2 Peter 2: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Peter 2 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

False prophets and teachers will secretly introduce destructive heresies, denying the Master who bought them. Many will follow their immoral ways, leading to the maligning of the truth (vv. 1-3).

Key verse

“But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction.”
2 Peter 2:1 (WEB)

Outline

2 Peter 2:1–3 Warning Against False Teachers
2 Peter 2:4–9 Examples of Divine Judgment
2 Peter 2:10–16 Characteristics of False Teachers
2 Peter 2:17–19 Nature of False Promises
2 Peter 2:20–22 Consequences of Apostasy

Discussion questions

In v1, what do false teachers bring into the church?
What is described as the 'wages of unrighteousness' in v13?
In v21, why does Peter say it would be better not to have known the way of righteousness?
In v15, why does Peter compare false teachers to Balaam the son of Beor?
When have you encountered someone promising 'liberty' but later realized they led you into deeper trouble?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Peter 2: Jude 1, 1 Corinthians 10, John 8.

Before next time: read 2 Peter 3.