Read JUDGES 7:1–25

The weapons of warfare have changed dramatically over the millennia. From hand-to-hand combat with crude implements to the development of firearms to nuclear weapons and military drones, humanity continually devises new ways to gain a military advantage against the enemy.

By all accounts, ancient Israel certainly did not have a military advantage. When warfare was conducted by hand-to-hand combat, having fewer people meant the odds would be nearly insurmountable.

The Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern people had an infantry as thick as locusts (v. 12). Israel’s army, whittled by God to a meager 300, was vastly outnumbered (vv. 7–8). More than that, the foreign oppressors had the advantage of a camel cavalry, and every soldier was armed with a sword. By contrast, the Israelite army was a poorly equipped militia, bearing not swords but trumpets, empty jars, and torches.

Why would God deliberately stack the deck against His people in this way? Didn’t reducing their odds only frighten the already timid Gideon? But of course it was exactly God’s intention to destroy the idea that this battle could be fought or won by human skill or savvy. His complaint that Gideon had “too many men” (v. 4) reminds us that the impossible odds in this story have one purpose: to preserve God’s glory. God will not share His glory with Gideon, nor will He share it with Gideon’s army. It must be clear to them, and indeed to all of the Israelites, that God alone had saved His people.

The final battle cry of Gideon’s regiment reminds us that the odds are never as impossible as they seem. Gideon and his men didn’t need swords, not when God planned to use Midianite ones!

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Where we see impossibility, God sees miracle. This is why the apostle Paul delighted in his weaknesses, claiming that God’s power was made perfect in them. Whether your weakness is a physical limitation, an economic disadvantage, or a paralyzing fear, what would it look like to begin trusting that God could use it to glorify Himself?

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Read JEREMIAH 17:7–10

A forest of quaking aspens in Utah is known by the name Pando, meaning, “I spread.” It’s also called “the Trembling Giant.” This is because all the trees in this 106-acre forest are genetically identical and are believed to have a single, combined root system. In essence, this forest is a single tree with 40,000 trunks, each of which appears to be a separate tree from an aboveground perspective

Being firmly rooted is a spiritual necessity. In light of yesterday’s devotional, how can we put down roots that are not deceived by wealth or stressed out by worry over temporal needs? How can we cultivate roots that will help the Word grow and bear fruit in our lives? We want to be “rooted and built up” in Christ (Col. 2:6–7)!

Today’s reading pictures such a person as a “tree planted by the water” (v. 8). The roots take in the life-giving water, and therefore the tree remains green and fruitful even in extreme heat or drought conditions (cf. Ps. 1:3). This person is indeed “blessed,” meaning happy or content.

One key to rootedness is faith. The person who is like this green, well- rooted tree is “one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him” (v. 7). The sins of worry and anxiety fall short in precisely this area. Worry takes over when we do not truly believe that God can or will provide. That sort of person, one who turns away from God to trust in “mere flesh,” is “like a bush in the wastelands” (vv. 5–6).

Another key to rootedness is the heart. Unfortunately, our hearts are “deceitful” and “beyond cure” by any human means (v. 9). Only God, who made our hearts, can comprehend and heal them. Only He can plant us by streams of water and make us fruitful.

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John 15:1–17 is an excellent related passage to read and meditate on today. Just as the fruitful tree is positioned near the stream, so also must we as branches “abide” or “remain” in Jesus Christ the Vine. These words indicate a close relationship in which we’re dependent on Him. As He taught: “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

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Read MATTHEW 13:18–23

Symbolizing the importance of agriculture to Nebraska, a massive statue of a sower scattering seed is set atop the state capitol building in Lincoln. The bronze statue weighs 9.5 tons, stands 19.5 feet tall, and is placed on a 12.5-foot-high pedestal molded to look like corn and wheat. The “Sower” took sculptor Lee Lawrie 13 years to create; it was finally installed in 1930.

From Jesus’ familiar parable of the sower, we can learn another significant lesson about worry. Among the four types of soil in this story, our focus is on the third: “Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants” (v. 7). Jesus provided the interpretation: “The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful” (v. 22). In a parallel passage, it “stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature” (Luke 8:14).

