2 Peter 2 - Summary

False teachers are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries

Outline

v1-3

false teachers will exploit you like merchandise, but they will quickly receive damnation

v4-8

warnings and encouragement from examples of angels who sinned, Noah and the flood, and Sodom and Gomorrha and Lot

v9

the Lord delivers the godly and punishes the unjust

v10-12

these false teachers presume to berate spiritual powers that they don't understand, and whom even the mighty angels don't dare to brashly accuse

v13-14

the terrible way false teachers are

v15-16

they are like Balaam

v17-22

they went back to sin after knowing the right way, and they became worse off than before

Key

v10

But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

I think that this verse is talking about spiritual authorities, but the part that said they despise government, caught my attention this time. It made me think of how I've caught myself several times lately getting carried away complaining about certain politicians.

Application

Romans 13:1

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

I don't think that it's wrong to recognize problems with politicians, or to say we think they are long, but the government, since they are the government, deserves some appropriate form of respect. Next time I feel myself starting to get angry or wanting to get carried away with complaining about this government, I'll try to pray for them instead of being too quick to open my mouth.

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