Clouds: (Carried Away by a Tempest) of False Teachers
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In biblical literature, clouds often symbolize the presence and majesty of God, as seen in instances such as the pillar of cloud that guided the Israelites through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21) and the cloud that enveloped Jesus during the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5). However, clouds can also represent instability and deception, particularly in the context of false teachers who lead believers astray.

The metaphor of clouds carried away by a tempest is vividly illustrated in the New Testament, specifically in the Epistle of Jude. Jude warns the early Christian community about the dangers posed by false teachers, describing them as "clouds without water, carried along by the wind" (Jude 1:12). This imagery conveys the idea of something that appears promising but ultimately lacks substance and stability. Just as clouds without water fail to deliver the rain they seem to promise, false teachers offer teachings that are devoid of truth and spiritual nourishment.

The apostle Peter echoes this sentiment in his second epistle, where he describes false teachers as "springs without water and mists driven by a storm" (2 Peter 2:17). Here, the imagery of mists driven by a storm further emphasizes the transient and unreliable nature of their teachings. These individuals are portrayed as being driven by external forces, lacking the grounding and steadfastness that come from true adherence to the Word of God.

The danger of such false teachers lies in their ability to lead believers away from the truth of the Gospel. They often present themselves as knowledgeable and authoritative, yet their teachings are rooted in personal gain, deception, and immorality. The apostle Paul warns Timothy about such individuals, noting that they have "an appearance of godliness, but denying its power" (2 Timothy 3:5). This warning serves as a reminder for believers to remain vigilant and discerning, testing all teachings against the truth of Scripture.

In the broader biblical narrative, the imagery of clouds carried away by a tempest serves as a cautionary symbol. It underscores the importance of grounding one's faith in the unchanging truth of God's Word, rather than being swayed by the shifting winds of false doctrine. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and understanding through prayer and study of the Scriptures, ensuring that their faith is built on a solid foundation.

In conclusion, the metaphor of clouds carried away by a tempest in relation to false teachers serves as a powerful warning to the Christian community. It calls for discernment and steadfastness in the face of teachings that may appear appealing but ultimately lead away from the truth. By remaining anchored in the Word of God, believers can withstand the storms of false doctrine and continue to grow in their faith.
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2 Peter 2:17
These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
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Steadfast unto the End
... in the faith, the apostle compared to "wells without water, clouds that are carried
with a ... in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 52 steadfast unto the.htm

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... "Clouds they are carried with a ... hopes of hearing some of the Word of God, behold
some false wind of doctrine for personal advantage carries away every sign ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... the persons of whom he speaks "wells without water: clouds that are carried with
a ... and a good conscience, which some having put away, concerning faith ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

God's People Delivered.
... Their mocking cries die away. ... the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried
into the ... these words of holy trust ascend to God, the clouds sweep back ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

God's People Delivered
... Their mocking cries die away. ... the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried
into the ... these words of holy trust ascend to God, the clouds sweep back ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... the lord of Africa, caused to be carried before him ... others, though they themselves
are cast away in the ... forth water; if he should charge the clouds, they would ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

Christ is Glorious --Let us Make Him Known
... that he might cause her to be carried away of the ... a thousand times in the floods
of tempest, hut even ... out clear and sharp above the clouds, having pinnacles ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/christ is gloriouslet us make.htm

Christ --The Power and Wisdom of God
... On fiery clouds and wings ... these it was, which, by the blessing of God's Spirit, carried
the gospel ... ranks, one who despised God, and ran very far away from right ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/christthe power and wisdom of.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... it he walked on the sea; the Spirit caught away Philip from ... which was a type of our
being carried in our ... Lord Jesus Christ will appear in the clouds in flaming ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... certainty, Plato leaps off into a glorious sea of clouds. ... victory, and the Lord God
will wipe away tears from ... he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

Resources
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Subtopics

Clouds

Clouds are Garment of the Sea

Clouds of Hostile Armies

Clouds of Judgments of God

Clouds of Multitudes of Persons

Clouds of Sins of Men

Clouds of Unsearchableness of God

Clouds: (A Morning Without) of Wise Rulers

Clouds: (Carried Away by a Tempest) of False Teachers

Clouds: (Passing Away) the Goodness and Prosperity of

Clouds: (Riding Upon) the Power and Greatness of God

Clouds: (When Seasonable) the Favour of Good Rulers

Clouds: (Without Rain) the Fraudulent

Clouds: (Without Water) False Teachers

Clouds: Called The: Bottles of Heaven

Clouds: Called The: Chambers of God

Clouds: Called The: Clouds of Heaven

Clouds: Called The: Dust of God's Feet

Clouds: Called The: Waters Above the Firmament

Clouds: Called The: Windows of Heaven

Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Black

Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Bright

Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Great

Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Small

Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Swift

Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Thick

Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: White

Clouds: Formed from the Sea

Clouds: Frequently the Instrument of God's Judgments

Clouds: from the West, Bring Rain

Clouds: God: Balanced in the Air

Clouds: God: Binds Up

Clouds: God: Brings Over the Earth

Clouds: God: Disposed in Order

Clouds: God: Established

Clouds: God: Scatters

Clouds: God: Spreads Out

Clouds: Made for the Glory of God

Clouds: Man: Cannot Cause to Rain

Clouds: Man: Cannot Number

Clouds: Man: Cannot Stay

Clouds: Man: Ignorant of the Balancing of

Clouds: Man: Ignorant of the Disposing of

Clouds: Man: Ignorant of the Spreading of

Clouds: Often Cover the Heavens

Clouds: Often Dispersed by the Wind

Clouds: Often Obscure the Sun

Clouds: Power and Wisdom of God Exhibited in Condensing

Clouds: Power and Wisdom of God Exhibited in Forming

Clouds: The Rainbow Appears In

Clouds: Though Small, often Bring Much Rain

Clouds: Thunder and Lightning Come From

Clouds: Uses of To Give Rain

Clouds: Uses of To Moderate Heat

Clouds: Uses of To Supply Dew

Related Terms

Cloudy (6 Occurrences)

Clouds (99 Occurrences)

Darkness (177 Occurrences)

Clouds: (A Morning Without) of Wise Rulers
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