The Rescue of God’s People: 2 Peter 2:4-10

This morning we will take a look at 2 Peter 2:4-10. It has been more than a month since we were in our last study of 2 Peter so I need to back up to the beginning of chapter 2 and refresh our memory of the situation taking place in the churches of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. We learned about the recipients of Peter’s letter, in his first letter. These provinces of the Roman Empire are not mentioned in Peter’s second letter, but in 2 Peter 3:1 we read,

1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. (2 Peter 3:1 NIV)

The followers of Jesus scattered throughout these areas were suffering persecution in the communities in which they lived. The persecution was not as intense as it would become in the near future, but nonetheless they were facing ridicule, being mocked, and harassed because they were followers of Jesus. 

In the second chapter of Peter’s second letter we learn that there were also false teachers who had invaded the church. So, there was pressure coming from outside the walls of the church and wolves in sheep’s clothing within the church. Peter’s second letter is only three chapters long, but the entire second chapter is devoted to the false teachers. Peter, in 2 Peter 2:1-3, gives us some insight into the false teachers. Read these verses with me. 

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them-- bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. (2 Peter 2:1-3 NIV)

Peter, Paul, and the other followers of Jesus were motivated to share the Good News of Jesus because it was, and remains to this day, the power of God for the salvation of all who will believe in Jesus and what He has done, through His death and resurrection, to restore us to a right relationship with God. The false teachers, as Peter points out, were, and remain to this day motivated by greed and a determination to fulfill their every selfish desire. They are, as Jesus said, “Wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15). 

As we turn to our Scripture for this morning you might think Peter has moved on to a different topic, but he has a very good reason for bringing three examples from the past into the conversation. Let’s read together beginning in verse 4.

4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6 if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless 8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)-- 9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. 10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; (2 Peter 2:4-10 NIV)

God is able to rescue the godly and He is able to hold accountable those who are ungodly. This is an important truth not only for those followers of Jesus living in the first century, but for all of us as well. I have noticed something through the years of working in ministry with people. When hard times come, when life seems to be beating us down, when it seems like we can’t get a break, questions rush in like a flood. We start to look around and we see others, oftentimes those who want nothing to do with the Lord, doing well while we are struggling. It doesn’t make sense. It all seems so unfair. This tendency of ours seems to be wired into our DNA because it has been going on forever. 

In Psalm 73, a man named Asaph was going through it as well. He was on the verge of throwing up his hands and saying, “What’s the use?” I love how Eugene Peterson translates verses 11-14 in The Message. Listen to the emotion, the raw emotion that flows from his pen. 

What’s going on here? Is God out to lunch? Nobody’s tending the store. The wicked get by with everything; they have it made, piling up riches. I’ve been stupid to play by the rules; what has it gotten me? A long run of bad luck, that’s what—a slap in the face every time I walk out the door. (Psalm 73:11-14 The Message)

Thankfully this is not where the Psalm ends. Asaph goes on to say that when he tried to figure it all out it made his head spin, it gave him a headache…that is until he entered the sanctuary, until he recognized that God’s ways were not his ways and the ungodly will one day face God’s judgment. 

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was born in 1899. He was the pastor of Westminster Chapel in London for almost 30 years. He wrote about the parallels between the situation faced by Peter’s friends and the situations faced by followers of Jesus in every age. 

There can be no doubt at all that for Christian people faced, as these first Christians were, with such problems and difficulties and trials, the greatest danger always is that of giving way to a sense of despair because of a feeling of utter hopelessness and futility. That is perhaps the greatest danger of all afflicting us at this present time, living as we do in the modern world which is so similar to that in which the early Christians lived. The power of evil seems to be so great. We are a small band, and apparently decreasing steadily year by year. The power of evil seems so great, so highly organised, so deeply entrenched in life. …The danger is that many, seeing all of this, are tempted to give way to a sense of utter discouragement and a feeling of complete hopelessness. Seeing the great majority apparently and increasingly against God, many people are tempted to listen to the false teachers, and to go after them and follow their pernicious ways. What encouragement have we to continue standing for God and truth whatever the world may be doing, and even though we may become but a handful such as were found before the Flood and before the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah? (Lloyd-Jones, Martyn. Expository Sermons on 2 Peter. pg. 156)

In our Scripture for this morning Peter uses three Old Testament examples to show that God has, and will, deal with those who are ungodly. This entire section of Scripture is built on an “if/then” structure. Take out your Bible and let me point it out for you. The first example comes in verse 4 where we read, “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;” The second follows in verse 5, “...if he did not spare the ancient world” during the days of Noah and the flood. Then, in verse 6, “...if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;” The “then” appears in verse 9 where we read, “...then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.” All three of Peter’s examples come from the Old Testament and follow in chronological order. The sin of the angels is most likely from the opening verses of Genesis 6. The story of Noah and the flood is also found in Genesis 6. The story of the demise of Sodom and Gomorrah is found in Genesis 19. 

