Welcome to Day 2442 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 18:7-15

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2442

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2442 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re continuing our journey through Psalm 18, focusing on verses 7 to 15 from the New Living Translation. In these verses, we witness a powerful depiction of God’s might and His response to the prayers of His people.

So, let’s prepare our hearts and minds as we delve into this passage’s vivid imagery and profound truths.

Psalm 18:7-15 (NLT):

7 Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger. 8 Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from him. 9 He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet. 10 Mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind. 11 He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dark rain clouds. 12 Thick clouds shielded the brightness around him and rained down hail and burning coals. 13 The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded amid the hail and burning coals. 14 He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies; his lightning flashed, and they were greatly confused. 15 Then at your command, O Lord, at the blast of your breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare.

The Majesty and Power of God:

In these verses, we are presented with a stunning portrayal of God’s majesty and power. David describes the Lord’s intervention in dramatic terms, using vivid imagery that evokes awe and reverence. In verse 7, the earth quakes, and trembles, and the very foundations of the mountains shake in response to God’s anger. This is a powerful reminder of the might and sovereignty of God over all creation.

The following verses, 8 and 9, continue this depiction of God’s power: “Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from him. He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet.” The imagery here is striking, emphasizing God’s overwhelming strength and the intensity of His presence.

God’s Divine Intervention:

As we move to verses 10 and 11, we see God’s divine intervention described in terms of a celestial journey: “Mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind. He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dark rain clouds.” This poetic description highlights the swiftness and majesty of God’s movement, as well as the mystery surrounding His actions.

In verse 12, “Thick clouds shielded the brightness around him and rained down hail and burning coals,” we see a continuation of the theme of God’s power over the elements. The brightness of His presence is so intense that clouds must shield it, and the hail and burning coals emphasize the destructive power that can be unleashed at His command.

The Voice of the Lord:

Verse 13 brings a powerful auditory element to this vision: “The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded amid the hail and burning coals.” The sound of the Lord’s voice is likened to thunder, a sound that is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. This description serves as a reminder of the authority and power inherent in the voice of God.

In verse 14, we see the result of God’s intervention: “He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies; his lightning flashed, and they were greatly confused.” The imagery of arrows and lightning conveys the precision and swiftness of God’s actions. His enemies are scattered and thrown into confusion, unable to stand against the power of the Almighty.

The Unveiling of Creation:

Finally, in verse 15, we see the culmination of this powerful imagery: “Then at your command, O Lord, at the blast of your breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare.” This verse emphasizes the complete and total sovereignty of God over the natural world. At His command, the seas are parted, and the very foundations of the earth are exposed. This is a reminder of God’s control over all creation, a testament to His ultimate authority and power.

Reflections on God’s Power and Protection:

As we reflect on these verses, we are reminded of the immense power and majesty of God. David’s vivid descriptions serve to highlight the awe-inspiring nature of God’s intervention in the world. But beyond the powerful imagery, there is a deeper message of God’s protective care for His people.

David’s words remind us that God is not distant or detached from our struggles. He is actively involved, responding to the cries of His people with strength and might. This passage encourages us to trust in God’s ability to protect and deliver us from our enemies, no matter how formidable they may seem.

Lessons from David’s Prayer:

As we consider the lessons from this passage, several key points emerge:

1. Recognize God’s Sovereignty: These verses remind us of God’s ultimate authority over all creation. Recognizing God’s sovereignty helps us trust in His plan and timing, even when we face difficult circumstances.
2. Trust in God’s Power: David’s vivid descriptions of God’s power remind us that no challenge is too great for the Lord. We can trust in His ability to overcome any obstacle and defeat any enemy.
3. Seek God’s Protection: Just as David called upon the Lord in his time of need, we, too, can seek God’s protection and deliverance. He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.
4. Stand in Awe of God’s Majesty: The imagery in this passage invites us to stand in awe of God’s majesty and power. Let us cultivate a sense of reverence and worship for the Lord, who is worthy of all our praise.

