II Peter 2-3

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies … many will follow their depraved conduct …In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories” (2:1-3). Peter warned against false teachers inside the church who were motivated by greed and whose lives didn’t match the gospel. These charismatic leaders promise “freedom while they themselves are slaves of depravity” (2:19). Peter taught that their immoral lives put others in jeopardy.

Peter gave this warning so that we would seize the present opportunity to accept God’s mercy. “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (3:9).