The “worries of this life” include food and clothing (see Nov. 1–3), employment, children’s education, and retirement. They’re normal and natural, but when they take over they’re nothing but “thorns.” The “deceitfulness of wealth” refers to the fact that money can make us feel in control, as a result of which we tend to put our trust in it (see Nov. 7–10). We are deceived if we think and act as if money can save us or is a worthy object of faith.

The consequences of worry are disastrous. It strangles trust in God. It makes us faithless and fruitless. We remain spiritually immature and fail to live out “the message about the kingdom” (v. 19), that is, the gospel. We become like salt that has lost its saltiness (see Matt. 5:13).

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Despite Scripture’s clarity about it, we Christians are often culturally influenced to take worry lightly. For example, we might whitewash the sin of worry in the name of planning. Isn’t anxiety about a plan just natural? We must remember that our plans should be dominated not by worry or pride but by faith in and submission to the Lord (James 4:13–16).

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Read EXODUS 4:1–17

The biblical narratives the past two days are inspirational and instructive, but we might wonder if they’re relevant for us. Esther is an inspiration, but our daily lives rarely include confrontations with empires. Saul is an instructive negative example, but we’re unlikely to be in a position to forfeit a kingdom.

We might relate better to Moses. His self-doubt in today’s passage feels normal or understandable, though it reveals a lack of faith. We empathize with his fear of public speaking (v. 10). We see that his faith grew and developed over a period of time, which is something we also can aspire to.

God appeared to Moses in a burning bush and called him to lead the Israelites out of slavery. Moses’ worries were understandable. Egypt was a world power. The Israelites had been their slaves for four centuries. What reason could possibly entice Pharaoh to let them go? Moses was a disgraced former member of the royal court (having been raised in the palace), and a murderer, now living incognito as a desert shepherd. Why would the Egyptians respect or listen to him? For that matter, why would the Israelites (v. 1)?

God graciously provided for Moses’ worries. Moses’ staff became a symbol of God’s power. He was given specific signs to perform, signs designed to show that Israel’s God was greater than the gods of Egypt (vv. 2–9). God also reminded Moses that He Himself had created speech, language, and the tongue, meaning that He would give him the needed words and speaking abilities (vv. 11–12, 15). He also gave him a helper, Aaron. Despite his reluctance and anxiety, Moses obeyed in faith. And as we know from Jesus’ parable of the two sons, obedience is what matters (see Matt. 21:28–32).

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The classic film The Ten Commandments (1956) can help the life of Moses and the story of the Exodus come alive in our imaginations. Why not take some time to watch or re-watch this movie with family or friends, then discuss it together? What biblical themes emerge as most powerful? How does the film handle the biblical text?

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Read ESTHER 4:6–16

A good biblical definition of courage is standing firm in the Lord. As Paul wrote: “I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you” (Phil. 1:27–28).

By this standard, Esther is a tremendous example of biblical courage. She stood firm in the Lord and was not frightened by those opposing her, even though they were among the most powerful men in the world. Though initially and understandably worried by the challenges facing her, she responded in faith and God gave her success.

Esther had definite reasons to feel anxious. Haman, a powerful court official, had plotted to commit genocide against her people, the Jews, a plan that had been enacted into imperial law (Esther 3). For Queen Esther to attempt to intervene on their behalf, as her uncle Mordecai had requested, meant putting her life on the line. Appearing before King Xerxes without a summons brought an automatic death penalty, unless he pardoned the offense (v. 11).

Mordecai declared that God had placed her in her royal position “for such a time as this” and exhorted her to join the Lord’s side (v. 14). Esther’s faith was firm but not reckless. When she said, “If I perish, I perish” (v. 16), she was not embracing stoicism or fatalism but expressing dependence upon God. We know this from her prayer and fasting and from her request for her people to join her in coming before the Lord in this way. We might compare her with Joseph, who accepted that God had sent him into slavery to save lives and deliver His people (Gen. 45:4–11). In the end, God answered their prayers, blessed Esther’s intercession before Xerxes with success, saved the Jews, and executed justice on Haman.

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Yesterday, we encouraged you to “be still” before the Lord. Today, we urge you to “take courage.” Perhaps God has shown you what to do, but the way seems difficult or risky. Follow Esther’s example. Don’t be anxious or fearful, but rather seek the Lord in prayer and fasting, then step out boldly in courage and faith.

