Greedy Exploitation
2Peter 2:3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
This is to be contrasted with the previous chapter where Peter states, "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." 2Peter 1:16 For the gospel was well affirmed by eyewitness testimony. (Luke 1:1-2)
Contrary to Paul's advice given in Acts 20:33-35, the many demand payment for their preaching. And Paul says, "Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." 2Cor 2:17 Consequently if a person is financially dependent upon others, issues of greed arise. And if greed is involved, one's profit margins would increase if one could increase the size of one's constituents. Consequently false teachers characteristically make up stories to attract more people to listen to them. Fund raising missionaries must also beware of exaggerating or outright fabricating stories of their fruitfulness. For that will be a temptation if your ministry is dependent upon financial support from others.
Jude warns of false teachers, "they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage." Jude 1:16c In contrast Paul said, "You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed" 1Th 2:5 And Jude also characterized them saying, "they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error" Jude 1:11b For despite knowing God's will, Balaam accepted payment to prophecy contrary to God's will. Yet how many a teacher has neglected to teach God's word concerning those things which are unpopular as such would threaten their own popularity. In contrast Jesus had not such concerns as he openly taught things which made him unpopular to the point of being murdered.
2Peter 2:3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
This is to be contrasted with the previous chapter where Peter states, "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." 2Peter 1:16 For the gospel was well affirmed by eyewitness testimony. (Luke 1:1-2)
Contrary to Paul's advice given in Acts 20:33-35, the many demand payment for their preaching. And Paul says, "Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." 2Cor 2:17 Consequently if a person is financially dependent upon others, issues of greed arise. And if greed is involved, one's profit margins would increase if one could increase the size of one's constituents. Consequently false teachers characteristically make up stories to attract more people to listen to them. Fund raising missionaries must also beware of exaggerating or outright fabricating stories of their fruitfulness. For that will be a temptation if your ministry is dependent upon financial support from others.
Jude warns of false teachers, "they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage." Jude 1:16c In contrast Paul said, "You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed" 1Th 2:5 And Jude also characterized them saying, "they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error" Jude 1:11b For despite knowing God's will, Balaam accepted payment to prophecy contrary to God's will. Yet how many a teacher has neglected to teach God's word concerning those things which are unpopular as such would threaten their own popularity. In contrast Jesus had not such concerns as he openly taught things which made him unpopular to the point of being murdered.
