BROADCASTS.com

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; 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; 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; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)\u2014if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority (2 Peter 1:4-10a).

What a curious opening line to a text. Many will want more information. Unfortunately, there is not any. It\u2019s helpful to know that the word translated \u2018hell\u2019 is the Greek word, Tartarus, a place of confinement, the underworld. It was not used to describe permanent punishment.

Peter is still writing about the false teachers Pastor Anthony reflected on yesterday. In our text, he wants his readers to understand that these teachers would receive their punishment. To underscore his point, he references several events of long ago in which creatures received judgement for their rebellion against God.

Peter also tells his readers that in these events of judgement God redeemed the righteous. He mingles punishment and redemption. Its our tendency to separate these two, even to relegate punishment to the Old Testament and love and redemption to the New. Such views can only come from a hasty read of the Bible. Punishment and love, redemption and judgement are themes deeply woven throughout both testaments.

Punishment and judgement are part of God\u2019s response to human rebellion, revealing his deep love for us and the world. We were created to flourish; but to do that we need to live within the guard rails God designed. We are less than human when we do not live in obedience to God. Our communities do not work, our relationships are warped. Judgment\u2019s purpose is for us to altar our course, so we can flourish.

If we do not change our minds about how we should live, if we continue to go our own way, we are condemned to live in a less than human world. Judgment is part of the process of sanctification. If we do not understand what it is we have done wrong, we will not change. Judgement is not separate from God\u2019s love.

Lot is here highlighted as a model for the righteous to follow. He was a man tormented, distressed by the evil he witnessed. These words suggest two things: on the one hand he was grieved by the destruction evil deeds caused. Think today of the results of chemical addictions, abusive relationships, murder, etc. On the other hand, these words suggest a constant temptation to give in and join the evil ones. Its difficult to stand when everyday people attempt to lure you in (see Psalm 73 for a reflection on this theme).

Peter\u2019s point is this: God will protect and save his people. Therefore, stand firm. Take time to reflect on your reaction to evil. Is the Spirit calling you to a godlier response?

As you witness the evil around you and face the temptations to join in:\xa0Grace and peace to you many times over as you deepen in your experience with God and Jesus, our Master. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Master, now and forever! Amen! (2 Peter 1:2; 3:18 MSG).