Scripture

There were also false prophets . . . as there will be false teachers . . . who will secretly bring in destructive heresies . . . many will follow their destructive ways, because . . . the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words...
(2 Peter 2:1-3)

Devotional

The key to this warning is the word “secretly”. The maligning of God’s Word, heretical teachings, destructive ways, and the blasphemy of these “church leaders” will not be blatant, but subtle. It is the frog in the kettle phenomenon. You know the story: put a frog in a kettle of cool water, slowly raise the temperature and the frog will stay in the kettle until it boils to death. The deceiver of the brethren in his diabolical plan begins by placing prideful, arrogant leaders (pastors) and teachers in his caldron of deception. Unfortunately, many sheep follow. These destructive heresies and rebellious ways may take years before they come to a boil; when they do it is too late. Therefore, we must learn to be aware of these vessels of deception. When you begin to get discerningly uncomfortable, check the temperature of the waters with the thermometer of the Word and the sensing of the Spirit. It may be time to get out of the kettle.

Thought For The Night

“What lies there are about relics! One claims to have a feather from the wing of the angel Gabriel, and the Bishop of Mainz has a flame from Moses' burning bush. And how does it happen that eighteen apostles are buried in Germany when Christ had only twelve?” Martin Luther, (1483-1546) theologian, pastor and father of the Protestant reformation

Evening Text

2 Peter 2:1-3: There were also false prophets… as there will be false teachers… who will secretly bring in destructive heresies…. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words.

Looking for Answers

Why do God’s men fall?
Why does He allow the vulnerable to lead?
How has the Deceiver of the brethren tempted you?

Evening Study Guide

Defining: “Covetousness”: The emotion of the lust of the flesh and the pride of life, a powerful compartment of our sinful natures.

Referencing: “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24

Applying: May I humbly warn you of covetousness? I think it is in all of us, hidden, lurking, tempting and pulling us through the realm of compromise. Watch out for it, when it raises its head, kill it.