False Teachers – Teaching Plan
Key Thought: Peter warned that the followers of Jesus would have to deal with false prophets, false teachers, and destructive teachings that would deceive many.
1. Have a volunteer read 2 Peter 2:18,19.
Image © Pacific Press from GoodSalt.com
a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What is the importance of the word “freedom” or “liberty” heret?
c. Personal Application : Why is it important for church members to share the same beliefs? Is it dangerous to have ideas different from the rest of our fellow believers? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “In Christ we are free from the law of bondage. We are no longer under rules and regulations. We are free in the Spirit. Any attempt at keeping God’s old commandments is legalism.” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read 2 Peter 2:1-6.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. What is the motive of these false Christian prophets? Why is it wrong to get rich preaching the gospel?
c. Personal Application :How can we protect ourselves against attempts to bring false doctrine into the church? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, “What teachings have people tried to bring into the church today that have been exposed as false? How can we tell if they are true or not?” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read 2 Peter 2:6-10.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What do these texts tell us about judgment and how strongly God condemns false teachers?
c. Personal Application: Have you ever seen God work in your life to deliver you out of a tough situation, or was it not so obvious? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Why is it wrong to despise government? Many governments have corrupt and despotic leaders. Some countries have unjust laws and penalties. Some don’t treat people the way I think they should be treated. Are we supposed to accept corruption and dictatorial government?” How would you respond to your neighbor?
4. Have a volunteer read 2 Peter 2:11-16.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What does it mean that they cannot cease from sin and are unstable? Are we to stop sinning? Nobody’s perfect.
c. Personal Application : Should Christians be involved in marches, protests, and civil disobedience that might lead to violence? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).
(7)