2 Peter 2:20: For If, After They Have Escaped The Defilements Of The World Through The Knowledge Of Our Lord And Savior Jesus Christ, They Are Again Entangled in Them And Overcome,

2 Peter 2:20
[20] For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. (ESV)

There was a time when these false teachers, being caught up in the wickedness of the world, came toward Christ. They wanted the freedom that comes from a relationship with Christ. However, they wanted to have a relationship with Christ on their terms. They did not fully surrender themselves to him. Therefore, they were not ever set free. 

The last state of these false teachers is even worse than when they initially moved toward the Savior. Their condition is worse because they never repented, yet they heard the message of the Gospel. Their rejection of truth led to them teaching things that also were not true. Their sins were never forgiven, yet because of their knowledge of what truth they did hear, they are now more accountable.

We are all accountable for the knowledge that we have received. I think of the person who has attended church for their whole life, but never humbled themselves and placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Often times, this is a person who is serving as a deacon or some other such position of important spiritual leadership. They are unqualified for the position because their hearts are not regenerate.

Churches need to do a much better job of vetting those who would be in positions of leadership. If you cannot articulate clearly the message of the Gospel, and demonstrate that you believe it and live it, you should not be leading in your church, or any church for that matter. The church also needs to be sure that the Gospel is preached by people who know the Lord and believe his holy Word.

Have you come to Jesus, looking to have a relationship with him on your terms only? He wants to have a relationship with you that starts with repentance and faith in him.