"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. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved." 2 Peter 2:18–19 (ESV)

The slave ship pulled from the shore. Lives shattered. Families broken apart. Dreams crushed. The abhorrent possession of human flesh.

Then, from the bowels of the ship, one freshly enslaved, shackles and chains rattling, cries out to those still onshore, "Come with!"

This is the image Peter has in mind of false teachers. Sensual desires drive their doctrines. They pretend to promote freedom. But they are slaves, and their teachings cannot lead to freedom in Christ, but slavery to the passions of the flesh. "Come with!" they cry.

Peter said, They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption.

One good test of new doctrines promoted among liberal Christians is this: Does this doctrine appeal to my flesh? Does it make life easier? Is this exactly what my heart would've wanted in the first place? Does license help me get what I really desired? If so, there's a good chance we should run away from their teachings, sticking instead to orthodox and biblical Christianity, for slavery is the sure outcome of the false teacher's lies.