Applying These Lessons:

As we apply these lessons to our lives, we deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our faith. Recognizing God’s sovereignty gives us peace and confidence in His plan. Trusting in His power enables us to face challenges with courage and hope. Seeking His protection provides us with comfort and security in times of trouble. And standing in awe of His majesty inspires us to live lives of worship and devotion.

Conclusion:

As we conclude our exploration of Psalm 18:7-15, let’s carry these lessons with us on our journey. Recognize God’s sovereignty, trust in His power, seek His protection, and stand in awe of His majesty. By doing so, we align ourselves with the timeless wisdom of David’s prayer and live lives that reflect God’s love and faithfulness.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Wisdom-Trek. May these insights from Psalm 18 inspire and strengthen you as you continue your trek through life. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom, cherish each moment, and continue making a positive impact on the world around you.

Reflect…

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Day 2441 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Promise Undelivered? – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2441

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2441 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

Today is the eighteenth lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church.

The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today, our lesson is, Promise Undelivered?

When exposed to evil, we might doubt God’s presence. Soldiers’ accounts and memoirs often recall times of doubt as they grappled with war atrocity and, ultimately, the struggle between good and evil. While Scripture is clear that good will triumph, it also says evil will win its share of battles. Second Kings 3 records a war event where evil won.

Yahweh Takes Sides

Second Kings 3 describes the rebellion of Moab, led by its king, Mesha, against the monarch of the northern kingdom of Israel, King Jehoram (3:5). Like his father Ahab, Jehoram solicited King Jehoshaphat of Judah (the southern kingdom) for assistance against his enemy (3:7). They were joined by the king of Edom (3:9).

The invasion route—“by way of the wilderness of Edom”—is critical to the storyline. Edom was the territory settled by the descendants of the red-haired Esau (Gen 25:25: 36:1, 8). “Edom,” a play on the word adorn (DIN, “red”), was epitomized by the reddish soil and rock of its wilderness.

By taking a circuitous approach to Moab, the invading armies must cross desert terrain without water (3:9). Jehoshaphat called the wilderness wandering prophet Elisha for advice (3:11-12). After a testy response to Jehoshaphat’s plea (3:13-14), Elisha received word from Yahweh: God would supply the armies with water (3:16-17). It would appear—without rain—in a streambed that was presently bone dry. Elisha had even better news: “This is a light thing in the sight of the Lord. He will also give the Moabites into your hand” (3:18).

No Faith, No Gain

When they arrived at the place of battle, the Moabite soldiers were fooled by the pools of water that appeared red against the ground and the sun’s reflection (3:21-22). They assumed it was blood and that invading armies (often enemies themselves) had erupted in battle against each other (3:23). When the Moabites approached to strip and plunder the dead, they were ambushed by the invading armies.

In desperation, the king of Moab committed a horrible atrocity: “He took his oldest son who was to reign in his place and offered him for a burnt offering on the wall” (3:27). The meaning of the next line is hotly debated: “And there came great wrath against Israel. And they withdrew from him and returned to their own land.” Why did this happen? Why wasn’t Yahweh victorious? After all, Elisha had said God would give the invaders victory (3:18).

In the Old Testament, we read that the Israelites believed the gods of other nations were real, assigned to the nations by Yahweh, who was superior and ruled over all other gods (Deut 32:8-9). They believed these gods were demons—real spiritual beings (Deut 32:17). Given the nature of this worldview, it seems the Israelites were frightened by the sacrifice and lost faith, thinking Moab’s god was angry against them and would empower Moab to win because of the sacrifice.

Elisha had told the kings of Israel and Judah that God would help them. So why had He not? This situation isn’t the first time God promises but chooses not to deliver: God had told the Israelites that they would conquer Canaan under Moses and Joshua, yet they failed because of unbelief (Num 13; Deut 31:1-7: Josh 13:1-5: Judg 1:27-36). Yahweh was not defeated by the god of Moab. He was, and is, ready and able to help His people. But He will not do so if they refuse to believe and act on that belief.

