False

 "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping."

— 2 Peter 2:1-3

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

What's most disturbing about this passage is not that there are false teachers among us, but that there are many who will follow them. Lord, my heart aches for those who seemingly never had a chance to hear the true Gospel and have been swept up by sweet-sounding lies. I hurt for those who heard the Gospel and chose to follow You, but were swayed by false teaching that tickled their ears. 

Gracious God, I'm thankful that there will be swift judgment upon every false teacher. But what about those who have been led astray?  I pray that I can faithfully care for those who have been misled and abused by false teachers. I pray that their fabricated stories, destructive heresies, and secret lies will be exposed. I pray for those who have been and will be exploited and led into depraved conduct, thinking they've found the truth.

Lord, as it appears that there is no shortage of false teachers and heretical teaching, I pray that Your truth would prevail over them all. May the Gospel of Jesus Christ be clear, understandable, and accessible to all who are seeking You. May I be one who clearly and accurately communicates the Truth. Keep me from error. Keep me humble, especially when I handle Your word. Keep me from the greed, temptation, and adulation that motivates these false teachers. Lord, may Your truth always prevail.

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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