Scripture to Read: 2 Peter 2:4–8
God continued to lead Peter to write, in 2 Peter 2:4–8, some incredible“ if God” statements to confirm His judgment on those false teachers who refuse His love, mercy, and grace. God also had Peter pen how He pours out His grace on those who choose to worship Him alone. After God’s warning of what will happen to the false teachers, God validates His coming judgment through the ways His judgment had already taken place in earlier times. God had already judged the fallen angels (demons) when they sinned, and He cast them into hell. There is still a day that is coming when the false teachers and all who follow them will be cast into the eternal lake of fire, which will be on the final judgment day as noted in Jude 1:6. God not only cast the demons into hell, but God did not spare those who refused Him during the days of Noah either. God had Peter describe Noah (in 2 Peter 2:5) as a “preacher of righteousness.” That means that during the 75-plus years it took Noah, his family, and others who helped build the ark, Noah was also preaching the love of God and the coming judgment of God. The sad news is that no one repented of their sin except for Noah, his wife, their three sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth), and their three son’s wives. God saved Noah and his family but brought the flood on all of the rest of the human race. May we never doubt God’s judgment on those who refuse Him.
Challenge & Application
· How do you view lost people’s need for Christ in light of what God taught you today?
· Pray Colossians 4:3–4 and Ephesians 6:19–20 for yourself each day and be ready to share the love of Christ.
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!