The lessons that make up Theology Thursday on the Wisdom-Trek Podcast for the next couple of years will satisfy the statement, “I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.” I trust you’ll enjoy them—and, of course, not be bored.

Reflect…

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Day 2440 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 18:1-6

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2440

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2440 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. We’re diving into the powerful and heartfelt words of Psalm 18, focusing on verses 1 through 6 from the New Living Translation. This psalm is a beautiful expression of gratitude, trust, and reliance on God, penned by David in a moment of reflection on God’s deliverance.

So, grab your walking sticks, and let’s trek together through these inspiring verses.

Psalm 18:1-6 (NLT):

1 I love you, Lord; you are my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. 3 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.

4 The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. 5 The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. 6 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.

Expressing Love and Strength in God:

We start with David’s heartfelt declaration in verses 1 and 2, “I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”

David opens this psalm with a simple yet profound expression of love and devotion to the Lord. He recognizes God as the source of his strength, portraying Him as a rock, fortress, and savior. These metaphors paint a vivid picture of God’s unwavering stability and security in David’s life.

As we reflect on these verses, we’re reminded of the importance of recognizing God’s strength and protection in our own lives. Like David, we can find refuge in God, trusting Him to be our stronghold in times of trouble. This relationship of love and trust in God becomes the foundation upon which we build our lives.

Calling on the Lord for Salvation:

In verse 3, David continues, “I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.”

David’s experience of calling on the Lord and being saved is a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness. He acknowledges God’s worthiness of praise, attributing his deliverance to the Lord’s intervention. This verse encapsulates the essence of David’s relationship with God—a dynamic interaction where David’s praise and prayers are met with God’s saving power.

This encourages us to cultivate a life of prayer and praise, knowing that our cries for help do not go unnoticed. God is attentive to our pleas, ready to extend His hand of salvation and deliverance. When we face adversities, let us remember to call on the Lord, confident that He hears and responds.

The Overwhelming Threats of Death and Destruction:

David vividly describes the perilous situations he faced in verses 4 and 5, “The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path.”

These verses convey the intensity of the dangers David encountered. He uses striking imagery of death and destruction, illustrating how close he was to being overwhelmed. The ‘ropes of death’ and ‘floods of destruction’ paint a picture of inescapable peril, while the ‘trap’ laid by death signifies a cunning and persistent threat.

David’s words resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. These moments of profound vulnerability remind us of our need for a savior. David’s honesty about his struggles invites us to be equally transparent with God, bringing our fears and anxieties before Him.

Crying Out and Being Heard:

In verse 6, David shares his response to this distressing situation: “But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.”

Despite the overwhelming circumstances, David turns to God in his distress, crying out for help. This act of turning to God in prayer demonstrates David’s deep trust and dependence on the Lord. What’s remarkable is the assurance that God hears him. David’s cries are not lost in the vastness of the universe; they reach the ears of God.

This verse is a powerful reminder that a compassionate and attentive God hears our prayers. No matter how dire our situation may seem, we can cry out to God with the confidence that He is listening. Our relationship with God is one where we can bring our deepest concerns and know they matter to Him.

Lessons from David’s Prayer:

As we reflect on these verses, several key lessons emerge that we can apply to our own lives:

1. Express Your Love for God: Like David, openly express your love and gratitude to God. Acknowledge His strength and protection in your life, recognizing Him as your rock and fortress.
2. Cultivate a Life of Prayer and Praise: Develop a habit of calling on the Lord in times of trouble and praising Him in all circumstances. Trust that God hears your prayers and is worthy of your praise.
3. Be Honest About Your Struggles: Don’t be afraid to acknowledge the difficulties you face. Bring your fears, anxieties, and challenges before God, trusting He understands and cares.
4. Trust in God’s Response: Have confidence that God hears your cries and is attentive to your needs. Even amid overwhelming circumstances, trust that God is working on your behalf.
5. Find Refuge in God’s Presence: In moments of distress, find refuge in God’s presence. Allow His strength and protection to be your source of comfort and security.

