THE MENACE OF FALSE TEACHERS IN 2 PETER 2 AND THE CHURCH’S COPING STRATEGY

Abstract

The menace of false teachers, as described in 2 Peter 2, poses a significant threat to the church's existential value and spiritual integrity. Peter, in his second Epistle, vividly warns against the rise of individuals who distort the truth, exploit believers with deceptive words, and lead others into destructive heresies. The objective of this paper is to examine the dangers of false teachers in the church. Using the exegetical and descriptive methods, the study examines the threat that false teachers pose to the church then and now. The work underscores that false teachers are characterized by greed, arrogance, and moral corruption, traits that not only endanger their salvation but also jeopardize the spiritual well-being of the church community. To address this growing threat, the church must adopt proactive coping strategies rooted in scriptural principles such as doctrinal soundness, spiritual discernment, apologetics, fostering a
culture of accountability and holiness, group study of the word, and regular attendance and participation in church meetings.