Inspiring Phrases from 2 Peter: Bold and arrogant
Inspiring Phrase: Bold and arrogant
Context: the whole of 2 Peter 2! But especially this bit.
Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgement on them from the Lord. But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.
They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. 2 Peter 2:10-13
My response:
‘Bold and arrogant’ – I can think of a few people who fit that bill, especially as we emerge from a murky election into such a climate as this!
Such audacity! How does he get away with these lies and false promises? Who does she think she is? How can he sleep at night? How can she think it’s OK to say that? Why is no one accountable for what they are saying and doing and promising?
Some people seem to believe they are above the law, that the rules do not apply to them. And actually, that’s not just the celebrities and politicians, that attitude abides in the hearts of people all around us – and in ours from time to time too, let’s be honest.
We think we know best. We know better than God or anyone else. We think it’s OK to cheat the tax man with some clever ploy or the benefits office because we deserve more than we’re getting. It’s OK to break the law if we don’t get caught. It’s OK to lie if we have a good reason to. It’s OK to break promises and betray people and treat others badly if it is in our best interests to do so. It’s OK to spread rumours and gossip without even checking the source. It’s OK to use God and the fact we’re a Christian to judge others.
But it’s not OK.
In this letter, Peter is talking specifically about false prophets and teachers – those who are deliberately manipulating God’s truth for their own ends. These people are abusing their authority and the trust the believers are putting in them as spiritual leaders. They’re bringing the truth into disrepute by twisting it to excuse their depraved behaviours. They seem to be getting away with it, but God is watching and listening, just as He is today. He sees all, hears all, knows all. Peter lists examples from the Old Testament of times when God brought His judgement on individuals and cities. God will hold everyone to account for the wrongs they have done. No one will escape.
So even if people seem to be getting away with all manner of things in this life, we can be assured that they will be held accountable for what they have done. Maybe this can bring some comfort to those who are suffering at the hands of others right now with no sign of justice any time soon.
These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. That’s a good line from verse 17 of 2 Peter 2. These people may put on a good show and have all the right words, but they have no substance. The truth will out. They promise much but deliver little.
As we learn what it is to be established in the truth, as we explored in the last blog, we will better be able to discern where the truth lies and who is in fact a spring without water or a mist driven by the storm.