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Read PSALM 37:1–13

In God’s Prayer Book: The Power and Pleasure of Praying the Psalms, Ben Patterson wrote about Psalm 37: “This psalm could be really irritating,” because when we think we have good reason to be upset, we don’t want to be told to calm down. “However, this psalm is a powerful tool against worry and rage in the face of evil. . . . [I]t insists on the same few basic ideas over and over again: God will bring about justice for his people in his own way.”

Injustice would seem to be a legitimate reason for anger and worry. But even in a good cause, sinful anger and worry are still sinful (v. 8). Fretting about such things is misplaced envy (v. 1). Whatever success or advantages the wicked seem to enjoy at the moment are an illusion. “They will soon wither” and “die away” (vv. 2, 9–10). They have “no future hope” (Prov. 24:19–20). They do not pose any real threat. In fact, God laughs at them, “for he knows their day is coming” (vv. 12–13).

Therefore, the central question remains one of faith: Do we trust God to provide? Will He right wrongs and accomplish justice? If the answer is yes, why do we persist in worrying? Instead of being anxious, we should trust and delight in the Lord (vv. 3–4). We should commit and submit our ways to Him (v. 5). We should “be still” in His presence and wait for Him to act (v. 7).

Godly waiting is patient, not passive— this is not an excuse for inaction. The point is that when we put our hope in the Lord rather than in ourselves (v. 9), He will vindicate and reward us (v. 6). Meekness, then, is about humble dependence on God. As Jesus also taught, “the meek will inherit the land” (v. 11; see Matt. 5:5).

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Whatever you’re facing today, why not take a few extra minutes to “be still” before the Lord (v. 7)? “Being still” carries the ideas of patience, calmness, peace, faith, and reverence. Stop clamoring. Pause your thoughts. Turn off your smartphone. Remember that He is sovereign over all peoples and all of history. He invented justice!

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Read PSALM 23

A national study recently found that one of every 25 American teenagers has attempted suicide. One of every eight has thought about it. Suicide is in fact the third-leading cause of death for young people aged 10 to 24 years.

Sometimes life can seem over- whelming, and it may seem that the only way out is death. But this is an evil lie. The truth is that while God never promised life would be easy, He can and does provide in the face of the impossible. This is communicated in today’s familiar psalm, especially in verse 5: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

This is an image of provision as well as protection. Picture King David as an honored guest at a banquet given by the Lord. They are not allies, for that would imply equality. God is the King of Kings, and David is a vassal king who has been taken under His protection. God Himself will protect and defend David and the nation of Israel against their enemies. They have absolutely nothing to fear!

“Shepherd” was a common ancient Near Eastern metaphor for king (v. 1). Ideally, a king was to care for, provide for, and protect his “sheep” (people)—though in practice, of course, human kings did not and could not live up to this ideal. Even David couldn’t live up to it perfectly. Only God can do that! He provides food, rest, guidance, comfort, and protection for His people (vv. 2–4). The key is His presence—“You are with me.”

David’s confidence extended beyond a specific set of circumstances to all of life. He believed God’s “goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (v. 6).

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If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, seek professional help and Christian counseling. Worry and anxiety can be expressions of mental disorders needing trained psychological assistance, and we should be thankful for the resources God provides for our mental health.

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Read EXODUS 16:9–35

GOD PROVIDES EVEN WHEN WE GRUMBLE

Brownberry’s Natural Wheat bread once updated its recipe to something softer and sweeter. It turned out not to be a good move. Thousands of loyal customers let the company know they were angry about the change. One wrote, “This isn’t just bread we are talking about, it’s a lifestyle.” In the end, the original recipe was reinstated.

People don’t like change, and they especially don’t like change when it involves food. So perhaps it’s no surprise that before and after God provided food for the Israelites in the wilderness, they grumbled and complained. As we’ve seen clearly this month, God’s provision is key to understanding worry and contentment, so we’ll spend about five days focusing specifically on how the themes of provision, worry, and contentment connect and interrelate.

