The Empty Promises That Enslave Us: Finding True Freedom in Christ

Waterless Springs: The Deception of False Teachers

In 2 Peter 2, we’re warned about false teachers who are “waterless springs and mists driven by a storm” (2 Peter 2:17). They promise refreshment but deliver nothing. Like the coachman in Pinocchio who gathered little boys with promises of freedom and fun, false teachers entice us with what sounds good but ultimately enslaves us.

“They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption,” Peter tells us, “for whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved” (2 Peter 2:19). These empty promises come in three primary forms, each more destructive than it initially appears.

Pride: The Promise That Brings Destruction

False teachers are often “bold and willful” (2 Peter 2:10), despising authority and puffing themselves up with pride. They talk trash about spiritual powers and heavenly beings, showing no humility before God.

Pride is particularly dangerous in our digital age. The internet and AI give us the illusion that we can know everything and be everywhere at once. But we can’t handle that burden—we’re simply not that strong.

Jesus, though fully God, joyfully lived within human limitations. He was happy to walk places, to be hungry, to be tired, to take naps. We should follow His example, finding contentment in our humanity rather than striving for godlike knowledge and power. For more on living humbly in Christ, check out our Serve opportunities where we practice humility through community service.

Greed: The Promise That’s Never Satisfied

The second empty promise is greed—the false belief that accumulating more will satisfy us. False teachers “have hearts trained in greed” (2 Peter 2:14), following “the way of Balaam… who loved gain from wrongdoing” (2 Peter 2:15).

As Johnny Cash powerfully conveyed in his cover of “Hurt,” we’re all collecting stuff that ultimately amounts to an “empire of dirt.” Our culture bombards us with advertisements promising that one more purchase will solve all our problems. But it never does.

Jesus offers a different perspective: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matthew 13:44). Knowing Him is better than any physical treasure we could ever have. Explore this treasure through our Media resources, including sermons on finding contentment in Christ.

Lust: The Promise That Leads to Slavery

False teachers “entice by sensual passions of the flesh” (2 Peter 2:18), promising freedom through indulgence. Our culture constantly tells us to “trust your lust” and that it will set you free. But Peter warns that lust actually enslaves us.

It’s like a dog returning to its vomit or a pig going back to wallow in mud after being washed (2 Peter 2:22). When we follow our lusts, we sink deeper into slavery to our animal-like instincts.

The prodigal son in Luke 15 illustrates this perfectly. After pursuing his lusts, he found himself longing to eat pig slop. But “he came to his senses” and returned to his father, who welcomed him with open arms. If you’re struggling with similar issues, our Celebrate Recovery program offers support for breaking free from addictions and hurts.

Finding True Freedom in Christ

Unlike the empty promises of false teachers, Jesus offers “precious and very great promises” (2 Peter 1:4). He doesn’t promise that following Him will be easy, but He does promise it will be worth it.

When tempted by pride, greed, or lust, don’t hide from God in shame. Instead, run to Him saying, “God, help me with this. Help me remember that You’re my ultimate need, my ultimate love. You’re the true water that satisfies my soul.” Join us for Sunday Gatherings to experience this refreshing truth in community.

Life Application: Breaking Free from Empty Promises

1. Recognize the emptiness: When tempted by pride, greed, or lust, ask yourself: “Will this truly satisfy, or is it a waterless spring?”

2. Humble yourself: Admit your need for Jesus. As Colossians 2:9 reminds us, “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” Only He can truly fill us.

3. Be ruthless with temptation: Jesus said if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out (Matthew 5:29). While this is hyperbole, the point is clear: don’t tolerate sin in your life.

4. Seek accountability: Find friends who will help you fight against false promises. Consider practical steps like filters on devices or joining recovery groups.

5. Run to Jesus: When you fail (and we all do), don’t run from God—run to Him. He loves to show mercy to those who seek Him.

Remember, “we have everything we need in the precious promises of Jesus Christ.” His grace “gives us everything we need for life and godliness.” Don’t settle for empty promises when the fullness of God awaits you in Christ.