Good morning,
The death of George Floyd has caused our nation to revisit the discussion on social injustice. Protests over police brutality have been marked by peaceful assemblies and those bent on destruction. The result of the destruction has been looting, crimes against police, and murder. Innocent people, who were just coming back from the COVID-19 pandemic, have been affected.
Why? The root cause of this violence is sin. It is rebellion against God, His purposes, and His love for mankind. Neither side in this conflict seems to recognize God’s control.
However, if you think this is a new phenomenon, you would be wrong. God through the apostle Peter gave us a graphic picture of this two thousand years ago.
This week we will look at 2 Peter 2. We will begin with the root of the problem found in Genesis 3. Then we will see how the false teachers of Peter’s day caused rebellion and destruction. They too were trying to destroy those who worshipped God.
Their depravity (2:10-17)
Reviling against authority (2:10-12)
“But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;”
Reveling with great pleasure (2:13-14)
“And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: a heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:”
Revolting against the right way (2:15-17)
“Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.”
This is the description of what our newspapers are reporting. The characteristics of those who are instigating the riots, looting, violence, and murders, are listed.
This list includes walking after the flesh, in uncleanness, despising government, not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, natural brute beasts, speaking evil of things they do not understand, pleasure in riot, eyes full of adultery, cannot cease from sin, beguiling unstable souls, covetous, cursed, forsaking the right way, and gone astray.
Not a pretty list. God gives us a list of character qualities that would heal our land. The fruit of the Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
Which list seems like it might be able to heal the brokenness in our land?
The two lists represent the unsaved and saved. Those who choose to reject Jesus and those who trust Jesus as Lord and Savior.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:1-6)
Will you come to Jesus for your salvation? Jesus is the only one who can change our individual lives and then change our sin sick nation.
Please accept Him today.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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