2 Peter 2 & 3

One day a few years ago I made the 10 mile hike around Lake Hefner on the system of trails that encircles the lake. I made this hike many times as part of my training for a hike I would make that summer. I knew where every porta-potty and water fountain was located along the trail. It was a warmer than normal day in early spring and my water bottle was nearly empty. I made the decision to go ahead and gulp it down because I knew that there was a water fountain about a half mile away where I could refill. As I approached the fountain, I anticipated getting to drink all that I wanted and being able to refill my bottle to take with me on the trail, but I found that the fountain would not function. And it would be several miles before the next fountain. I was disappointed and even thirstier than before.
That is the kind of situation that Peter uses to describe false teachers. They promise refreshment and life but deliver only disappointment and make life more difficult.
These false teachers cause sincere followers to stumble and give a doubting world reasons to scoff. We wonder at times why they are allowed to sow seeds of destruction. But God knows what he is doing. He isn't ignoring what is going on, and he is not giving consent to this kind of activity.  He is coming and He will set everything to right. Peter says that the Lord's patience means salvation. Our responsibility is to seek the truth, and to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peach with him.

Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. ¹⁸ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:17-18