Drink Devotional Method: Wells Without Water (2 Peter 2)

Today, we turn to 2 Peter chapter 2, where the Apostle Peter gives a sobering warning about false teachers who secretly bring in destructive heresies. In this chapter, Peter describes them as “wells without water,” a vivid image of emptiness and deception. Let us read the full chapter from the King James Version to understand the gravity of his message.

D – Devotional Reading (2 Peter 2 KJV)

1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

R – Reflection

As I read about these "wells without water," I picture a dry, empty well—offering the hope of refreshment yet holding nothing but dust. That is the nature of false teachers: they appear to carry truth, but inside they are barren. They lure many with persuasive words, appealing to fleshly desires, but they cannot give the living water of Christ. This chapter reminds me that outward appearances can be deceiving and that I must remain rooted in the truth of God’s Word. Peter’s examples of God’s past judgments show that He will not ignore corruption, and His deliverance of the righteous assures me that He knows how to protect His own.

I – Instruction

This passage calls me to discernment. I must not be swayed by eloquent speech or enticing promises, but instead measure every teaching against the unchanging Word of God. The image of "wells without water" warns me to value substance over appearance and to seek the pure truth of the Gospel rather than empty words.

N – Now Live It

Today, I will guard my heart and mind by testing what I hear and read through Scripture. I will pray for wisdom to identify spiritual emptiness disguised as truth, remembering that false teachers are like wells without water—appearing promising yet offering nothing that gives life. I will intentionally stay rooted in God’s Word, making it my daily source of refreshment and guidance. I will also encourage others in my circle to stay anchored in the truth so that together we may not be led astray by enticing but empty voices. When I see signs of error, I will speak the truth in love, pointing people back to the only true well that never runs dry—Jesus Christ.

K – Kneel in Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the true Living Water who refreshes my soul. Protect me from the influence of false teachers and give me the discernment to recognize truth from deception. Help me to remain steadfast in Your Word, to walk in righteousness, and to point others toward You, the only source of life. Amen.

You may also read our 2 Peter 1 Devotional.

🌿 About the DRINK Devotional Method

The DRINK Devotional Method is a structured personal devotional approach designed to help believers engage with Scripture to intentionally walk and grow daily with Christ.

• D – Devotional Reading: Read the selected Bible passage slowly and reverently (preferably at least 1 chapter).

• R – Reflection: Meditate on the truths revealed and how they apply to our walk with God.

• I – Instruction: Identify key lessons, commands, or promises to follow or hold onto.

• N – Now Live It: Commit to a specific action or change based on what God has shown to you today.

• K – Kneel in Prayer: Close with a sincere prayer, asking the Lord Jesus Christ for grace to live out His Word.

Whether you're just starting a daily devotional habit or seeking a more meaningful Christian devotional routine, DRINK offers a simple yet powerful guide to draw closer to God and let His Word shape your life.

You may also read more of my Daily Devotions here.

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