June 20
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WHEN ONE ABANDONS THE RIGHT WAY
Reckless, self-centered, they speak abusively of angelic majesties without trembling, 11 whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a demeaning judgment against them before the Lord. 12 But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, using abusive speech where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed, 13 suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions as they feast with you, 14 having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having hearts trained in greed, accursed children; 15 abandoning the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the reward of unrighteousness; 16 but he received a rebuke for his own offense, for a mute donkey, speaking with a human voice, restrained the insanity of the prophet. – 2 Peter 2:11-16
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Previous to these passages, in 2 Peter 2:9-10, he addresses those who continue to corrupt others and how the Lord rescues the godly. Peter explains the consequence of such indulgence to sin and illustrates a picture of those who despise authority. He describes these false teachers as reckless and self-centered. Speaking against all of God’s creation and laws.
In verse 12, he likens these heretics to animals who have no control about what comes out of their mouths. They act thoughtlessly and follow their natural tendencies. In other words, they follow their cravings and flesh but they are devoid of wisdom or knowledge since they are walking the path of unrighteousness. They refuse to bring their strongholds to submit to the obedience of Christ. They defy all authorities that God has set for them to follow. The only thing they follow are their merry-ways and give in to their lusts.
In verse 15, Peter refers to Balaam (from Numbers 22-24). Balaam was a wicked prophet in the Bible and is noteworthy because, although he was a wicked prophet, he was not a false prophet. That is, Balaam did hear from God, and God did give him some true prophecies to speak. However, Balaam’s heart was not right with God, and eventually he showed his true colors by betraying Israel and leading them astray. Peter cautions the believers of such corruption from people of unrighteousness.
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REFLECTION
• Why should believers be watchful that they do not abandon the right way?