Brian Maloy

I am a week behind in posting this, but I’ll post it with the correct date.

This week we were really close to wrapping up our time in 1/2 Peter (which always makes me sad, I get attached to the book we’re studying). Nevertheless, the topic was a firm warning about false teachers, and continued to unfold for us the complexities they weave, along with those easily led astray. Thankfully, it ended in a positive place, helping us understand the power we have in the Holy Spirit to recognize, and handle such issues in the church. Spoiler: I am going to remind us again how important God’s Word is for the lives of believers (and all).

** There is a SLIGHT possibility that my notes are a touch disjointed. I have been attempting write less notes in my paper study book, but add my notes into the Bible Study App I use on my computer to prep. Saves losing my notes (heaven forbid we ever have another fire), and also might speed up me sharing here the notes I ran out of time for in Sunday School — or for others who may find them encouraging (this is a big hope). I digress, I will share some of the notes I prepared for our study, we read all of 2 Peter 2, but I copied v. 1-3 below.

2 Peter 2:1-3 CSB:
There were indeed false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, and will bring swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved ways, and the way of truth will be maligned because of them. They will exploit you in their greed with made-up stories. Their condemnation, pronounced long ago, is not idle, and their destruction does not sleep.

How can we identify false teachers? Honestly, never before has this been more timely. I know the world has gone in cycles — but 50-75 years ago, this was less of a major concern, now it’s more necessary than ever. That said, I could be deluded, it may’ve ALWAYS been just as needed. In all fairness, it breaks my heart. I think many who grew up in church have been led astray by those preaching a gospel contrary, or twisted from the words of Scripture.

That said — false teachers are identified not only by their doctrinal issues but also by their character and motivations. BOTH are important.

Key Warnings: 

• Distorting Scripture—They twist biblical teachings to fit their own agenda rather than faithfully interpreting God’s Word.
• Appealing to emotions over truth—They use smooth talk and flattery to deceive rather than grounding their teaching in sound doctrine.
• Self-serving motives—They prioritize personal gain, whether through wealth, influence, or power, rather than serving Christ and His church.
• Avoiding accountability—They resist correction and often isolate themselves from biblical authority.
• Encouraging division—Rather than promoting unity in truth, they stir up controversy and quarrels that lead to strife.
• Neglecting holiness—Their lives do not reflect the fruit of the Spirit, and they may indulge in sinful behaviors while excusing them.

Paul warns in Romans 16:17-18 that false teachers serve their own appetites rather than Christ, deceiving others with persuasive words. Then, 2 Peter 2:10-16 highlights greed and arrogance as marks of false teachers, comparing them to Balaam, who sought personal gain over obedience to God.

When we consider this reality.. we have to also think about the Lord’s Sheep — how easily they are deceived, led astray. 

People are most easily led astray by false teachers when they lack discernment and a firm foundation in biblical truth.
It’s imperative for Believers to consider the common ways deception takes hold, because when we reflect, they are everywhere.

• Appealing to emotions over doctrine—False teachers often use persuasive speech, personal stories, or promises of prosperity to stir emotions rather than teaching sound theology.
• Twisting Scripture—They misinterpret or selectively use Bible verses to support their own agenda, leading people away from the true gospel.
• Encouraging spiritual shortcuts—They offer easy solutions, claiming special revelations or secret knowledge that bypass genuine faith and obedience.
• Preying on ignorance—Those unfamiliar with Scripture are more vulnerable to accepting false teachings without questioning them.
• Promoting self-centered faith—They shift the focus from God’s glory to personal success, wealth, or happiness, distorting the purpose of faith.
• Discouraging accountability—They isolate followers from biblical correction, making it harder for them to recognize deception.
• Using fear or guilt—They manipulate people into obedience by instilling fear of punishment or loss rather than teaching grace and truth.

Paul warns in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 that people will seek teachers who tell them what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear. Matthew 7:15 cautions against wolves in sheep’s clothing—false teachers who appear righteous but lead others astray.

Naturally this leads to a question in my mind, how can I be more “sensitive” to false teachings?

Easy answer — REALLY abide in God’s Word. Whatever it takes. Daily reading, audio bible, slow reading but daily — get it done. 

A follower of Jesus can become more sensitive to false teaching by developing discernment through Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel. Here are some practical ways to stay vigilant:

• Deepen Biblical Knowledge—Regularly studying Scripture helps believers recognize when teachings deviate from sound doctrine.
• Test Everything Against the Bible—Before accepting a teaching, compare it to the whole counsel of God’s Word to ensure it aligns with truth.
• Pray for Discernment—Ask God for wisdom to distinguish truth from deception, as James 1:5 encourages.
• Stay Rooted in a Sound Church—Being part of a biblically faithful community provides accountability and protection against false doctrine.
• Watch for Red Flags—Be cautious of teachers who prioritize personal gain, twist Scripture, or discourage critical thinking.
• Seek Wise Counsel—Surround yourself with mature believers who can help evaluate teachings and provide biblical insight.

Jesus warned in Matthew 24:24 that false teachers would arise to deceive even the elect. Staying grounded in truth and relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance are key to remaining sensitive to deception.

This whole topic is one I know is important, but fail to really consider as much as I should.

My Kids and I are re-reading the Silver Chair, in Narnia – and it’s struck me more this time, Aslan gives Jill and Eustace instruction to help them complete the task he’s brought them back for — and has Jill repeat it over and over until she remembers it in her heart and mind. But despite her best efforts, at difficult points in their journey, the children forget Aslan’s words, and are deceived by “comforts” and “promises of” — and truly forget to practice and hold onto Aslan’s words. I annoyingly have been pausing it to ask the kids if they see what’s happening, and how failing to remember Aslan’s words, causes us to stumble, lose our way, and follow after lies.

But seriously, how much are we exactly like Jill and Eustace, easily led astray by distractions, discomforts, discouragement?! We have to place ourselves in that Narnian world, and consider we too must hold fast to the Word spoken to us, in our case, Scripture, the Bible — lest we too forget what the Lord has told us, and wander astray causing more hurt for ourselves and the people we love.