2 Peter 2:13 KJV
[13] “and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;”
In our own society, there are so-called “ministers” who plead for finances for their ministries while living lavish lifestyles. They live in extravagant houses and wear costly clothes all in the name of ministry. Let me assure you that I believe preachers should be well cared for by the congregation. The Bible teaches that God will bless His people for being good to God’s man. However, when a man seeks and asks for riches in the ministry, he has become greedy of filthy lucre. We have seen this happen many times to good men. Then, there are those who consider ministry as a means of living, especially the false teachers that Peter is speaking about in our verse. They do not care about the souls of men or the glory of God. These apostates only care about themselves and bringing glory to their ministry. They are kingdom builders with one goal in mind. They desire to become wealthy at the expense of God’s people. They have even deceived themselves by trading virtues for personal gain.
This verse declares that they will receive a reward of unrighteousness. The Lord will repay them for their deception. You see, these apostates are bold in their deceptions. They are not sneaking around in the dark trying to persuade people. Peter teaches us that they carry out their work in the daytime. Apostates love the platform, the television, the radio, and social media. They love the attention and believe they have the power to persuade anyone who will listen to them long enough. They love to “make sport” of their teachings by being controversial and argumentative to those who have held to the truth of God’s Word. They will use modern-day technology, such as podcasts and social media, to attack and try to destroy those who stand for the truth. They deny the Word of God with their heretical teachings and one day will face the God of the Bible. They will be silenced in the presence of the Most Holy One as they receive their reward of unrighteousness from Him.
Whenever I read this verse, I am thankful that I know the truth. What a blessing it is to know that I have not been deceived. As I look back through my life, I am grateful for the men of God who faithfully preached to me. It would be beneficial for all of us to take time to thank the Lord for what He has allowed us to hear. Dear reader, take the time to thank God for your Sunday School teacher, your pastor, and others who have taught you the truth.