Unprincipled Men

2 Peter 2:4–9 (NASB 95)

4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter; 7 and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men 8 (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds), 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

Examine / Explain

God’s wrath came upon the ungodly, but those who could live with integrity in the midst of the ungodly were saved. An example is Noah and Lot’s salvation while angels and the people of old times were not. Those who trust, believe, and listen to the escapes that God presents to us are capable of living in a hostile environment. But for those who can’t judgment is coming.

How do I apply this to my life?

I don’t think Noah or Lot or any Old Testament figure knew who they were going to be. Noah didn’t know that because of his faith and obedience to God that he would be still talked about today. In the moment he just knew that he must obey God. And Lot, who actually tried giving away his daughters to an ungodly crowd to save angel is seen as a righteous man. He lived in a city that was destroyed for its unruly sexual deviance. And yet he was the only one to escape. By no means do I believe these men were perfect, but they lived their lives in a way that got them recognition for eternity. Not that this was their goal or even a thought in their mind. Just they were committed enough to God that they were the ones who were saved physically from the wrath God poured out around them. We are rapidly approaching a lawless culture. Will I be seen as a righteous man? Better yet will I see myself as a righteous man? Will I listen to the moments when God presents an escape from sin? Will I allow the Holy Spirit to work though me? God is all powerful but I have the ability to say no to His work. He has given us free will. How will I use that free will? Am I going to follow Him? Can I live among the unprincipled and deal with the torment until the day of my physical salvation?

What is my response?

Father, we all struggle. How am I dealing with the struggles in life? Am I remaining steadfast in my faith? Am I turning to You when I fail? Would I find my life in a book because of my faith and belief in You? Not that I want to be famous. But am I living a life worthy of my calling? Am I living out my calling from You? Winter break is over, it’s a new year. I have guest lined up for HOC. Life looks a little busy but I never want to neglect You or my family. Help me plan. Help me keep priorities and lead like a righteous man would. Amen.