Christ Is All We Need

Scripture – 2 Peter 2:10-12: Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; 11yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. 12But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish.

Reflection: This passage is still connected with Sunday’s reading about the “false prophets” who are at work. (2 Peter 2:1) These are people who are clearly teaching against the Christian faith. They are not people who are a little off track or who don’t understand. They know exactly what they’re doing. They’re intentionally trying to lead people away from Christ by any means – even by slandering good people and fabricating accusations against them.

I’m not sure who these people are today. I only know I have to keep myself aware of false teaching when it comes.

At the risk of being too simplistic, a basic rule of thumb I picked up many years ago is this: If someone says I need Jesus plus something or someone else, look out. Just a week ago we saw in 2 Peter 1:3, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him…” “Everything” is quite an inclusive word.

Be on the lookout today. While it may be hard to pinpoint false teachers, false teaching abounds in our culture. Remember, in Christ we have all we need. Don’t let anyone mislead you on that.