Applying These Lessons:

As we apply these lessons to our daily lives, we deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our faith. Expressing our love for God fosters a sense of gratitude and appreciation for His presence in our lives. Cultivating a life of prayer and praise keeps us connected to God, reminding us of His constant care and provision.

Being honest about our struggles allows us to experience God’s compassion and understanding. Trusting in God’s response gives us the courage to face adversity, knowing we are not alone. And finding refuge in God’s presence provides us with the peace and security we need to navigate life’s challenges.

Conclusion:

As we conclude our exploration of Psalm 18:1-6, let’s carry these lessons with us on our journey. Love God wholeheartedly, commit to a life of prayer and praise, be honest about your struggles, trust in God’s response, and find refuge in His presence. By doing so, we align ourselves with the timeless wisdom of David’s prayer and live lives that reflect God’s love and faithfulness.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Wisdom-Trek. May these insights from Psalm 18 inspire and strengthen you as you continue your trek through life. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom, cherish each moment, and continue making a positive impact on the world around you.

Reflect…

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Day 2439 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2439 – The God of Wrath and Rescue – Daily Wisdom

Putnam Church Message – 08/04/2024

Denunciation of False Teachers – The God of Wrath and Rescue- 2 Peter 2:4-11

Last week, we learned to be on guard against false teachers by knowing God’s Word and taking time to Stop, Look, Listen, and Think about what is being taught compared to God’s Word. If you miss any messages, you can watch them online on our FaceBook page or at PutnamChurch.org.

Today’s passage is 2 Peter 2:4-11, on page 1895 of your Pew Bibles. Because of the complexities of the subject matter, I will read it from the NLT for clarity of flow.

 ⁴ For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell,^[a] in gloomy pits of darkness,^[b] where they are being held until the day of judgment. ⁵ And God did not spare the ancient world—except for Noah and the seven others in his family. Noah warned the world of God’s righteous judgment. So God protected Noah when he destroyed the world of ungodly people with a vast flood. ⁶ Later, God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and turned them into heaps of ashes. He made them an example of what will happen to ungodly people. ⁷ But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. ⁸ Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day. ⁹ So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. ¹⁰ He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desire, and who despise authority.

These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at supernatural beings^[c] without so much as trembling. ¹¹ But the angels, who are far greater in power and strength, do not dare to bring from the Lord^[d] a charge of blasphemy against those supernatural beings.

The early church reacted quickly and decisively against heresies in the first and second centuries, but the “problem” of the two sides of God’s character still puzzles believers. Like two sides of the same coin (coin), scripture does seem to present two sides of the same God—the attributes of justice, judgment, and wrath on the one side and the attributes of mercy, salvation, and blessing on the other. These two “sides” of God are reflected well in Exodus 34:6-7.

⁶ The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out,

“Yahweh!^[a] The Lord!
The God of compassion and mercy!
I am slow to anger
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
⁷ I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations.^[b]
I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin.
But I do not excuse the guilty.
I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren;
the entire family is affected—
even children in the third and fourth generations.”

The first part of this description is the picture we all want to frame and hang over the mantle—the loving Father who sends forth kindness, forgives our sins, and overflows in blessing. But the second part of this verse reminds us of the sobering reality that God refuses to wink at sin. His judgment is sometimes so severe that its blast waves ripple forward three or four generations!

Whether God appears as a kind, loving Father or a vengeful, wrathful Judge depends on our relationship with Him. Paul says, “Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off.” (Rom. 11:22). In fact, Paul says the message of the gospel itself can appear either sweet or sour, depending on whether a person believes or disbelieves: “Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. ¹⁶ To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?” (2 Cor. 2:15-16).

These same two sides of God—His compassion and His judgment—come together in 2 Peter 2:4-11. For the false teachers, judgment is coming. But for those who are saved, God will rescue them from wrath. In this passage, Peter shares a warning, a promise, and a hope—calling believers to persevere diligently in sound doctrine.

