Teaching

2 Peter 2:1-19 teaches us to be aware of false teachers and how we can identify them.

Characteristics of False Teachers:

Teach Heresies Deny the Lord Speak feigned words Make their teaching a business Walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness

Despise the government Presumptuous Selfwilled Not afraid to speak evil of dignities Find rioting as a pleasure

Adulterous Sinful Unstable Speak alluring words of vanity Promise liberty when bondage results Covetousness

How this list helps me recognize false teachers today:

If I hear people with these characteristics or teaching things with these characteristics, I can know to be weary and that these people are most likely false teachers.  Because the scriptures share this information, I will know what to be aware of and what false teachers are like.

Dangers of returning to the “pollutions of the world:”

2 Peter 2:20-22 teaches us that it’s worse to know righteousness and to turn back to the “pollutions of the world.”  Doctrine & Covenants 82:3 teaches us that “to much is given, much is required.”  When we are given light and truth, we are accountable for the knowledge we have and how we choose to use it.  Verse 7 of the same chapter teaches us that when a person repents, but goes back to their old ways, their old sins will return to them.  If we want to be forgiven of our sins, we must always strive to live the gospel and keep the commandments.