Deceivers: Satan’s Counterfeits

Temple Baptist Church - 2-28-2018

2 Peter 2:1-3

Introduction:

A.  No one likes where we are, but we are here!  The enemies of God are in the churches because God’s people have allowed them in.  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.

B.  They are identifiable because of what they produce.  I will deal with that subject next time.  But, God’s people have been given a spiritual “yardstick” with which to measure them: The Bible!  Let us look at a few verses tonight.

C.  The False Prophets of old have become the False Teachers of the present.

2 Timothy 4:1-4  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;  (2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  (3)  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  (4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

1.  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!)

2.  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!)

3.  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.)

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

5.  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!)

6.  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.)

7.  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.

8.  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.