By the way, |you may be startled to realize that 2:4-10a is one large sentence in Greek. In most English translations, it reads like a massive run-on sentence. Structurally, though, it’s quite simple. Bulletin- It follows a basic “if… then” structure in which Peter basically says: “If God has historically established a pattern of reserving judgment of the wicked for the proper time while rescuing His righteous people,/ then we can be confident that He will do the same in the future—rescue us from the coming great wrath and leave the wicked false teachers behind for judgment.”

Knowing the basic argument, let’s examine how Peter builds his case in 2:4-10.

— 2:4-8 —

We can divide the “if” side of Peter’s “if. . . then” statement in 2:4-10 into two historical episodes—the judgment of the world in the days of Noah and the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah in the days of Lot. The first episode included the judgment of wicked divine beings (2:4) and wicked men and women (2:5). The question comes up: who are these divine beings (angels) that God placed in the gloomy pits of darkness? Bulletin Insert

Who are the divine beings we call angels that sinned (2:4)? We have three options. First, some have held that Peter refers to the original fall of angelic beings that coincided with the fall of Satan, after God created humans and put them in charge of His creation. (Ezek. 28:11-19). However, 2 Peter tells us that all of these sinning angels referenced in V4 were cast into pits of darkness and reserved for judgment. But in contrast, we know that the Satan and his evil cohorts are free and active in the world (Matt. 12:27-28; 1 Pet. 5:8).

As a second option, some have considered this to be a second fall of good angels that took place sometime after the first fall of the Satan and his cohorts. This group could have been the divine beings God put in charge of the nations when he divided humans up at the Tower of Babbel. It is thought that after they received authority, they, too, turned the humans away from God. However, we have no record of such a second fall, so they may have already fallen when they received the authority over the gentile nations. (Remember that gentile means not of Israel). From that point on, it seems likely that the remaining angels who did not fall with Satan were sealed in their state of righteousness. Paul refers to “chosen angels” (1 Tim. 5:21), and this has often been understood to refer to angels who passed the test of Satan’s fall and were sealed in their state of tested perfection, never able to fall.

The most likely option, then, is that the wicked angels referred to in 2 Peter 2:4 were among the angels who fell with Satan, but they then committed some subsequent sin—a sin so heinous that it necessitated a more severe judgment than what had already befallen them. Peter does not tell us what sin the wicked angels committed in this particular passage. It seems his readers would have already known what event Peter referred to. Peter helps clarify the meaning of this text when he talks about their judgment.

Peter says that God “threw them into hell,^[a] in gloomy pits of darkness,^[b] where they are being held until the day of judgment” (2:4). He uses a unique word for “hell,” different from the typical New Testament terms hadês (place of the dead) (Matt. 11:23). He uses orgehenna (Matt. 5:22). In fact, he says God cast the angels who sinned into Tartarus. Tartarus was regarded as a place of torment and punishment in the Greek world beyond Hades. Not only does Peter draw on Greek imagery to reinforce the severity of this judgment on sinning angels, but he also refers to a popular book among Jews and Christians in the first century called 1 Enoch. The writers of that book creatively recast the biblical account of the flood (Gen. 6), describing the sins of the angelic beings who cohabited with human women. For this heinous and unnatural crime, they were cast into the place of deepest darkness and reserved for the day of judgment. On that day, the spirits of wickedness would be cast into fire (1 Enoch 10.6-9). If you remember our lesson from 1 Peter, Tartarus is where Christ appears on Saturday between his crucifixion and resurrection to proclaim his victory over death and evil.

In this light, it seems that what Peter calls “Tartarus” is the same as the “abyss” (abyssos), which the New Testament mentions several times. During Jesus’ ministry, demons implore Him not to send them into the “abyss or bottomless pit” (Luke 8:31). Satan himself is cast into the “abyss” after the return of Christ (Rev. 20:3) before he is finally consigned to the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10). This seems to be a deep, dark holding place for wicked spirits that prevents them from having any contact with or influence on the world. This is like a cross between solitary confinement and death row; Tartarus is the holding cell where the most wicked spirits await judgment. This interpretation fits Peter’s argument best.

