2 Peter 2:18-19 18For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error, 19promising them freedom, they themselves becoming slaves of depravity; for whatever defeats a person, to that he has become enslaved.
This verse makes Peter’s thoughts clear as he moves past the images and gets right to the heart of the matter in case any of the readers were getting lost in the metaphors or biblical references. He needed to make the problem clear. The teaching of the false prophets and teachers contained empty and boastful words. They were empty because there was no power to them. They were merely human thinking. There was no divine power behind them. They might be based on human logic, reasoning, or selfish motives. The word boast (hyperonka) suggests that pride was part of the problem. Whenever pride is involved, the lusts of the flesh are not far behind, since self is the primary feeder of lust. The words of these false teachers especially appealed to those weak in their faith, the “baby” Christians who were not firmly planted in the truths of the gospel. They could have been new Christians recently escaped from the world’s snares. They needed to be discipled and trained so they could discern truth from a lie.
The false teachers and prophets offered empty promises that did not even work in their own lives. Peter does not say what type of freedom they promised, but religious charlatans often give promises that look and sound appealing but are empty without God’s power and presence. It is helpful that this verse is open-ended because many things can trap people, including promises of “health, wealth, and prosperity.” People want to escape sickness and poverty, so they follow teachings that promise this, but often the only ones to benefit are the preachers and teachers. Corruption can creep in whenever leaders begin to think people ought to serve them rather than serve the people.
Followers of Jesus must be vigilant about the empty promises of the world and those who align with it. The false teachers could become trapped by their own teaching. They are slaves of their own depravity (phthoras) This word describes something that is corrupt, perishing, and deteriorating. These people have become trapped by materialism and things of this world. They are after glory, honor, and comfort. They have let selfish desires become their masters. By leading people astray into this false teaching, they will be held accountable.