2 Peter 2:3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
Peter points out in this verse two problems of the false teachers. One is greed. This word is related to coveting, desiring for more, having an unhealthy appetite and finding ways to satisfy this. This does not necessarily have to do with money, but that can be behind it. Sometimes false teachers are in it for the glory and honor. They want to be liked. They want power and control. This is a subtle temptation for teachers and leaders. Power and position can corrupt by feeding our deep problem of selfishness. The other problem is fabricated stories: they make up things. They do not stick to the simple truth of the gospel. They offer their opinions, theories, and speculations. This was a similar problem to what Paul saw in Ephesus when he wrote Timothy about false teachers who “devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith” (1 Timothy 1:4). Teachers must stick to the clear teaching of the Bible and not theologize too much. There is enough that is clear and known without getting into things that are unknown. There are many theories and ideas that float around the church today. Are we being discerning and careful what we teach and accept as the truth? Peter warns that people who are caught up in this will face judgment. It is a serious matter to teach incorrect doctrine, especially about the person of Jesus Christ and God’s plan of salvation. The best tool we can have is to study ourselves and know the Bible well. That way, we can tell when someone speaks falsely.
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