Reading: Peter here dives more into the specifics centered around the behavior of this group of false teachers. He really begins taking the extra step to show the audience, and us as readers, exactly how this group of people were attempting to lead followers of Jesus astray. Their actions were intentional, deceiving and self-exalting — and Peter even says they act this way all the time. 

In baseball, we are accustomed to deception in the game. Pitchers try throwing pitches that look like they are going to be a fastball, and then “drop off the table” as a curveball to make hitters swing and miss. We have signs and signals for everything, to ensure the opposing team doesn’t know what is coming. On the rare occasion, we even see hidden ball tricks to get guys out on the base paths.

However, this deception is much different, with much larger impact than simply a win or a loss in baseball. Let’s take a closer look, alongside Peter, into these specific actions. The things these false teachers are doing aren’t hidden or difficult to find. Peter says, “Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight,“ and “they never stop sinning, they seduce the unstable, they are experts in greed.” Peter is clear that, “They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done.”

At this point, if you’ve been following along through the devotionals daily, this doesn’t come as an overwhelming surprise. We’ve read the numerous ways these false teachers are set to turn people away from God and towards themselves. A little closer to home, you’ve probably already thought of various influences in our culture that act in a similar fashion. They intentionally deceive others and try to get you too. They offer a false hope, and as Peter pointed out, are in plain sight for everyone to see their character.

Peter here, at the end of these verses, takes us back to a weird Old Testament story that you may or may not be familiar with in the Book of Numbers, chapter 22. In short, Balaam almost cursed God’s chosen people for some money, but he was stopped when God allowed a donkey to act and speak to stop him. That must have been a humbling moment – for a donkey to rebuke a prophet! 

The prophets and teachers of the past are kind of like the teachers of today. We must be very careful when we listen to teachers, but even more so when we teach. Teachers should never work with the aim to gain following, donations, publicity, or fame. When talking about God, we should only educate others to bring them closer to God – teaching people how to repent, how to know God on a deeper level, how to put faith in Jesus Christ, and to worship God better! Each of us are called to make disciples at some point in our walk with Jesus, so we all need to keep this in mind, to not be distracted by dishonest gain in our ministry.

Reflection:  Read these verses today: Psalms 119; John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 2:12

Prayer Prompt: Give me eyes to see, ears to hear and a spirit that desires you alone. Help me to hide your Word in my heart and cling to you to defend my soul against the sin of the world. Lord, help me have compassion on those who are wandering from your truth. Let me trust you and your Word in all things and let me take the open the door for opportunity to speak truth into the lives of those around me. Never let me teach or act in selfish ambition. Stop me before I lead others astray in my selfishness. Give me a greater love for you and others as I am called to disciple others. I love you — thank you for sending your Son in my place!