Cry Wolf

2nd Peter 1:1-2, Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:  May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

BIG IDEA:

Wolves are not afraid of sheep, but they are terrified of the Shepherd..  Know how to tell the difference and stay close to the Shepherd.

Pause:  Why is it important to identify the wolves / false teachers?

A. W. Tozer:  "Modern Christianity has been watered down until the solution is so weak that if it were poison it would not hurt anyone, and if it were medicine it would not cure anyone."

Questions to consider:

• What is the Gospel?
  
• How is it distorted today?
  
• Are there wolves among us?
• Who should we avoid?
  

1.  You are sustained by the power of Jesus Christ.  (1:3-4)

2nd Peter 1:3-4, His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

2nd Corinthians 12:8-9, Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

• The false teacher finds power from within himself.

2.  You are known by your effort to live right.  (1:5-7)

2nd Peter 1:5-7, For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

Virtue:  Greek, meant the God-given ability to perform heroic deeds. 

Philippians 2:12-13, Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

• The false teacher is noticed for his external qualities.

3.  You are confirmed by your spiritual fruit.  (1:8-11)

2nd Peter 1:8-11, For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Matthew 7:15-16, Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.

• The false teacher is confirmed by the rewards of this life.

NEXT STEP:

Test everything and hold fast what is good.  

1st Thessalonians 5:21, ..test everything; hold fast what is good.

• What do they teach about Jesus?  (Messiah, Resurrected, Savior)
• What do they teach about the Gospel?  (Grace alone, Faith alone)
• Does their character glorify God?  (Self, Growing, Making effort)

Memory Verse:  2nd Peter 1:10, Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.