2 Peter: Faith In A Skeptical World Sample

The passage begins with ‘For if’ in verse 4, and we are kept waiting until verse 9 for the ‘if this is so, then ...’ 

That is, if we consider God’s judgment in the past (vv. 4–8), then we must draw two conclusions with Peter in verse 9. First, the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials, as Noah and Lot would testify. And second, the Lord clearly knows how to judge the wicked, both now but also ultimately on the day of judgment, as could testify the angels (v. 4), Noah’s generation (v. 5), and the people of Sodom and Gomorrah whose ‘filthy lives’ distressed the soul of righteous Lot (vv. 6–8). 

It may seem like the false teachers are getting away with their deception as they mislead and prey upon the believers. Yet Peter would not allow us to envy the wicked or to consider joining them for their temporary spoils. While their horizons may appear bright, the reality is much darker – clouds of judgment are over their heads. And while it may seem God is absent as they seek to harm and exploit His flock, the Chief Shepherd will certainly, decisively act. 

Notice the consequences mentioned in the passage: ‘hell’, ‘gloomy dungeons’ and ‘judgment’ (v. 4); ‘did not spare’ but ‘brought the flood’ (v. 5); ‘condemned the cities’, ‘burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly’ (v. 6). Verse 9, which summarizes their dark ending, suggests the judgment is two-fold – they suffer continued punishment until ‘the day of judgment’, from which time the new, permanent sphere of their suffering begins. 

It is a sobering passage. Who would knowingly put God’s resolve to judge wickedness to the test? Who would deliberately stand against Him? Peter is helping the flock to become more resistant, impervious even, to the temptations of the false teachers by spelling out their dire end. Though the wicked seem to prosper, there is no good future in godlessness. 

 

Reflection

Are you aware of any unrighteous habits in your life? Are you tempted to follow the lives of ‘Christians’ whose ambitions are prosperity and comfort, rather than those whose ambition it is to carry a cross after Him?