Introduction
Begin your sermon with a brief recap of what has been learned thus far in 2 Peter; an emphasis on the fact that Christ is Saviour and Lord, and that he wants his people to pursue godly living.
Explain that we have now come to the part of the letter where we find out more about the heretics and what they were teaching and that Peter wants us to be on our guard against them.
On guard because there are heretics or false teachers in God’s church who preach an enticing message
Explain how false teachers or prophets have always plagued God’s people (give some examples from the Bible).
Explain why we should not be surprised to find false teachers amongst Christians and in churches today (give some examples of obvious false teachers).
Explain the characteristic message of false teachers—they deny that Christ is Lord.
Explain how it is not always so obvious that false teachers deny Christ (give some examples).
Apply: consider the application for those who preach or teach the Bible. Consider also application in terms of the content that people listen to on television and radio. Help people to guard themselves from false teaching.
Apply: consider the general conversations and things that are said amongst Christians. Are we encouraging obedience or excusing sin?
On guard because false teachers will be judged
Explain that Peter makes it clear: judgment is coming upon false teachers.
Explain that these teachers will be judged because they have denied Christ. In doing so they showed themselves to be unbelievers, even though they claim to belong to God’s people.
Explain how there are many places where all of us deny Christ and struggle to live in obedience to him. Disobedience is a reality but we must never make excuses or justify our sin.
Explain how Christ has given us his Spirit to help us fight against sin and pursue holiness.
Encourage God’s people to know that if they belong to Christ and know him as Lord and Saviour, they do not have to fear judgment when he returns.
Warn those who are part of God’s church but refuse to submit to Christ that they are following in the footsteps of false teachers, a way that leads away from Christ to destruction.
Conclusion
Jesus Christ is Lord and he will return in glory. On account of human sin, the church of Christ on earth will always include false teachers. As a result we must be on our guard lest we be taken in by them. We must take care who we listen to and who we allow to stand in the pulpit. In our own conversations we must also encourage one another to obedience rather than making excuses for sin. Let us strive to know God’s Word so well that we are not deceived by those who come to fulfill their greedy desires. Let us also pray for the Spirit to help us submit to Christ also in those areas of our lives where we would rather stay in control.
1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.