Better Off Not Knowing The Truth? (2 Peter 2:20-22)

Sermon on 29 September 2026 by Bro Boonkiat

Introduction

Have there been times you asked this question - is it better not knowing the truth? Because once you know the truth, you cannot do whatever you want. Have you heard people saying that being a Christian is burdensome - having to come to church every week, having to tithe?

We show up because we are called. Because we know the truth, we obey. The journey of walking along this path of righteousness may come with questions. The perspective of the world finds righteous living difficult.

Message

In writing the 2 letters (1 Peter and 2 Peter), the apostle Peter brings the message of hope to Christians. 1 Peter addresses external challenges - persecutions and pressure from society. 2 Peter was not addressed to any specific group; it was about internal challenges within the church including false teachings.

The apostle Peter was a fisherman, called by Jesus Christ (John 1:35-42, Matt 4:18, Luke 5:1-11). He was born Simon and some parts of the bible refer to him as Simon Peter. Jesus Christ named him ‘Cephas’ - this is Aramic name for Peter, which means stone (John 1:42). Peter had a brother, Andrew, who was a disciple of John the Baptist. Andrew had shared with Peter about the Messiah, Jesus. Peter later had an encounter with Jesus, where Jesus provided him with a bountiful catch of fish. Peter then left everything to follow Jesus.

Peter had bold faith (Matt 14:22-23). Despite this, there was an incident where Peter focused on the situation rather than Christ. This was when Jesus walked on water, and asked Peter to step off the boat to meet Him. Peter started to doubt.

On the night of the last supper, Jesus told Peter that the latter would deny Jesus three times. Peter was sure he would not, but when Peter was tested, he indeed denied Jesus thrice (Matt 26:69-75). Peter was then restored by Jesus Christ (John 21:15-19) and called to be a fisher of men (Matt 4:19, Acts 2).

And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.” - 2 Peter 2:20-22

Before verse 20, Peter was talking about false teachers who spread lies for the love of money. In verse 20, Peter was referring to Christians escaping the world by receiving salvation from Jesus Christ. However, after receiving salvation, Christians found themselves enslaved by sin again. Peter then quoted Proverbs 26:11 to illustrate this foolishness.

The truth points us to the way of righteousness. It is the Word of God. Jesus Christ is the Word. In John 14:6, Jesus said that He is the way, the truth and the life.

Peter himself experienced God, and had fellowship with Jesus Christ. Peter experienced and witnessed what happened to those who had known the truth and yet departed from the truth. Hence, Peter shared this as a warning to all believers and followers of Jesus Christ.

1. Nature versus identity

Human flesh is corrupt. But believers’ identity is righteous. We are resurrected in new life with Jesus Christ. Do not provide excuses like “I sin because of my human nature”. Instead, let us consider ourselves dead to sin but alive in Christ.

Our identity in Christ sets us in the way we stand in life (Ephesians 6:11). We are to put on the full armour of God, so that we can take our stand against the devil. Our identity in Christ sets us in the way we walk in life (Matt 6:33).

2. Foolish choice versus right choice

Romans 6:16 tells us that we become a slave to whatever we choose to obey. We can become a slave to sin or instead be a slave to righteousness. In Numbers 23-24, we know about Balaam, a gentile prophet (a sorcerer, not of God), who found himself unable to perform curses as God commanded him to bless the Israelites instead of cursing them. Despite knowing God’s power, Balaam still made the foolish choice.

3. Part ways versus partake

We can choose to be with fellowship with the world, or, we can choose to follow Jesus Christ. Fellowship with Jesus Christ requires faith. There will also be times where we have to go through suffering (Phil 3:10). But it will bring forth eternal rewards (Luke 18:24, 29-30). Jesus wants a heart of surrender to Him.

Closing

Knowledge without obedience is dangerous. It brings forth tragedy. God opens our eyes to show us the truth in the bible. Let us not wilfully disobey. Let us be faithful and fruitful flocks. Jesus is the true grapevine, and we are the branches which must produce fruit (John 15:1-