are hard to take, but we had better take heed.
In His love, Gary
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