In 2:5, Peter connects the timing of this sin of the fallen angels to the time leading up to the Flood. All humanity had reached such a degree of wickedness that “everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil.” (Gen. 6:5). Because of the depths of evil, God did not spare the ancient world but brought a flood upon the earth to destroy the ungodly (2 Pet. 2:5).

Yet amid this judgment, God preserved eight people—Noah, “a preacher of righteousness,” his wife, his three sons, and their wives. This salvation of the righteous amid the judgment of the wicked angels and humans serves for Peter as an example of God’s pattern of deliverance. In the coming judgment, God will preserve Christians who live rightly in their own day, and at the same time, He will condemn the wicked false teachers.

The second historical episode Peter chose to illustrate the “if” side of his “if . . . then” argument was the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19). God did not overlook the wickedness of the inhabitants of those cities. Instead, He made them examples of how serious He is about judging sin. These cities had not been given the Law, but God nevertheless held them accountable for their extreme wickedness and violence. Genesis 13:13 says, “But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the Lord.” In Genesis 18:20 So the Lord told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant.” Because of this, God condemned them to destruction.

Yet Abraham inquired, Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? (Gen. 18:23). God’s answer gives us an essential picture of the mercy of God amid His judgment and wrath. God will not destroy righteous inhabitants of the city together with the wicked (Gen. 18:25). Even if there are ten righteous in the city, God will stay His hand of judgment (Gen. 18:32). So, because God is just and will not pour out His wrath on the righteous, He sent two angels into Sodom to retrieve Lot and his wife before judgment fell. This is the aspect of the illustration that Peter emphasizes. But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man  (2 Pet. 2:7) by removing him and his family from Sodom to pour out His judgment upon that wicked city. In many ways, Peter’s original readers could relate to Peter’s description of Lot, who lived among the evil people of Sodom. Peter says that Lot “was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. ⁸ Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day.” (2:7-8).

Peter uses this illustration of the salvation of the righteous amid the judgment of the wicked men of Sodom and Gomorrah as an example to inspire hope among believers. In the coming judgment, when Christ returns, God will preserve Christians who live righteous lives amid the day-to-day immorality and lawlessness of the pagan world. And He will condemn the wickedness of those who do evil in the judgments that precede the coming of Christ.

— 2:9 —

Having illustrated the “if” side of his “if. . . then” argument with two well-known examples of God’s pattern of rescuing the righteous before sending judgment, Peter presents the important “then” side of his statement: So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. (2:9). Peter’s point is that God’s coming judgment will not sweep up the righteous with the wicked. Because God is just, He will spare the righteous believers in Christ, rescuing them from coming judgment. But the wicked stand condemned, awaiting future wrath.

The word translated “trials” in verse 9 (peir/as/mos) can refer to tests that challenge the integrity of our faith (1 Pet. 1:6) or to “trials” that challenge our moral integrity by appealing to our sinful tendencies (Luke 4:13). It can also refer specifically to the difficult times before Christ’s return in Revelation 3:10. In that Christ promises believers Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. [peirasmos]. Paul reiterated this promise: For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. (1 Thes. 5:9).

Based on Peter’s argument, we can confidently conclude that, like Noah and Lot in the Old Testament, New Testament Christians will be preserved when Christ returns to earth to deal with those who rejected him before transforming the world into God’s Kingdom, His global Eden. That judgment is meant for the ungodly false teachers and the evil ones of the unseen realm. Instead, believers can look forward to God’s protection of the righteous. Peter does not spell out how that protection will take place, nor does it mean that we will not be persecuted, but his references to Noah and Lot suggest that God will remove or insulate believers from the time of great wrath as His judgment falls upon the earth. We know that at some point during Christ’s 2^nd coming, Paul’s teaching in 1 Thessalonians indicates, the dead in Christ will rise first, and then all remaining believers will rise as we are outfitted with our immortal ‘forever’ bodies.

-2:10-11-

Peter ends this section with a further description of the nature of the false teachers. He has already painted a disturbing picture in the first several verses of this chapter. As we learned last week, these false teachers:

• deceptively introduce heresies
• deny the Master who bought them
• invite destruction upon themselves
• indulge in sensuality
• cause the truth to be maligned
• greedily exploit believers

Peter now adds two other attributes to this list of already dismal descriptions. These false teachers stand under condemnation because they

• indulge the flesh in corrupt desires
• despise authority (2:10).

