Ignorant - Deceivers: Satan’s Counterfeits

Temple Baptist Church - 6-23-2024

2 Peter 2:1-3

 

Introduction:

 

A.  I have been preaching on the word “Ignorant” for a while because Paul said, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren!”  God’s will is to have a biblically minded and hearted people. 

 

B.  For the past few weeks, I have been preaching on ignorant of “Satan’s Devices.” 

 

Devices: a thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment.  a plan, method, or trick with a particular aim.

 

C.  This morning, I want to preach on “Deceivers: Satan’s Counterfeits.”   Much is said in the Bible concerning false teachers, false prophets, and wolves in sheep’s clothing—but not one thing good is said about them.  Spiritual counterfeits!

 

1.  Satan’s Counterfeits or False teachers have always been.  The serpent in Genesis 3 was not used of Satan against its will.  The serpent lent his person to the deceptive teachings of Satan in the Garden of Eden.  Throughout both Old and New Testaments, we have seen their continual attack upon the truth of God’s Word. 

2.  We live in the days of 2 Thessalonians 2, which describes the spiritual deception of our day.  We are in the midst of the “falling away” prophesied in this chapter.  Good, fundamental churches are no longer “politically correct” in our society where sin is not only tolerated but also promoted.  To preach against sin is the “unpardonable sin” of our day.

D.  No one likes where we are spiritually in our nation, but we are here!  Instead of keeping the enemies of God on the outside of the church, churches have open their doors to numbers instead of purity and these enemies of God have been allowed in.  This ought not to be so as God’s men have the responsibility of looking out over and protecting the flock.

 

Romans 16:17-18  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark (publicly identify) them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  (18)  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

 

E.  People around the world flock to them because without biblical conviction, they can become comfortable in sin.

 

1.  Today, with the aid of technology, the possibilities of spiritual deception are endless.  There are many “voices” in this world and, unfortunately, most are satanic.  As the “falling away” is in full swing, false teachers are growing in both number and popularity.  Many of God’s people listen to and watch these men and women who openly defy the Bible with their heresies.  Women preachers and teachers, perverted bibles, and blatantly unscriptural doctrines permeate the airways and churches.

3.  Now, AI, cell phones, and other devices that people cannot seem to do without!  “Ghost preachers” who show up only on the screens mounted in the pulpit area.  People know nothing about their lives and swallow whatever “wind of doctrine” that they preach.

F.  God said that they are identifiable.  Two thousand years ago, our Lord said that they were active but identifiable. 

 

Matthew 7:15-20  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  (16)  Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  (17)  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  (18)  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  (19)  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  (20)  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

 

G.  They are identifiable because of what they say and what they produce.  Both God’s men and God’s people have been given a spiritual “yardstick” with which to measure them: The Bible! 

 

H.  The False Prophets of old have become the False Teachers of the present.  Teachers are the major problem in our day as they turn out liberal preachers.  Liberals infiltrate while fundamentalists separate. 

 

Galatians 5:9  A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

 

1 Corinthians 5:7  Purge (to expiate or to cleanse thoroughly) out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

 

J.  Let us look at just a few verses this morning that describe or expose them:

 

1.  False Prophets are Soul Darkened Men.  Isaiah 8:20  To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.  (I believe that many of these men and women possible have a reprobate mind as they take pleasure in unrighteousness for profit.)

 

2.  These Are Ungodly Men - Jude 3-4  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Because they deceive the people and destroy the “faith once delivered!”  Do not feel sorry for them.  Do not protect them.  They are enemies of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Gospel!)

 

3.  These Are Satanic Men - 2 Corinthians 11:14-15  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

 

Acts 13:8-10  But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9  Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10  And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?  (They work for the wrong “god!”  They are not only lost but also belong to Satan!  Once again, they are enemies of both God and the Truth!)

 

4.  These Are Ordained Men - Jude 4  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Ordained – designated!  This has nothing to do with Calvinism.  As God chose Pharaoh because he was reprobate, He also has chosen these men who made their choices.)

 

5.  These Are Deceived Men - 2 Timothy 3:13  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

 

6.  These Are Charismatic Men - Romans 16:17-18  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.  (They are articulate!  They have charisma!  They are good dressers!)

 

7.  These Are Powerful Men - Matthew 24:24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.  (Satan has great power and has given his power to these deceivers.)

 

8.  These Are Deceiving Men - 2 Peter 2:1-2  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2  And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

 

9.  These Are Damned Men – “swift destruction” - 2 Peter 2:1  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

 

2 Peter 2:3  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.