The Character of a Counterfeit

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 2 Peter 2:9-15Hypocrisy is not new; neither is false teaching. 2 Peter 2:1 claims, “...there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies…”The Bible describes the character of a counterfeit, so we can spot these pseudo prophets with plastic words.First, their character is marked by proud presumption:“...and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries…” (2 Peter 2:10).The flesh is the old nature inherited from Adam; it is the predisposition to sin. Walking in the flesh always results in rebellion because the flesh refuses instruction and despises dominion.False teachers have an arrogant swagger to them, having no restraint or respect for authority; they will say anything, no matter how wicked.As believers, we cannot take lightly what they have taken lightly. We must be anchored in the Word of God and walk in the Spirit.They are also marked by beastly behavior (2 Peter 2:12).Man was created in the image of God, yet false teachers degrade man to animals. The modern New Age teachings (reincarnation, evolution, mysticism) are tactics from the enemy to trick man into seeing himself lowly. If people can be convinced that we are no more than animals, they will behave that way, giving way to sinful impulses.Finally, these counterfeit Christians are marked by godless greed.They are training in covetousness, seeking to make merchandise out of us. False prophets are not just people who have misunderstood the Bible; they are willfully wicked, and they are people who once knew the truth. They know what’s right and refuse it; they prostitute the Gospel for their own gain.Remember: no power of evil or devil in Hell can stop a Bible-believing church; yet, we the Church can curse ourselves if we let in sin and immorality. But even counterfeit Christians can strengthen our faith because they prove the reality of what they are imitating.Adrian Rogers says, “Never let a hypocrite keep you away from the true riches of the Lord Jesus Christ.”Apply it to your lifeOur faith does not have to be shaken by hypocrites; instead, they can inspire us to teach the truth of God’s Word with even more diligence. Study God’s Word today and ask that He guide you in your reading.