Characteristics of a False Minister of the Word

I.  False ministers of the Word are guilty of a variety of evils.

     This main point is intentionally vague in order that the four evils declared by God in these verses can be dealt with individually.  There are many other evils that may be found in false teachers as well, but God mentions four in this passage.

     A.  False ministers of the Word are guilty of personal failure in their relationship with God.  (2:8a)

          The fail to obey the very Word they claim to preach.  (see 2 Pet. 2:1-22)

     B. False ministers of the Word are guilty of causing others to stumble by their instruction.  (2:8b)

     C.  False ministers of the Word are guilty of twisting the covenant of God.  (2:8c)

     D.  False ministers of the Word are guilty of seeking gain at the cost of faithful exposition of the Word.  (2:9b)

II.  False ministers of the Word will be manifested as frauds before the people.  (Mal. 2:9a)

     A.  God is the source of exposure of false ministers of the Word.

     B.  Great is the nature of shame that comes on false ministers of the Word.

     C.  General is the extent of their shame.

          We use general here in the sense of universal.