In today’s reading, God met the people’s needs even when they grumbled and failed to express trust in Him (v. 3). In no sense did they deserve the meat (quail) and bread (manna) that He provided (v. 12). This doesn’t excuse their sin, but it’s reassuring to know that His provision doesn’t depend upon us.

God’s larger purpose was not to fill their bellies but to inspire worship. That’s why He directed that some manna be put in the Ark along with the tablets of the Law as a memorial (vv. 32–34). But the Israelites, like us, were slow learners. Though God provided manna just as He had promised, they didn’t obey His instructions. Instead, they gathered extra for the next day and failed to gather any for the Sabbath. What’s more, they later complained about God’s provision of manna, which sustained them throughout their forty years in the wilderness, because they didn’t think it was as good as the food they remembered having in Egypt (Num. 11:4–6).

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Believers giving and sharing to meet one another’s needs is another way that God provides, and it is also evidence of faith in action (Acts 2:44–45; James 2:14–17). That’s why Paul cited verse 18 from today’s reading when encouraging the Corinthian church to give toward the needs of Jewish believers in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8:13–15).

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Read HEBREWS 13:1–8

Martin Luther once wrote: “It isn’t sinful to have money and property, a spouse and children, and a house or home. But don’t let these possessions control you. Rather, make them your servants and be their master. Remember what people say about a kind and generous individual, ‘He is master of his money.’ Money doesn’t control him.”

As we wrap up these days studying worry, contentment, and money, we see that the bottom line is that we can serve only one master. Greed means that we are worried and anxious about and focused on money and things instead of God. So unless we are free from greed we cannot truly follow Christ. Today’s verse is embedded in a series of exhortations that describe a life of genuine Christian discipleship.

With reference to our topic, we have two commands in verse 5. The first is negative, “Keep your lives free from the love of money.” Another translation says, “Your conduct must be free from the love of money.” This includes money-related greed, envy, covetousness, worry, and anxiety. The second command is the positive flip side, “Be content with what you have.” “Content” means pleased or satisfied.

Two main reasons are given for these two commands. The first is that God is always with us. The writer of Hebrews quotes Joshua, when he succeeded Moses as leader just before the Israelites entered the Promised Land (Deut. 31:6, repeated by Moses in 31:8). This implies not only that God provides, but also that His presence is all we need. The second reason is therefore that God is our unchanging helper and protector (vv. 6, 8; Ps. 118:6–7). His power certainly transcends any of the perceived power or control given by riches. Put these two reasons together and we have no room left for worry!

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If we are to master our money, we need good teaching and good tools. Bible studies on money, stewardship, and giving are solid places to start. The sound principles taught in, for example, the Financial Peace University seminar, have helped many. Tools such as budget worksheets, financial calculators, and expense-trackers are also useful.

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Read 1 TIMOTHY 6:17–19

A rich young man once asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” In the conversation that followed, it became obvious that the man valued his great wealth more than he valued God or eternal life. Jesus observed: “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! . . . It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:17–25).

Worry, anxiety, and contentment are closely related to our attitude toward money. It must not become an idol in our hearts. Our hope should be in God alone (v. 17). We are to value Him above all else! This is true whether we are rich or poor, yet being rich presents a particularly strong temptation.

Money is a means to power and comfort. Because it can seem to get us what we want, wealth tempts us to put our faith and hope in it. But that would be foolish, not least because money is temporal and uncertain. We should instead trust in God, who “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (v. 17; see Acts 14:17).

The rich can resist temptation by doing good deeds, especially ones involving generosity and sharing (v. 18). If money is seen as a resource to be used for the kingdom of heaven, such actions will follow naturally for those who love God. In fact, they’ve been prepared in advance by God (Eph. 2:10). Instead of laying up treasure on earth, they will lay up treasure in heaven and show that their hearts are truly set on the things of God (v. 19; Matt. 6:19–21). Then, instead of dying and leaving behind all they’ve acquired, they will be well prepared for heaven and ready and eager to enjoy eternal life with Christ.

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Review your budget and spending: what are your priorities? How do you “lay up treasure in heaven” in the way that you use your finances? Review your attitudes toward money: where are your anxieties? Do you place too much trust in your income or savings and refuse to share? Do you constantly pine for more rather than practice contentment?

