Drawing on what Peter says elsewhere in his letter, we can affirm that the false teachers entice new converts by desires (Jude 1:16, Jude 1:18; 2 Peter 1:4; 2 Peter 2:10; 2 Peter 3:3) that have their roots in the flesh (Jude 1:7–8, Jude 1:23; 2 Peter 2:10) and that may be classified as licentious or sexually immoral (Jude 1:4; 2 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 2:7).1 Most likely then the false teachers offer freedom to gratify sexual desires—the same vice which also dominated pagan life (Ephesians 2:3; Ephesians 4:19, Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:5; 1 Peter 1:14; 2 Peter 3:3).2 Though sexual desires might be primarily in view, there are also other sinful desires which are often present in the church and that are also encouraged (e.g., gathering wealth and overeating). Self-control in these areas also ought to be seen amongst Christians.3
18 For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error.