The Story:Peter puts the words, “wicked” and “unstable” (v. 16) together. Wicked and unstable people misinterpret Paul and all the other Scriptures. If we are unable to discern their false teaching, we may end up becoming like them! How should we “beware”to avoid being “led away”? Obviously, by being grounded in all the Word of God, including the teaching of the Apostles. But we also “beward” when, like Peter, we warn one another of false teachers, pointing out their errors and explaining how their departures from the sincere milk of God’s Word can cause us to lose our footing on the path of righteousness. We are all our brothers’ keepers in this important matter.

The Structure:There will always be false teachers in the Church. Some will claim to have some “special insight” into the Scriptures, and to be in possession of an understanding that doesn’t really agree with anyone else. Others will say we don’t have to have anything to do with the Law of God. Still others will come using the language of the faith to teach an entirely different religion, which is not true religion at all. Are we ready to “take care” against such dangers?

How does the leadership of your church seek to guard its congregation against false teaching? What about you?

Each week’s studies in our Scriptorium column are available in a free PDF form, suitable for personal or group use. For this week’s study, “Until He Comes: 2 Peter 3.11-18,” simply click here.

T. M. Moore

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.