I want to point out something very powerful about the stories of Noah in his day and Abraham’s nephew Lot who was living in Sodom and Gomorrah. Let’s focus on the cultural conditions that Noah and his family found themselves living in for a moment. We can turn to Genesis 6 to gain great insight on what was taking place in Noah’s day. Let’s start in verse 5.

5 The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7 So the LORD said, "I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created-- and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground-- for I regret that I have made them." 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. …12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13 So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. (Genesis 6:5-8; 12-13 NIV)

“Every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.” This was the culture of Noah’s day. Each and every day Noah and his family were surrounded by people who could care less about loving and serving God. The intention of their hearts was to do first and foremost what they wanted to do. The earth had become corrupt because all of the people on earth had corrupted their ways. The Hebrew word used here for “corrupt” and “corrupted” is the word, “שׁחת” (šāḥaṯ) and it means, “to destroy completely or to act in a way that is immoral.” In the midst of all of the immorality was a man named Noah and his family who we are told “found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” Peter tells us, in 2 Peter 2:5,

5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; (2 Peter 2:5 NIV)

God did not spare the ancient world, but He “protected Noah…” The Greek word translated “protected” is a very important word for us to understand. The word is “φυλάσσω” (phulasso) and it means “to be on guard to keep something from being lost or perishing.” Let me show you a couple of examples of how this word is used in the New Testament. Jesus, while He was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, used this same word. Jesus prayed,

11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. (John 17:11-12 NIV)

Jesus protected His disciples, but now that He was preparing to go to the cross, He asked the Father to protect them. Paul used this same word in his letter to the people in Thessalonica. 

2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:2-3 NIV)

God is faithful! Paul reminds the people in Thessalonica and we need to be reminded today that He will protect us from the evil one if we will look to Him. 

Noah built that ark over the span of many years. Some say 100 years, others say it took him as many as 120 years. Throughout that time people asked Noah questions about what he was doing and why he was doing it? Peter says Noah was preaching while he worked and yet no one believed him. Everyone went right on doing what they were doing, but Noah didn’t allow their unwillingness to believe to deter him from being faithful to God. I’m sure he heard all kinds of sarcastic comments, he was the punchline of countless jokes, but he kept on building. The flood of God’s judgment came and it was only Noah and his family that were protected from the flood. 

Let’s move on to Peter’s reference of Lot and his experience in Sodom and Gomorrah. Now, Peter calls Lot a “righteous man,” and not only once, but twice. I can assure you that Lot has gotten far more publicity for his compromising ways than he has for his “righteousness” throughout history, but God’s Word tells us he was a righteous man living in a depraved and lawless city. In that corrupt, vile, sexually deviant society God chose to “rescue” Lot. Look at 2 Peter 2:7-8 with me.

7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless 8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)-- (2 Peter 2:7-8 NIV)

Here is another Greek word that can really open our eyes to the power and faithfulness of God. The Greek word translated “rescue” is “ῥύομαι” (rhyomai) and it means, “to rescue, deliver, or save.”  This Greek word is used 17 times in the New Testament. Paul, in his letter to the church in Colossae, wrote,

13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14 NIV)

I need to point out to you that one of the most widespread false teachings of our society is that you and I are born innocent and that we are basically good people at heart. The Bible teaches that we are born sinners, citizens of the dominion of darkness, and each and every one of us have sinned. It doesn’t matter where you come from, how many degrees you possess, or which tax bracket you find yourself in–you are a sinner. It doesn't matter if you are a Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Jew, Christian, or Atheist–you are a sinner. The Bible clearly states that all have sinned and there is only One who can rescue us from the penalty of our sin, and that One is not our good works. Paul wrote,

22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:22-24 NIV)

If you go back to Genesis 19 and study the story of Lot’s rescue from Sodom and Gomorrah you will find that Lot didn’t come to his senses and say to himself, “I’ve got to get out of here!” God intervened on Lot’s behalf and saved him. 

I believe there are some of you here this morning who have been brought here by the Lord to hear this message. You’ve tried and tried to get your act together. You’ve promised yourself, you’ve promised your family, over and over again that this time will be different. And yet, here you are back in the same rut, doing the same things you said you would never do again, and thinking the same negative, destructive thoughts that suck you into that black hole again and again. The Apostle Paul wrote,

24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. (Romans 7:24-25 NIV)

God rescued Lot. God rescued Paul. He is able to rescue you this very morning if you will only cry out to Him and believe in His ability to rescue you. 

I do need to point out one more interesting thing about this Greek word translated “rescue,” as it is used in verse 9. Read verse 9 with me. 

