READ: 2 Peter. 2
… then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment – 2 Pet. 2:9
Peter’s second epistle describes a society rather similar to ours. The teachings of errant teachers meant that many people were going their own way in doctrine and life, allowing the evil one free rein in their lives. Peter refers to the situation of the Old Testament when the false prophets brought the people to practices of idolatry and fornication.
This is also the case now, when false teachers introduce deviations in doctrine which have consequences for your way of life. As a result, God’s punishment comes, unless God redeems you and you have been allowed to hold on to your faith.
For this reason, the ancient world was punished with the flood, while God preserved the obedient Noah and his family. Sodom and Gomorrah were burned to ashes because of wickedness as an example for those who live wickedly, while God redeemed the righteous Lot, who dwelt in their midst and suffered from the filthy conduct of the wicked. Lot is called righteous because he tormented his righteous soul each day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds.
Thus, the Bible is full of God’s judgment on godless people who succumb to temptation, but also full of God’s salvation from temptation of those who serve and honor Him.
When we pray: “Father, deliver us from the evil one,” we also do not want to give in to temptations. Then we will also suffer in the presence of so much immorality and dishonor from God, seeking to fight against sins in our own lives and always asking for God’s help, praying: “Father, deliver me from the evil one through Thy Son.”
How does Christ deliver us from the evil one?
Singing: Ps. 56:5