Beware of Fake Benefits

Be Discerning! "By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words" (2 Peter 2:3a). False teachers in the church will exploit believers with deceptive words. They are greedy. "Covetousness" (v. 3a) is literally "greed" (NASB). For false teachers, their primary motivation is a love of money.

The Greek word for "greed" refers to an out of control, covetous desire for money and wealth. You will see in 2 Peter 2:14, how Peter describes false teachers as "having a heart trained in greed" (NASB). They crave money, seeking to gain as much wealth as possible. "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (1 Tim. 6:10). Be discerning! False teachers are known by their fruits.

Two Scriptures come to mind: First, "Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches" (Gal. 6:6); and second, "Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,' and, 'The laborer is worthy of his wages'" (1 Tim. 5:17-18). Be discerning! Honor those who preach and teach well.

Financial support for your pastor or pastors is biblical and therefore the right thing to do. That goes double for the pastor who preaches and teaches well. But, the pastor's motivation should never be mercenary. He should be content in want, or in plenty, or in whatever circumstances he finds himself, knowing the Lord will take care of him. The false teacher, however, is never content. He is always seeking more and more. Be discerning! You will know them by their lack of contentment.

Be wise! "They will exploit you with deceptive words" (v. 3a). False teachers in the church are controlling. To gain wealth, false teachers will "exploit" people with "deceptive" or false words (v. 3a). "Exploit" means "to traffic in" or "to realize gain from" (John MacArthur, Jr., MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 2 Peter & Jude, [Moody Press: Chicago, 2005], 78). They want to get rich from the people they serve. They claim to serve others, but their only interest is serving themselves. They use false words to line their own pockets. Be wise! Be on guard against such charlatans.

John MacArthur points out an interesting fact from the Greek language as related to English: "Interestingly, the English word plastic is derived from the term 'false' (plastos). In keeping with its etymological roots, plastic originally had the connotation of something not completely authentic. After all, plastic items often look as if they are manufactured from another substance, such as wood, metal, china, and so forth. Thus, plastic at first glance 'deceives' consumers. In a similar way, false teachers deal in phony doctrine. Their theology is not really based on biblical truth, but only molded by false reasoning to appear genuine" (Ibid). Be wise! Don’t be fooled.

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ" (Col. 2:8). "But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness" (2 Tim. 2:16). Be wise! Shun the idle babblings of false teachers.

Be Watchful! "For a long time their judgment has not been idle" (2 Peter 2:3b). They make promises they can't keep. False teachers in the church are identifiable. They're known by their fruits which bring judgment. False teachers won't remain popular forever. Their prosperity will come to an end. Their judgment and doom was declared long ago. "Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish" (Psa. 1:5-6). Be watchful! The Lord knows those who are His. Remain true to Christ.

In the end, the false teachers will be revealed and judgment will fall. It is coming. It "has not been idle" (v. 3b). Judgment is coming, so don't fall prey to false doctrine. Stick close to the Word. Know it and live by it. Be watchful! Walk close beside Jesus. Live your life for Him.

Be shrewd! "And their destruction does not slumber" (v. 3c). False teachers in the church are shrewd and opportunistic. So, you must be just as shrewd in sticking to the truth of the Word of God. Remember, their "destruction" (v. 3c) will be swift. It does not sleep. God will judge the ungodly in His time, but not so for you if you know Christ. Be shrewd! Remain true to God's Word.

"Destruction" (used twice in verse 1, once more in verse 2, and now again in verse 3), is personified here in verse 3 as "not sleeping" or "has not been sleeping" (NIV). NKJV says, "does not slumber." The NEB translates it "perdition waits for them with unsleeping eyes." Be shrewd! Watch out for false teaching and false doctrine.

For false teachers, the end is near. Don't get caught up in their babblings, no matter how good it sounds. To guard against it, you must be in the Word, studying the Word, and living by the Word faithfully. Be shrewd! Be true to Jesus. Walk with Him daily. Amen.