BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION (5): False Teachers

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them – bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. – 2 Peter 2:1-3

Whom does Peter describe here? Is this a believer in Jesus who is doing the best he can to understand and follow the teachings of his Lord? Or is this a person who hypocritically wears the name of Christ to gain power, position, and finances from other believers?