1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, and Jude: encouragements and warnings

Today’s study is on 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John and Jude. These short books have a common theme of recognition of false teachers and true believers as well as the need for constant vigilance and perseverance. Peter wrote 1 Peter in order offer encouragement to suffering Christians. 2 Peter was written as a warning against false teachers. The books of 1, 2, and 3 John were written to give warnings against and counter false teachings, and to recognize true believers. Jude, brother of Jesus and James, set to remind believers of the need for constant vigilance, to keep strong in the faith and oppose heresy.

Sometimes doing the right thing isn’t a reward. Sometimes it brings suffering and sadness. Peter wrote to encouragement believers who were suffering for doing good. In 1 Peter 1:3-5, we are reminded that we have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus, an inheritance which cannot be taken from us. It can never perish, spoil or fade. No matter what happens in life, our hope in God’s promise cannot be taken away from us. We have been rejected by men but chosen by God. We are precious to him (1 Peter 2:4). Peter tells us that even if we are to suffer for what is right, we are blessed (1 Peter 3:14) It is better to suffer for doing God’s will, for doing good than for doing evil (1 Peter 3:17). Therefore, we can’t be surprised when we suffer for doing what is right. 1 Peter 4:12 says “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” As Christians, we need to remember that we may suffer for doing what is right. We may be insulted, ridiculed or demeaned. We may lose friends, family, jobs or even our lives for standing firm on God’s words and doing his will in our lives.

False teachers have been discussed many times in the New Testament. Peter also warns against false teachers. In 2 Peter 2:10-22, Peter describes false teachers as bold, arrogant and not afraid to insult celestial beings. Celestial beings include angels and demons. False teachers will usually mock the supernatural and especially take Satan’s power lightly. False teachers will blaspheme in matters they do not understand (verse 12). They will often pay back harm with harm (verse 13). They will seduce the unstable and they are experts in greed (verse 14). They will speak empty and boastful words which appeal to our sinful natures (verse 18). Unfortunately, I think we can think of many church leaders who may be described by these verses. Often, men and women in positions of power will be intoxicated by that power and greatly influence those below them. How do we defend ourselves against false teachers? First, allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us. Some may call it a “gut feeling.” If a statement doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Second, do not take their statements are truth. We need to test their statements against God’s Word. If the statements contradict scripture, then they are false.

John’s letters also focus on false teachers and false believers which John refers to as “antichrists.” John warns if someone says “I know him [Jesus]” yet doesn’t live by his commands, then he is a liar (1 John 2:4). While there is the Antichrist who will come in the end times, but an antichrist is anyone who contradicts Jesus’ message either by their words or their lifestyles. To John, antichrists are those who call themselves Christians but do not truly belong (1 John 2:19). These are people who may call themselves Christians as a matter of family tradition or it serves their purpose in some form, but they do not truly live a godly lifestyle. Even though as Christians, we may fail to always be Christ-like, John is warning us against those who’s behavior is a consist pattern of ungodly behavior. In 2 John 7 states that antichrists are those who deny the foundations of Christian faith. There are churches which claim to be Christian and yet deny the deity of Jesus. 3 John states that true believers are generous with their resources whether its time, money or other forms of hospitality for the good of those who help spread the Gospel.

The book of Jude reads like a sermon. While he begins his sermon with the sin and doom of godliness, his call for perseverance is what stood out to me. He reminds us that we are told that people will scoff (verse 18) and people who intend to divide believers (verse 19). I see division in today’s society. Believers see themselves divided by denominations, by race, and by political belief. Believers will often attack other believers because they differ in opinion on various topics despite our common belief in Jesus Christ. However, we are to build ourselves up with faith and prayer (verse 20) and to keep ourselves in God’s love (verse 21). Most importantly, we are to show mercy to those who doubt (verse 22). We are to witness to believers and non-believers with compassion and kindness. The adage of “You catch more flies with honey then with vinegar” is very true. If we want people to listen and pay attention, we cannot be cruel, demeaning or speak with condemnation. We must find common ground when witnessing to others. We must remember that we were once lost, and God opened our eyes to his love. We must also have patience as we witness and remember that we do not open their eyes to God, God does. We are merely the tools in which God reveals himself.

In conclusion, false teachers were as much of a problem today as it was in the early church. We must be diligent to recognize false teachers and true believers. Looking to God’s word and prayer as we seek guidance to recognize both. 1 Peter reminds us that it is better to suffer for doing what is right than to aid in evil. False teachers are the topics of 2 Peter and the letters of John. We must be careful to examine all statements given to us by those in leadership. Lastly, Jude calls believers to persevere, to witness to others with compassion and allow God to do his work in his time.