The first summarizes the kind of sinfulness illustrated by the sexual immorality of the days of Noah and the times of Lot. The second relates to the false teachers’ general disposition toward those who have been placed in positions of authority.

The Greek word for “authority” (ky/rio/tës) generally refers to angelic authorities in the unseen realm. (Eph. 1:21; Col. 1:16). It allows for both human and angelic authorities in this context. Peter describes them as “daring” and “proud and arrogant” dispositions opposite the humble and submissive spirit Peter elsewhere desires believers to exhibit. In his first letter, Peter encouraged his readers to submit to “human institutions” (1 Pet. 2:13). Yet the false teachers described in 2 Peter 2 do not even hesitate to revile divine (angelic) beings (2 Pet. 2:11).

We get the picture of cocky, defiant, indulgent, and out-of-control leaders willing to say or do anything to feed their own appetites of lust and greed. Such people are not among God’s people. And such people, Peter says, can expect to receive wrath, not mercy, from the God of justice when Christ returns to rescue His people and judge the world.

APPLICATION: 2 PETER 2:4-11

We Are Rescued from Wrath

Ask yourself: Is God a frightening Judge or a good and gracious Father? Is He the source of wrath and destruction or the fount of eternal blessing? The answer depends not on who God is_; but on who you are. God does not change. Because He is holy_; |He stands against wickedness;| because He is just;|He will judge sinners justly.| Yet God is also merciful and gracious,| forgiving and blessing those who have placed their faith in Christ,| whose death and resurrection bring forgiveness for their sins. God justly condemns sin and justly forgives it based on Christ’s death. This leads me to two important facts to remember.

First, God’s compassion will result in the rescue of all believers. Because He is just and faithful, He will never forget even one of His children. This promise applies to all His children—the stubborn and the submissive, |the weak and the strong, |the mature and the adolescent.| God’s grace covers you if you are a child of God by having placed your faith in Christ alone to save you from your past,>present,>and future sins. And if that’s you, then God’s promise to rescue you from the coming wrath applies to you. You won’t be overlooked. He won’t accidentally sweep you up with the wicked and send you into their judgment.

Second, God’s judgment will result in the punishment of all unbelievers. Just as God is faithful in His compassion toward believers, whom He has declared “righteous” by His grace, He will be faithful in His judgment toward unbelievers, whose guilt remains on them because they have rejected Him and His gift of eternal life. Those who turn up their noses at God’s gracious offer of forgiveness will not evade the consequences. Those who turn their backs on Christ’s death and resurrection will endure the wrath of God. The choice is ours.

How should we respond to these two truths? You should respond with praise and prayer if you’re a Christian. Praise God for His great mercy toward you. Though we all deserve the same just punishment for our sinfulness, God has placed our sins on Christ, who bore the punishment for us. And He has credited Christ’s righteousness to us so we can partake of His life and blessing. None of this has anything to do with your keen insight, personal holiness, or any earned merit. It is all because of His matchless grace. God’s grace has redeemed us, and we can stand with humble confidence before Him as our loving heavenly Father. And what a day that will be!

But you should also pray. Pray for those who don’t know Christ. Peter has vividly described their destination—judgment. Pray for friends, loved ones, coworkers—people you know who already stand before God as a just Judge. Petition God to intervene in their lives, to bring about the circumstances necessary to soften the hardness of their hearts, to break through the shackles of sin that bind them, to shine a light of hope in the darkness of deception. Then, think of ways you can become the answer to your own prayer. Ask God to reveal ways you can help bring them closer to the cross and the good news of salvation by living out God’s kingdom in your life each day.

Next week, we will continue the letter of 2 Peter in the Denunciation of False Teachers section, in a message titled ‘Disobedience Gone to Seed.’ Invest time reading 2 Peter 2:12-22 for next week’s message.