10. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; 11. yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. 12. But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish.

Peter’s warning against heretics reviews again the importance of one’s character. There is a difference between one who falls into sin and repents and another who lives a life of deceit and deception. Sometimes such teachers are also deceived by the evil one and are victims as well. Most false leaders are people of great pride and arrogance. 

When I was visiting a church while on vacation, I was shocked to see how everything surrounded the adoration of the pastor. There was a huge mural painting of the pastor and his wife. When people were invited to church, they were given posters of the pastor. For a special prize for people who could bring the most to church, they won an all-expensive paid trip to see where he was born and went to school and grew up. (Like a holy land tour?)

Notice in this passage there is a natural progression into sin and depravity. These teachers are bold and arrogant. False teachers, pastors, and spiritual leaders often have ego problems. They think they are literally God's gift to the world and the only one from whom you will hear truth. They are powerful and charismatic people who love to have followers. They like building a kingdom unto themselves without regard to others. Beware of dictatorial church leaders. The Bible teaches that we are a body working together with different gifts and functions. There was perhaps no better leader in all the Bible than Moses, but it says he was filled with humility. He knew God was at work, not him.

Is it any wonder Peter is so angry for dragging the name of Jesus into the mire? Peter adds, “they are blasphemous of spiritual things, including angels.”

Now if you read what Peter is saying closely, these people do not have regard for the spirit world. Even holy angels will not blaspheme Satan and his demons. (Jude 1:9)  Even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"  

The angels have an understanding of spiritual power which we as men do not. There are many that will mock spiritual power: Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the place of Satan and demons. The liberal churches would have us believe that their stories are derived from cultural ignorance and superstition.

Fear Satan. fear the Occult. Don't play around with evil things. Don't go to parties where they play with séances, or tarot cards, or Ouija boards, or praying to spirits. 

If an archangel, who is much more powerful than man, is fearful of making accusations against Satan, what does that say about how we should be?  Leave that up the Lord. We are told to resist the devil and he will flee from you. How do you do that? I John 2:15-16says “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-- the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-- comes not from the Father but from the world.”    

Those character traits are not just temptations, but ways false teachers operate as we will examine some more abuses in the church this week.

Prayer:   Oh Lord, place a hedge around my heart against all such false teachings and arrogant pride.