Don’t Let the Spots Stay

Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness. (2 Peter 2:13-14)

Peter’s insight about evil in 2 Peter 2:13-14 sounds a lot like today’s world. Evil people prefer to do most of their work in the dark. Mostly when you hear about evil doings, it happens in a dark, shadowy corner where no one can judge or see. However, Peter talked about those who became so bold they no longer did evil works in the dark, but in broad daylight. They are so involved in sin; they don’t care who sees it anymore. This type of wanton disregard for righteousness reflects a seared conscience and a heart that is numb to any prodding of the Holy Spirit.

This scenario gets even darker when we see that these individuals who are walking in darkness have no problem eating with believers, and even spend time at the same holidays together. They are not simply rejecting God’s Word; they are perverting it for whatever their own desires dictate.

In James 1:8, the Apostle James calls these types of people double minded. They are unstable in anything they do because they refuse to follow conviction.

Why does Peter call these people spots and blemishes? He wants us to rid ourselves of them. Just as people will try to get rid of spots or blemishes on their clothing, we should clear out the spots we allow to influence our lives contrary to God’s Word.

Rejection of God’s ways doesn’t happen overnight. It happens when we allow ourselves to be influenced by those who no longer are convicted of righteousness and no longer stand for the truth.

Practical Application

Pay attention to who you allow yourself to hang out with or listen to. You can and should witness to unsaved people, but being a witness does not mean spending all your time with them.

Romans 13:13; Romans 2:8

The Snare of Speaking without Understanding

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption. (2 Peter 2:12)

2 Peter 1:12 is one of those tough Bible verses. Peter said those who speak before they understand are acting like mere animals. They don’t use their spirit, or even sound logic, and they don’t apply wisdom to the situation. Instead, they react, and act based on their own fleshy desire to say something. They are being controlled entirely by basic instincts, unleashing their tongues on matters they can’t really comprehend. In fact, the Greek word understand is eido, which is predominantly translated as see, explains they are blind to spiritual realities.

Most people today are quick to speak, but few have much desire to understand. Many times, the very people who don’t want to understand have a great desire to be known by others as wise, to teach others, and to be heard and validated. This creates the epidemic of false teachers we see today. Their doctrine is like dark rainless clouds that hang in the sky but provide none of the nourishment they pledge. They inadvertently lead Christians back into sin because they bring no truth or power with their judgments and false teachings. Just because someone says something is evil or good, based on their background, ego or experience, does not mean it’s so. They must show you Scripture.

Every Christian needs to exercise discernment because there are a lot of wolves in sheep’s clothing, who act as animals and not as logic dictates. We are not called to follow anyone who holds a microphone, has a social media following, or speaks with a powerful voice. Their teachings must align with Scripture. If they cannot support their beliefs with at least two or three Scriptures, then you shouldn’t listen to them. Be careful who you expose yourself to.

Practical Application

Guard yourself against the trap of speaking without understanding. Seek understanding from Scripture, from the Holy Ghost, and from time-tested leaders. Do not speak before you fully understand a matter from God’s perspective.

Psalm 49:10; Psalm 94:8

Control or Presumption?

But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. (2 Peter 2:10-11)

In our world of division and polarization, the words of the Apostle Peter ring particularly powerful. 2 Peter 2:10-11 talks about something that is rarely discussed in our world—the selfishness of speaking one’s mind. In fact, the adjectives he uses—presumptuous, self-willed—both paint a vivid picture of individuals who are unafraid to release the poison of their tongues on people in authority, particularly in government.

Peter compares two specific characters: humans who would speak evil of people in authority and angels, beings of greater power and might, who refuse to bring accusation against those in positions of power before the Lord. This contrast is a call to a time of introspection for all of us. Are we, like the angels, speaking about the character of leaders with a spirit of honor by choosing our words carefully and resisting the temptation to speak evil of things we may not fully understand? Or on the contrary, are we being careless with our words and allowing the poison of presumption spew out of our mouth simply because we think a matter may be true?

We should act in wisdom and not rashly or emotionally. Wisdom comes from talking to God and listening to the Holy Spirit about a matter before we express things we may think or feel. Opinions echo loudly and cut deep. Be careful not to cut someone with your words.

Practical Application

Do you speak ill of people when you think they may have done something wrong before knowing everything about a story? Make it a habit to go to God in prayer when you feel emotionally upset about a person or situation and ask Him how He sees it. Presume nothing. Get God’s perspective on a matter.

Luke 19:14; Acts 23:5