Have you ever been under the influence of a false teacher? Or maybe have been in a situation where you sensed that things weren’t quite right? If we haven’t, Peter tells us we should get ready because there will be ‘false teachers’ among us, and we need to be prepared to spot them.

Peter tells us that false teachers have the following markers:

· They deny the sovereign Lord Jesus

· They are full of greed

· They are lovers of pleasure

· Their eyes are full of adultery

· They seduce the unstable

· Their words are empty and boastful

· They despise authority

· They are creatures of instinct

These are obvious characteristics, and we would all hopefully run from anyone that resembles this kind of person. However, Peter tells us they are secretive too. They entice those who are vulnerable, those who are escaping from error. It might not be as easy to spot them as we think.

When I read a passage like this, it makes me appreciate the Christian sacraments of communion, baptism and marriage. I think God gave us these sacraments to protect us from false teaching, and help us see and remember who Jesus really is, and who we really are in Jesus. It also make me appreciate early church leaders who gave us the creeds – the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed and more. I think they gave us these creeds to protect us from false doctrine. If you haven’t looked at them in a while, I would encourage you to give them a fresh reading.

Lastly, Peter reminds us that in the end we are all slaves by whatever masters us. Either we will be slaves to sin and false idols, or will allow ourselves (submit) to be mastered by Jesus. False teachers are mastered by ‘depravity’, but God knows how to rescue the godly. Be on guard, and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.