False Prophets and Teachers
2 Peter 2
Discussion Questions:
What most sticks out to you in the passage as particularly encouraging, challenging, convicting, or otherwise noteworthy?
Peter begins his letter with such an encouraging and exhorting tone, but here his language becomes remarkably strong and combative. Why do you think false teaching warrants such a strong response from Peter?
Why are false teachers from within the church a far greater threat than opposition coming from outside of a church?
What characteristics can help us identify false teachers (Joel mentioned five in his sermon though additional ones can be gleaned from 2 Peter 2)? In contrast, what characteristics should we look for in order to know that a teacher can be trusted?
Are there any places where you're personally tempted to smooth out the rough edges of Christianity or water down the truth of the gospel? What causes you to be tempted in this way?
Respond to Joel's comment that"we must be careful listening to outside influencers because we actually know nothing about them aside from what they want us to know about them. [Instead], the best theological influences we can have are the people with whom we have actual community?"
Reread 2 Peter 2:1. What do you think it means that the master has "bought" us? What implications should that truth have on the voices that we listen to?