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Read ECCLESIASTES 2:17–26

An article in New York magazine reports: “Ever since the 1930s, young people in America have reported feeling increasingly anxious and depressed.” Symptoms include trouble remembering or concentrating, not sleeping well, and dizzy spells or headaches. One researcher believes a main cause is the isolation of modern life; that is, we have less meaningful work and family relationships than people did in the past.

In all eras of human history, as Ecclesi- astes observes, work is meaningless anxiety apart from God. Since one must work to live, work and life are seen as equivalent in today’s reading. “Under the sun,” they are both “chasing after the wind” (v. 17)—or as we might say, as pointless as a dog chasing its own tail.

The fundamental reason is that you can’t take it with you (vv. 18–19). Whatever one gathers or achieves through work must be left to the next generation—who might or might not deserve it, and who might use it wisely or squander it (see Ps. 39:6; Eccl. 4:8; Luke 12:13–21). In either case, it’s beyond the control of the one who did the work. Skill and effort seem to be emptied of their meaning. This leads to a feeling of despair; labor seems meaningless and futile.

“Under the sun,” work has no real purpose (vv. 20–23). It’s all “anxious striving,” grief, random chance, and restless nights. But there is another perspective, one “above the sun” (vv. 24–26). If we understand that our work comes from the hand of God, we understand that any satisfaction or lasting value from it is also in His hands. The full perspective on this emerges or unfolds in the rest of Ecclesiastes. For today, we highlight the important truth that faith instead of worry treats all things as coming from and held within the hand of God.

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Solomon’s observations about work aren’t surprising in light of Genesis 3:17–19. There we learn that the Fall and sin marred what God meant work to be. If you have some extra time, read Genesis 1 and 2 with this issue in mind. What did God intend for “work” to be in Eden? How might it be redeemed for us as followers of Christ?

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Read PHILIPPIANS 2:25–30

The Greek verb for “worry,” merimnaó, can have either a negative or a positive meaning. The negative meaning is the one most often translated in English, “to be anxious or distracted, troubled with cares.” In some contexts, though, it can have a more positive meaning, “to care for, provide for, or look out for.” In that case, the Greek word is often translated “care” or “concern.”

This sort of “anxiety” is what the apostle Paul meant in today’s reading (v. 28; cf. 2 Cor. 11:28). Though this month we’re mainly focusing on worry as a sin—and indeed, that is how Scripture mostly uses the term—we should also examine this alternative meaning. There is such a thing as appropriate care or concern, which doesn’t become an obsession or an idol. This godly example from Paul helps us to see concern that doesn’t cross the line into worry. This concern is felt while still expressing faith in God.

As an emissary from the church at Philippi, Epaphroditus had visited the apostle Paul in Rome, where he was under house arrest (v. 25; 4:18). While there, Epaphroditus had fallen ill and nearly died (vv, 27, 30). He felt homesick and emotionally distressed because his illness had alarmed the Philippians (v. 26). Feeling similarly, Paul looked forward to sending Epaphroditus safely back home (v. 28). The believers there should welcome and honor him as having “almost died for the work of Christ” (vv. 29–30).

What made Paul’s “anxiety” in this case legitimate and even godly? First, the illness occurred while Epaphroditus was doing the work of Christ, not self-centered pursuits. The risk had been worth it. And second, Paul acknowledged the situation had been in God’s hands all along, saying, “God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me” (v. 27).

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Have you thought your anxiety was justified, but in fact it demonstrated a lack of faith? On the other hand, have you thought your anxiety was sinful because someone told you Christians should always feel happy? Invite the Holy Spirit to assess your cares and concerns through the lens of Paul’s example in Scripture.

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Read 2 PETER 2:17-22

Setan’s life seemed to be turning around. She had been sold by her family to a brothel owner in Phnom Penh when she was 12 years old, with the hope that she would earn money for her family. But two years later the police raided the brothel and declared that she was free. A local couple offered to take in several of the young girls and provide them with schooling. But this salvation was actually a ruse: the couple intended to force the girls into yet another prostitution ring.