9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. (2 Peter 2:9 NIV)

Here, in this verse, the Greek word is in the present tense which indicates a continuous action. It is an encouragement to me to read about how God rescued those like Lot in times past, but it is an even greater encouragement to me to learn that His ability to rescue is ongoing. He didn’t just rescue me from the dominion of darkness and adopt me into His family many years ago when I first believed, but He is continuing His rescue operation in my life each and every day until the day He takes me home. Now that’s something to get excited about!

Let me go back to Lot just for a moment. We don’t have time to go through all of the sordid details of Lot’s bad decisions, but I want to point out for us that he is described as “righteous.” I’ve thought about this so much this past week and there are two things which have come to mind which have been such a blessing to me. First of all, the Bible doesn’t hide the warts, the horrible decisions, and sin of God’s people. This, to me, is strong evidence for the Bible being the Word of God and not a book that was assembled by Jesus’ followers. If you and I were to start a new religion we would only include the stories that made the most important characters look like superheroes. We would get rid of Moses’ disobedience, David’s adultery with Bathsheba and then having her husband killed to cover up his adultery, and every other story that sheds negative light on the heroes of the Christian faith. God doesn’t do that and the reason He doesn’t is because it is His work and not theirs that is the real story. 

The second thing that really struck me, which I had never really given much to in the past, is the line that Peter writes in verse 8 that Lot “was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard.” The Greek word “βασανίζω” (basanizō) means “to be subject to great distress, torture, or torment.” This word was used to describe the mistreatment of slaves, those who suffered from severe illness, and it is used to describe the waves beating on the sides of the boat on the Sea of Galilee. Here, Peter uses it to describe what was happening inside of Lot as he watched and listened to the ungodly behavior and speech of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah each and every day. 

Peter tells us the story of God’s destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah stands as an eternal memorial of what God will do to the ungodly. Peter writes that God “made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;”  If you are a follower of Jesus then you are not to become comfortable in this world and in following its ways. We, those of us who are followers of Jesus, are living life in Oklahoma City on mission. God has a purpose for you and me and it is not to blend in with the world. Peter wants his readers to know that though they may be few in number, going through difficult hardships in life, and feeling all alone–they are serving a faithful God whose judgment is coming in the future just as it had in the past, during the days of Noah and Lot. 

The false teachers of Peter’s day laughed at the idea of a coming judgment from God. They taught that everyone could live however they chose with no accountability at all.  Michael Green writes,

There are curious parallels between our contemporary scene and Sodom, for that city was as famed for its affluence and softness as for its immorality–and, of course, like any men come of age, they thought they had outgrown the idea of God. They found out their mistake too late. (Green, Michael. 2 Peter and Jude. pg. 123)

When we are feeling pressure about being a follower of Jesus it can be tough. When we are struggling to pay our bills and keep our family together while others who deny and reject Jesus seem to be doing better than fine, it can be tough. And this is why you and I need to keep God’s promises before us at all times. God knows right where you are and He’s got you. He’s got you! God knows those who harass and mock you because of your faith. He knows the names of every single false teacher and their day is coming. Until that day, you and I are to stay focused and passionate about sharing the Good News of Jesus and His desire to rescue the ungodly and make them His own.  

If you believe the Bible then you believe a day is coming when the last chance to become a follower of Jesus will be over. We do not know when that day will come, but it is closer today than it was the day Peter wrote his letter. We must never be ashamed to share Jesus with those who do not know him. Yet, so many Christians never share Jesus with anyone. 

Penn Jillette is an outspoken atheist. He was performing in Las Vegas and a man came up to him after his show to tell him how much he enjoyed it. Then, the man held out his hand and said, “I’d like to give you this.” It was a small Gideon Bible. He said, “I’m a Christian businessman. I’m sane. I’m really not crazy. I wrote in the front of it and I wanted you to have this.” The man had written a brief note along with his phone number and email address in case Mr. Jillette wanted to contact him. As Mr. Jillette was later telling the story, he said,

I’ve always said I don’t respect Christians who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there is a heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell, or not getting eternal life, and you think, ‘Well, it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward.’ How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that? If I believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that a truck was going to hit you and you didn’t believe it, that that truck was bearing down on you, there is a certain point where I tackle you. And this is more important than that. Now, I know there is no God, but he was a very, very good man. (Penn Jillette)

Penn Jillette never named the man who risked being rejected, but I see in him the same urgency that Peter shared with his readers. The urgency and commitment to go into the world and make disciples, the responsibility of letting His light shine, and the blessing of being an ambassador of Christ is so great that no situation or circumstance should ever deter us from sharing with others.

Mike Hays

Britton Christian Church

May 25, 2025