2 Peter 2:17-19 says...



Today's verses are 2 Peter 2:17-19 which read,


17 - These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved.

18 - For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error,

19 - promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.

Peter keeps up his description of the false leaders and teachers.  He uses some physical word pictures.  The false leaders are like you coming up to a well but you find the well is dry.  They are like you looking to the sky and see the evidence of a well needed rainstorm but the wind blows it on by and all you get is a mist.  They're actions will lead them into the black darkness which is another word picture for hell.

As I have been reading about their practices from Peter I can't help but look at the opposite side for the way we are to be.  While the false teacher is using "arrogant words of vanity," we should be giving humble words of selflessness.  While the false teacher focuses on "fleshly desires" and "sensuality" to appeal to the listener, we should be lifting up spiritual desires and an authentic relationship with God.  While the false leader is taking advantage of those who are down with empty promises of "freedom," we would go to those same people with a freedom that does not come from ourselves but from Jesus through His death and resurrection. 

"...for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved."  In the positive sense, "Am I overcome by Christ?"  If I am overcome by Christ then I will be consumed by Him and His ways and His life.  Jesus will become a first thought when I rise in the morning and a last thought when I lay my head on the pillow at night.  That is lofty but I don't think it is unrealistic with the instruction of Scripture and the examples of those who have gone before us describing themselves as "slaves of God" and "bond-servants of Jesus Christ."  We may be selling our commitment to Him too short of what it could be.

"Lord, put me on a path to be ever-increasing love of who You are.  May I see this week how much richer and fuller my life is only because of You.  Amen."
 Pastor Adam
A simple man serving a great God and the local pastor of Stillwater Community Chapel (stillwater-chapel.org). We are in our 38th year of full time ministry. God directed us to this local body of believers on the Western Range of the Rockies to grow with them in mission and mindedness of Christ.

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