Teaching (2 Peter 2)

In 2 Peter 2, Peter talks about how to recognize and avoid false teachers. Some of the characteristics that he points out in verses 1-19 are:

•  Denying Christ (verse 1)
• Covetous (verse 3)
• Despise government (verse 10)
• Presumptuous (verse 10)
• Speak evil of others (verse 10)
• Speak evil of things that they don't understand (verse 12)
• Eyes full of adultery (verse 14)
• Forsaken the right way (verse 15)
• Lure people away with vain words (verse 18)

 This list was not only valid in Peter's time, it can be applied now as well as we try to avoid listening and following false teachers or prophets. These are things that we should be aware of so that we can compare the words/actions of people and determine with the Spirit whether or not we should listen to the things that are being taught.
In verse 20 of chapter 2, Peter talks about escaping "the pollutions of the world" and then he goes on to talk about why we shouldn't return to the sins we have done in the past. The reasons for this are that when we know what is right and we have repented for what was wrong and go back to that, we receive the "greater condemnation" (Doctrine & Covenants 82:3). Once we have repented we need to try our best to stay on the path of righteousness so that we can receive the blessings that God wants for us.