Read 2 PETER 2:4–9

Many scholars think that the false teachers that concerned Peter were influenced by Epicurean philosophy, which rejected the notion of divine providence. Without the gods (or God) intervening in human affairs, there was also no divine judgment, and so the most important thing was to pursue and fulfill human desires. The Roman historian Plutarch said this about the Epicurean beliefs: “The procrastination and delay of the Deity . . . destroys belief in providence.” If there’s either no god or God can’t punish wickedness, why not do whatever you want?

In these verses, Peter demolishes the notion that false teachers will escape the judgment of God. He relies on what has already been established as the unshakable foundation for truth: God’s character and His Word.

From the beginning, God has declared divine, holy judgment on those who oppose Him. The angels led by Lucifer were cast out of heaven (v. 4; see Isa. 14:12–15). The Lord ended the reign of ungodliness that had filled the earth by bringing the Flood, saving Noah and judging those who mocked him (v. 5; see Gen. 6:13). The wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, in which not even ten righteous people could be found, was punished by God through utter destruction (v. 6; see Genesis 19).

All of these examples are documented in Scripture, testifying to God’s holiness and sovereignty. And as we’ve seen in chapter 1, we can rely on Scripture as the reliable and inspired Word of God. In the midst of judgment, however, God is also faithful to save the righteous. Noah and Lot are proof that God keeps His promises (v. 9). The wicked can be assured of God’s judgment, and the righteous can be assured of His deliverance.

APPLY THE WORD

These words should encourage our hearts. We can look at the world and identify reasons for fear and dismay: people profane the name of the Lord, the greedy oppress the needy, and sinful desires are encouraged. But we have God’s promise to deliver us, both from the trials and temptations of life now and from the judgment on the world to come.

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