2 Peter 2:2
The sermon emphasizes the dangers of following false teachings and the importance of adhering to the truth of the Gospel.
John Gill emphasizes the dangers of following false teachers and their immoral ways, which lead many astray and ultimately to destruction. He highlights that these individuals, despite their scandalous practices, attract a multitude of followers, which does not validate their teachings. Gill warns that such behavior causes the way of truth, represented by Christ and the Gospel, to be blasphemed and discredited. He draws attention to the historical context of false teachings and their impact on the Christian faith, urging believers to remain vigilant against such influences.
Text
Ver. 2. And many shall follow their pernicious ways,.... Their principles and their practices, which lead to destruction, The Complutensian edition, the Alexandrian copy, and six copies of Beza's, and others, read "their lasciviousnesses"; and so the Vulgate Latin version renders it, "their luxuries"; and all the Oriental versions seem to have read in like manner.
The Syriac version renders it, "their impurity"; and the Arabic version, "their unchastities"; and the Ethiopic version, "their lust"; and which seems to have respect to the impure conversation of the followers of Simon Magus, the Nicolaitans, the Gnostics, Carpocratians, and others, who indulged themselves in all unnatural lusts and uncleanness; and generally, when men make shipwreck of faith, they also do of a good conscience, and become immoral in their conversations; and yet, as destructive as their principles, and as dishonourable and scandalous as their practices be, many were, and are their followers; so it was foretold by Christ, Mt 24:11, and so it has been, Re 13:3.
The road both of error and wickedness is a broad one, in which many walk; and a multitude is no proof of the truth of a church or of the principles of men, nor to be followed:
by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of; that is, either Christ, who is truth itself, and the true way to eternal life and happiness; or the Gospel, the word of truth, which holds forth Christ the truth, and points to him, and every other truth, and nothing but truth; or the Christian religion, which is the true way, in opposition to all sects and heresies; and is what should be blasphemed and spoken against, either by these men or their followers; for the phrase may be rendered, "by whom", as it is in the Vulgate Latin version, and the meaning be, that they should, in a blasphemous way, speak and write against Christ and his truths, reproach and revile them, and in a virulent manner oppose them, and trample them under foot: "or for the sake of them", as other versions read; and as we do; "by reason of them"; they should be the occasion, by their impure lives, of the name of Christ, and his doctrines, being blasphemed by profane and irreligious men; see Ro 2:24.
The Alexandrian copy, and one of Stephens's, read "the glory of truth"; and so the Ethiopic version, "the glory of his truth".
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to 2 Peter 2:2 - Context of false teachings - Historical examples of immoral leaders
- II points: - Understanding 'pernicious ways' - The impact of immoral practices on faith - The broad road of error
- III points: - Consequences of following false teachings - Blasphemy against the truth - The importance of discernment
- IV points: - The role of the church in upholding truth - Encouragement to remain steadfast - Call to action for believers
Key Quotes
“The road both of error and wickedness is a broad one, in which many walk.” — John Gill
“A multitude is no proof of the truth of a church or of the principles of men.” — John Gill
“They should be the occasion, by their impure lives, of the name of Christ being blasphemed.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Stay rooted in Scripture to discern truth from falsehood.
- Engage in community to support one another against immoral influences.
- Be vigilant in upholding the integrity of the Christian faith in your life.