2 Peter 2:3 3and with greediness, they will exploit you with false words, to whom condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
Peter points out in this verse two problems of the false teachers that would lead to judgment. First, their greediness(pleonexia) indicated that they had an unhealthy appetite for more and would find sneaky ways to satisfy this covetousness. This word need not necessarily involve money, though that could be a significant motive. Some teachers seek glory, honor, or recognition. They want to be liked, or they like power and control. This temptation for teachers or leaders can be subtle or even unrecognized at first. Positions of influence, like being a teacher, can become corrupted by feeding the deep problem of selfishness.
The false teachers circulating in the early church had the wrong motivation, and it showed up in their false words. They do not stick to the simple truth of the gospel. They offered their opinions, theories, and speculations. This was a similar problem to that in Ephesus when Paul wrote Timothy about false teachers who “pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than furthering the stewardship of God, which is by faith.” Teachers must stick to clear teaching of the Bible and avoid theologizing too much. There is enough that is clear and known without getting into things that are unknown.
Many theories and ideas float around the church today. Are we being discerning and careful about what we teach or accept as the truth? Peter warns that people caught up in false teaching or who have the wrong motives 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. Peter used two strong words about the outcome for those who teach wrong doctrine: condemnation and destruction. At first, it may seem that the false teachers will remain in power and position and that nothing will happen to them. However, Peter reminds his readers that these teachers will be held accountable at some time. Meanwhile, the readers must be vigilant and aware of such false teaching.
The best tool for teachers is careful study of Scripture and becoming highly competent in the knowledge of the truth of the gospel. What one knows influences one’s faith, just as one’s faith must be embedded in and resourced by one’s knowledge. For those who receive the teaching, like the readers of this letter, the best defense is also to study Scripture so that false doctrine can be recognized and avoided.