Bible Study & Devotional 332
Guiding Scripture: 2 Peter 2:18 ‘For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. ‘
🔴 Find the Lie
written by: Torrie Slaughter
- Entice to attract or tempt by offering pleasure or advantage.
Most of us have fallen for it. The get rich quick schemes, lose weight in one day, or a magic cream that fades wrinkles- while they may “help” initially, in the long run, if one doesn’t make changes, the results quickly dissolve.
When the superficial charm wears off, it reveals the truth. Some may choose to write bad reviews about the company or use social media to get justice. However, bitterness, hurt, anger, or frustration take over, and another person feels bamboozled.
Just like the beauty industry sells empty promises without effort, so do false teachers peddling their agenda. Their tactics are very subtle, and they may appear hopeless and in need of rescuing. Self-pity is the emotional card I’ve watched played numerous times. Why? Because it works! A false teacher knows their audience and will often tailor their message to fit. However, it isn’t done for the sake of helping listeners gain understanding or enlightenment. The goal is to attract attention. It is prideful, arrogant, and leads others astray. The focus isn’t on Jesus because their commitment to the flesh frustrates those who want to honor God with their gifts.
How do we recognize a false teacher today? By their fruit:
The amplified Bible says in 2 Peter 2:18, that the words of false teachers are pompous and disguised to sound scholarly but contain no spiritual truth. They charm and lure using lustful desires.
To understand the magnitude of lust, we need to consider what it is.
Lust is a psychological force producing an intense craving for something or circumstance while already having a significant amount of the desired object. Lust came from the garden of Eden, ignited by the crafty serpent. While eating forbidden fruit may seem foreign in today’s society, lust can take any form, such as money, power, or control.
False teachers within the church are especially dangerous if they are lustful. They will take advantage of those who overcame sin and temptation by inviting them back into it. Or what is referred to as a different way to commit the same sin.
Dear Reader, I pray that if you ever felt like the victim within organized religion that you will seek Jesus. He did not lie to you, nor will He abandon you. It is okay to trust Jesus with your whole heart. Allow Him to guide you. By developing a personal relationship with Christ Jesus our Savior, you will break the chains of double-mindedness.
Prayer: (Psalm 119:114-116) Father, you are my refuge and shield; I place my hope in you. Keep evildoers away from me that I may keep your commandments. Lord, you sustain me, and according to your promise, I can place my trust in you. Amen
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Sunday, November 28, 2021
Daniel 5:1-31, 2 Peter 2:1-22, Psalm 119:113-128, Proverbs 28:19-20
This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. Want to hear more? Tune in on Mondays and listen to Our Given Purpose the Podcast and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name.
