2 Peter 2
Scripture:
4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment;
5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others;
6 if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;
7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men
8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)–
9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.
Observation:
Unfortunately, not everyone who says they are Christian have God’s purposes in mind. This scripture warns us about false teachers and their demise. This passage should not cause us to be afraid. This is simply a reminder that there are people like this and we should be aware. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit will help us in discerning truth from fallacy. If there’s a moment when you get a “check” in your spirit about any interaction or teaching, I would encourage you to pause and pray. Take time and determine if the teaching lines up with the entire message of the Gospel. It’s always a good practice to discuss any concerns with a pastor at your church. The most important thing you can do in protecting yourself from false teachers is to stay close to the Lord.
Remember, “the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials” due to the unrighteousness of others. As a Spirit-Empowered Disciple, stay close to the Lord and He will guide your path.
Application:
- Personal Application: Stay close to the Lord. The Holy Spirit will direct you through the interactions of life and help you keep His purposes in focus.
- Family Application: Have a conversation with your family about how not everyone who says they are a Christian have God’s purposes in mind. Encourage them to spend time with the Lord and pray for God’s wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for discernment in your relationships and influencers. Pray for wisdom to know truth from false teaching.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that God will protect your family from those who do not have godly intentions for them.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, August 23 – Sunday, August 30:
- Sunday, August 23: 1 Peter 3
- Monday, August 24: 1 Peter 4
- Tuesday, August 25: 1 Peter 5
- Wednesday, August 26: 2 Peter 1
- Thursday, August 27: 2 Peter 2
- Friday, August 28: 2 Peter 3
- Saturday, August 29: 2 Chronicles 1
- Sunday, August 30: 2 Chronicles 2
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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