The Kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ
Looking Toward the End and the Beginning
2 Peter 2:10-12 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; 11 yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. 12 But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish.
IN 2 Peter 2:10-19 the apostle continues to emphasize God’s judgment. Once more, we point out that Peter is encouraging the church to be strong in faith. He warns against blasphemy, arrogance, slander and corrupt men who despise authority. One way men despise authority is to slander celestial beings. This refers to people who judge and condemn government authorities. Paul teaches everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established...he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. (Romans 13:1-2) We all view verbal and physical violence against governments. Peter says not even angels accuse other in such a way. Only the Lord has the righteousness to condemn. Slander signals a soul is out of control. It is one of Satan’s destruction tools. We must not speak evil toward anyone. Peter continues to warn the church against those who despise authority. They carouse in broad daylight (verse 13). In verses 14-15: Their eyes are full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed – an accursed brood! 15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. (See Numbers 22.) Verse 17 These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. 18 For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity – for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. The depraved are enslaved with their depravity. Prideful people keep their eyes from heaven and believe they are superior to rules and customs. They place themselves above all creation – even the LORD God. But their lives are locked within themselves. There is no freedom when one is bound so tightly to himself he cannot know the goodness God has prepared for him. A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can’t see something that’s above you. — C. S. Lewis Comments are closed.
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AuthorBob James Archives
November 2024
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