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2 Peter 2:4-11
In 2 Peter 2:1-3 Peter tells of the false teachers and that their blasphemous ways will only lead to destruction. In verses 4-11 Peter gives testimony that supports his previous proclamation by an “if-then” comparison. He tells in verses 4-8 of how “if” God did not spare the fallen angels who had sinned in claiming allegiance to Satan in his rebellious act of disobedience to God; and “if” God did not spare the ancient world from the flood in the time of Noah; and “if” God did not spare the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah but made them examples for all who would live ungodly lives thereafter, but yet has the Almighty power to deliver Lot from the evil that surrounded him while he lived in these cities, “then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment” (2 Peter 2:9, NKJV). The Apostle Peter then tells that those who walk willfully in the “lusts” of the flesh are presumptuous and self-willed; not afraid to speak evil of anyone, yet the angels, who are greater in power dare not to bring such accusations before the Lord (2 Peter 2:11).
This is an example of the promise of destruction for those who live in willful disobedience to God.
Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” The examples that the Apostle Peter uses are great examples of this; during the time of Noah only eight people were saved from the destruction of the flood; in the destruction of the cities Sodom and Gomorrah, only Lot and his two daughters were to be saved. These passages of the Old Testament were recorded to be an example to us today that if we should fall to the same sinful lusts and evil desires, we too will be bringing destruction upon ourselves. But Peter gives us an example of the angels, and being greater in power than us, would not dare bring accusative attitudes toward others. The reason is because these angels have been witness to the spiritual life and death that is separated by one’s faith in God, and for us today, salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. God can pull us out of lawless deeds and living in the midst of them just as He did for Lot. For us today, the examples of the Old Testament have passed and we now have salvation in Jesus, whom God sent to save the world from sin (John 3:17). We have the great example to follow in Christ Jesus as we strive each day to be a reflection of Him to all those around us that we would bring glory to Him through our lives and lead others to Him.
Dear LORD,
Please help us to not fall to the false teachings that try to pull us away from the way, the truth, and the life that is only found in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Please help us to stand strong in our faith in You to deliver us from the temptations of this world as we strive each day to be a reflection of Jesus in a world that is in desperate need of Him. In Jesus name I pray, amen.