Daily Bread – September 13, 2022 (The Third Day – Genesis 1:9-13) 2 Peter 2:1 – Now, there were also false prophets among the people, just as also false teachers shall be among you, who shall sneak in destructive opinions; also denying the Master Who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. Destructive Opinions The Greek word used here for “sneak” is very descriptive of how destructive heresies find their way into the community of the Church; they come alongside true doctrines and less harmful opinions. Although there may be opinions about the Scripture that are not destructive, one falsehood is the foundation on which more destructive falsehoods are built. The word used here is a compound Greek word ‘paraeisago’, which literally means to “bring in along with” or to “lead in along with others”. Thus, we catch a glimpse of the way false doctrines begin. These opinions are grouped along with Bible facts and become the subtleties by which wrong conclusions are derived; and thus, destructive opinions are precipitated. The Greek word ‘hairesis’ may be translated “choice, opinion, inclination, dogma, sect, party, school, or heresy”. The choice was made to translate ‘hairesis’ as “opinion” in order to underscore how subtly one may become involved in heresy without knowing it. The best thing to do is to let the Scripture interpret Scripture so we do not drift from the Word of God unaware. In other words, if one is trying to understand the meaning of a verse of Scripture it is best to search out all other information on that topic in the Bible, and let the conclusion be soundly derived from such a study. One of the most difficult things to do is to remain objective and unbiased from one’s own opinions and the opinions of others. Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 9/13/2022
