The false teachers are those who promote lawlessness, similar to the people of Sodom (2 Peter 2:7). Since they appeal to the sinful nature, they will always have an influence against which Christians must guard themselves. Believers are in a stable position (2 Peter 1:3–4), but they must take care so that they do not fall and become apostate (see Romans 11:11, Romans 11:22; Romans 14:4; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Hebrews 4:11; Revelation 2:5).1 Believers then retain their secure position in Christ by heeding the warnings of Scripture and not ignoring them.2
17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.