“They were trained in greed. We know they wanted people’s money, but the term also refers to a lust for more of everything. In fact, Peter used a word that referred to athletic training in the gymnasium. They had chest and arms day, leg day, and greed day.
They never stopped looking for sin. But notice what form that took: It wasn’t just sin in a vacuum. They indulged their appetites by exploiting and devouring the Christians around them. Unstable people were being “seduced.” That’s a term that refers to catching prey with bait.
This is why back in chapter 1, Peter says, “I’m writing so you can be established in the truth.” He wants us to be firmly anchored in the word of God, in the truth of God, so that we’re not easy prey.
You’ve watched nature shows. Planet Earth. Wild America. When the lions want to grab a gazelle, who do they target? The strong? The alert? No. It’s the weak ones straggling behind the herd.
Getting grounded in the word of God is not just about knowing more things. The Bible explains that this is the way we anchor our lives on Christ so that when the storms come, when the winds blow, when our enemy comes – who is a prowling lion seeking someone to devour – we will be strong. We will be secure. We will not be knocked down and destroyed, but continue growing and thriving in the love of God and the protection of His truth. Being established in the truth shields us and sets us free. It directs us and fortifies our lives.“