Such stories should horrify and anger us. Abuse of vulnerable children is a grievous sin, and even worse is the promise of freeing children from bondage only to enslave them again (see Matt. 18:6). This should help us understand Peter’s feeling about the false teachers who are ensnaring new believers, young children in the faith, and leading them away from the truth of freedom in Christ.

Scripture certainly doesn’t mince words about the sin of these deceivers and the judgment that awaits them. They promise life and freedom but deliver death and slavery (vv. 17, 19). They tell believers that following Jesus doesn’t mean giving up your sinful habits and desires—in fact, they claim that their pride and lust and greed are perfectly acceptable to God (v. 18). Doesn’t God want you to be happy? they hiss, an echo of the first deception perpetrated by Satan in the Garden of Eden (see Gen. 3:1–5).

Judgment will come: “Blackest darkness is reserved for them” (v. 18). What makes their embrace and propagation of heresy even more tragic is that these false teachers have heard the gospel (vv. 20–21). They have rejected the marriage supper of the Lamb in order to feast on vomit (v. 22; see Rev. 19:19).

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If you are a new follower of Jesus, make every effort to grow in your faith: read Scripture, attend a Bible study, find a spiritual mentor, or take a course through Moody Distance Learning (moody.edu/distance-learning). If you’re an established believer, make every effort to support the spiritual growth of others!

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Read 2 PETER 2:10–16

Recall the story of Balaam (Numbers 22—24). Frightened of the vast nation of Israel moving through the land, King Balak of Moab hired Balaam to curse them. Balaam, a powerful prophet or sorcerer, was eager to accept the assignment—and the payment that came with it—but encountered a problem: the Lord would not allow him to curse His people. Instead, blessings poured from his mouth.

There has been no shortage of those who are willing to lead God’s people into destruction as long as they can make a profit from it. Peter describes the arrogance of these false teachers, who disregard the power of God and spiritual reality. Their pride infects both their blasphemous teaching and their sacrilegious lifestyle, which openly celebrates the pursuit of pleasure (vv. 12–13). They don’t respect God’s authority over either their beliefs or their actions.

These false teachers demonstrate a shocking disregard for others. They will seduce others into adultery, if it suits their whim. They will exploit others for financial gain, if they feel like it. They will profane the gathering of believers for worship and celebrations such as the Lord’s Supper, if they can get away with it (v. 14). The trinity worshiped by these heretics is Me, Myself, and I.

In the midst of this fiery pronouncement of judgment on the pride of these false prophets, don’t miss the note of reassurance for believers. God used a donkey to restrain Balaam, and He is able to protect His people today from the curse of false teachers (v. 16; see Num. 22:21–35). When we are tempted to despair, remember that if God can make a donkey speak, He is able to curtail the power of false prophets and the devastation of their heresy.

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Peter uses the story of Balaam to warn of ungodly teachers and to remind us of the protection of God. Take some extra time to read those chapters in Numbers, noting the ways that Balaam opposed Israel and also the ways that God thwarted his plan. Note especially the prophecy about Jesus, the best promise of all (Num. 24:15–19).

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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.

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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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Read 2 PETER 2:1–3

The term confidence man or con man was coined in the 1800s, a time one historian described as the “Golden Age of Schemes.” A.V. Lamartine perpetrated a strange con: he’d check into a hotel room and then pretend to ingest poison to commit suicide. After giving him medical treatment, kindhearted strangers would raise funds to help him on his way; it appears he made a living by “attempting suicide” for several years.

Hucksters, false prophets, and con artists today send emails from supposed Nigerian princes or promise health and wealth with one more donation. As Peter notes, false teachers infiltrated Israel and will try to distract and destroy the church (v. 1; see Jer. 23:16).

Notice the red flags of false teaching. First, they question the nature of God. Is He the sovereign Lord? Are His power and love the bedrock of our faith? Or do we need to do something to help Him out? Perhaps we need access to a magic formula or someone else to connect us with God. These “destructive heresies” attempt to undermine our confidence in the truth that the Lord is sovereign, He is trustworthy, and His promises are good.

Second, false teaching rejects the truth about how we should live (v. 2). As we’ve seen, the life of a Christian should demonstrate the saving power of God through goodness and self-control, not a life of depraved passions. The unbridled pursuit of human pleasure contradicts the truth of God’s Spirit in our lives.

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