Many will follow their unrestrained ways and the way of truth will be blasphemed because of them. They will exploit you in their greed with deceptive words. Their condemnation, pronounced long ago, is not idle, and their destruction does not sleep. 2 Peter 2:2-3 HCSB
It is not uncommon to turn on the television and find ministers who are preaching messages and asking for financial support of their ministries. Many offer gifts for a contribution of a certain amount. Once a donor is on the mailing list, he will receive multiple letters requesting donations.
It seems that things were no different in Peter's time. He warned his readers of the greed of false teachers. These teachers were willing to distort the truth and say whatever the people wanted to hear in an attempt to persuade them to give more money. These false teachers were more interested in making money than in teaching the truth of God's Word.
Challenge: Before you send money to a tele-evangelist or a ministry that has sent information to you in the mail, research and make sure they are legitimate. Evaluate what they are preaching and teaching. Are they serving God or simply promoting their own interests to get more money? Is the organization being a good steward of the money that has been given to them? Are they actually using the money to benefit others and to advance the kingdom of God? Remember that gifts to other ministries should be above and beyond your tithe to your local church.