Baptist Press » Bible Study: Safety features for Christians

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NASHVILLE (BP) – This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.

This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.

Bible Passage: 2 Peter 2:1-3, 17-19; Jude 17-23

Discussion Questions:

Why is it important to recognize the empty promises of false teachings?
How can we show mercy to those caught up in false teaching without compromising the truths of the Gospel?
What are some ways you can guard yourself against the empty promises of those who falsely teach the Word?

Food for thought:

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Many automobiles now contain three relatively new safety features. First is the lane departure system. This warns a driver when he crosses into another lane without a blinker. A second feature is lane-change assist technology, which warns a driver that a car is in his blind spot. Third is automatic braking technology, which warns the driver something has stopped in front of him. This may prevent an accident if the driver’s attention is elsewhere.

Safety features provide valuable information that can prevent dangerous situations. In the same way, Christians need to be aware of hazardous teachings that can pull our focus from Jesus. We should be on guard against false teachers and the division they can sow.

In Peter’s day, false teachers were spreading “destructive heresies” (2 Peter 2:1) through the churches. These false teachings denied the redemptive work of Jesus. The false teachers were leading immature believers away from the faith by demeaning the truth of the Gospel. They made up stories that soundedgood to listeners, bringing destruction on themselves. In Paul’s warning of false teachers, he characterized these individuals as immoral and greedy. Peter went on to say that those who accepted and followed these teachings were deluded and led astray by empty promises. The false teachers promised freedom even though they were simply enslaved by corruption.

Like Peter, Jude rejected false teachers. He reminded his readers that the apostles had predicted a delusion “in the end time.” Scoffers would come to mock Christianity and to promote living for one’s own desires. By opposing Jesus and encouraging immoral behavior, the false teachers caused divisions. They were also focused on this world and lacked the authority of the Holy Spirit. This proved they were disconnected from Christ.

Jude encouraged the believers to “build yourselves up in your most holy faith” (Jude 20). This would involve personal faith as well as deeper knowledge of the collective “faith” represented by the Gospel. Jude also encouraged believers to “have mercy on those who waver.” (v. 22). When people drift from the truth of the Gospel, they need compassion, not hatred or ridicule. By showing compassion, believers may be able to rescue some “from the fire” (v. 23). This could include false teachers as well as those who are influenced by them.

We don’t have to look far to spot false teachings in our society today. As believers, we can be alert to any teachings that deny Christ and beware of teachers who live ungodly lives. We should not be surprised when unspiritual people create division within the church. Finally, believers should respond to false teachers by continuing to grow spiritually and helping those in danger of believing their message.

Explore the Bible

Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in a systematic way. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/ExploreTheBible ^[3].

About the Author

Staff/Lifeway Christian Resources

About the Author

Staff/Lifeway Christian Resources

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