Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 5
The teacher contrasts apostolic proclamation with being surrounded by Greek myths and “cultural traditions…taboos,” and later warns about stories that “appeal to the emotions” while “lacking in character”; where do you see modern Christian equivalents of “cunningly devised fables,” and how can a group tell when emotional appeal has replaced truth and obedience?
Another way to ask: The teacher warns about stories that sound good and stir emotions but don’t produce real character and obedience. What are today’s Christian versions of “clever made-up stories,” and how can a group tell when feelings have replaced truth and obedience?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript doesn’t name specific modern examples, but it suggests “fables” today are made-up or reshaped stories and teachings designed to attract people emotionally, build a following, or even gain money, rather than point to Christ and produce godly character. A group can test this by asking whether a message is rooted in the apostles’ teaching and results in obedience and sound doctrine instead of “itching ears.”
- Peter’s claim: “we have not followed cunningly devised fables,” meaning not “well-crafted stories… to gather a following for themselves.”
- The speaker connects fables to Greek myths and strange “cultural traditions… taboos,” saying, “that’s not what we’re talking about here.”
- He references 2 Timothy 4: people with “itching ears” heap up teachers and “turn… unto fables.”
- He defines fables as “made-up stories… [that] appeal to the emotions,” and warns they can be “lacking in character.”
- In Titus 1 he notes deceivers teach “for filthy lucre’s sake,” implying motives matter.