2 Peter 2:12 12But these persons, like unreasoning animals having been born according to nature for capture and killing, because they blaspheme in matters they do not understand, for their destruction and ruin,
In the next several verses, Peter writes strong words and condemnation of the unrighteous teachers and influencers. These verses serve as a strong warning to the readers about the danger of following such people. He points out several of their problems. Their biggest issue is that they blaspheme. What they teach and say is not correct but contradicts the gospel. They claim things about Jesus and the gospel that are not true. They have a distorted message. Sadly, people believe this message and are led astray.
Second, they do this out of ignorance. They do not understand what they teach. One of the great dangers of being a teacher is not knowing what you are teaching. Ignorance breeds heresy, which is why education is so important and stressed throughout the Bible. Teachers must be highly qualified in their subject matter. When it comes to the gospel message, those who preach and teach must be tested and held accountable for what they say. There should be no compromise when it comes to holding teachers and preachers to high standards of orthodoxy and godly character.
A third problem Peter points out is that they follow their instincts like animals. He does not specifically say what these instincts are in this verse, but the primary human instinct is selfishness. The animal instinct is to kill or be killed, eat or be eaten, and survival of the strongest. It is possible that these teachers were teaching for the glory, honor, or money, which can become temptations for those who lead God’s people.
It is possible to begin teaching with the right intention, but a person can drift from the truth because of interest in speculative doctrines and ideas. A person might follow the latest books or theological trends out of curiosity or convincing-sounding arguments, but soon be far from the truth of Scripture and orthodox doctrine. Such a person might not even be aware of this departure, having become blinded by new ideas.
Innovation in the church can be helpful in many ways, but it can also lead to danger when blinded by selfish pursuits and motives. If we are not careful, our thirst for knowledge will become distorted by our selfish drive for honor, position, attention, and power, resulting in subtle forms of heresy. We may dawdle in the gray areas of theology, those speculative areas where opinions determine doctrine. There is no room for speculation when it comes to the gospel, especially for teachers or preachers.