Imposter Christians
Dr. Rocky Ramsey continues his series through the books of Peter by addressing a difficult but essential truth: not everyone who claims to follow Jesus truly belongs to Him.
Teaching from 2 Peter 2:17–22, Dr. Rocky Ramsey describes the characteristics of imposter Christians—people who look the part but are empty on the inside. They may speak about freedom but live in bondage. They may know Scripture but never obey it. They can impress with words but lack transformation.
Jesus Himself warned that “many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but I will declare, ‘I never knew you’” (Matthew 7:21–23). The parable of the sower (Luke 8) reveals that emotional or temporary responses to God’s Word do not produce lasting fruit. Only the seed planted in a heart that fully surrenders to Christ results in a changed life.
This sermon calls us to examine our faith honestly—because to know and not do is one of the greatest sins (James 4:17). In the end, as Dr. Rocky Ramsey reminds us, “We end up who we are.” True faith endures because God completes what He begins (Philippians 1:6).
“These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.””