2 Peter 2:18
“For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error.”
Peter spends nearly two dozen verses addressing those who brazenly lead people astray. He is speaking judgement against them. In verse four, he says “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell.” There is judgement that awaits them.
God is not pleased with them. It’s one thing to live a life contrary to God. It’s another to bring others along. That’s why Jesus was so opposed to the pharisees. He said in Matthew 23:15, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.”
We need to be careful of our influence. Paul addresses this in I Corinthians. We do have freedom. However, by exercising it in front of some, it could damage their faith. He says in verse 23: “Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.”
We are showing responsible behavior when we restrain ourselves out of concern for others. Those mentioned by Peter are seeking to recruit others to their errant ways. That is probably not us. However, we could have a bad influence on some if we negligently live out our liberties.
Paul is demonstrating his love for others by limiting himself. We are to do the same. Who’s watching us? Are any of our actions causing them to stumble?
Lord, help us to be aware and willing to have a good influence.