Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
This is a very fierce chapter. The writer takes aim at 'false prophets', and doesn't spare them. They teach 'destructive, untrue doctrines' which lead them and their followers into immorality; they are 'bold and arrogant', they 'act with instinct', and 'attack with insults anything they do not understand'. They will be harshly judged, especially if they were at first among the faithful (20–22).
We don't know exactly what doctrines these false teachers were spreading, so we should be a little cautious here. It's easy for believers today to think that any idea they don't agree with is to be condemned in Peter-like terms, and sadly, social media is full of Christians denouncing other Christians. It would rarely be appropriate for us to speak like this – though sometimes it is.
It's worth noticing what these teachers are condemned for, though. They teach what's untrue; they deny Christ; they are immoral; they are arrogant and greedy. These are the hallmarks of falsity, and when we see this in church leaders, or any kind of leader, we should beware of them. And Peter's description of them as 'dried-up springs, like clouds blown along by a storm' (verse 17) is very apt; they promise a lot, but don't deliver. If we really want to quench our spiritual thirst, there's only one place to go: 'whoever drinks the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again', said Jesus (John 4.14).
God, help me to think kindly and lovingly of those with whom I disagree. But keep me from being drawn away from the truth, and let me drink from the river of your goodness.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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