Our Fallen Nature

2 Peter 2:11–22 ESV

whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord. But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

The Depths of Depravity: Recognizing Our Fallen Nature

Bible Passage: 2 Peter 2:11–22

Summary: This passage from 2 Peter warns against false teachers and highlights the consequences of depravity, illustrating the tendency of humanity to turn away from righteousness and to embrace sin and corruption.

Application: Understanding the depravity of man is essential for Christians as it highlights the need for repentance and dependence on God's grace. This passage encourages believers to evaluate their lives and the teachings they follow, urging them to remain vigilant against deception and to seek authenticity in their faith.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that human nature is prone to sin and rebellion against God, and it stresses the importance of recognizing these tendencies to foster a deeper reliance on Christ for redemption and transformation.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of Scripture, this theme reveals humanity's need for Christ as the only source of salvation and transformation. The depravity of man underscores the grace of God, which is fully realized in the person of Jesus who offers redemption from sin.

Big Idea: Our recognition of human depravity drives us to seek the saving grace of Jesus, reinforcing our commitment to His truth amidst a world of deception.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring the historical context of 2 Peter, particularly issues related to false teachings in the early Church. You might find it beneficial to delve into commentaries within Logos that focus on Peter’s terminology relating to false prophets and how his apostolic authority responds to their influence. Pay close attention to the Greek terms used in this passage that pertain to sin and righteousness, as they will enrich your understanding of the text's implications.

1. Arrogance Against Authority

2 Peter 2:11-14

You could begin by discussing how Peter addresses the audacity and arrogance of false teachers here. Highlight how these individuals, driven by their depravity, reject authority and lead others astray. Emphasize the warning these verses provide against the seductive power of selfish desires and the deceptive nature of sin. Encourage the congregation to assess their own susceptibility to pride and rebellion, reminding them of the importance of humility and submission to God's authority, pointing to Christ as our model of obedience.

2. Greed's Grim Guidance

2 Peter 2:15-17

Perhaps highlight the story of Balaam as a warning about the allure of greed and how it deviates individuals from the truth. These verses illustrate the destructive path that greed can lead one down, equating the actions of these false teachers to that of Balaam who chose monetary gain over God's truth. Encourage believers to examine where worldly desires may be causing deviation in their own faith, and to realign their desires with the teachings of Christ.

3. Promises of Bondage

2 Peter 2:18-19

Consider focusing on these verses as they address the empty promises made by false teachers who lure others through shameless appeals to the flesh. These promises leave individuals more enslaved to sin. The deception of false freedoms contrasts with the true freedom found in Christ. Challenge the congregation to think critically about the promises they hear from the world versus the liberty offered in Jesus, who has the power to truly liberate.

4. The Tragedy of Turning Back

2 Peter 2:20-22

Maybe use these concluding verses to underscore the danger of falling away after having known the way of righteousness. Highlight the tragic outcome of returning to corruption, likening it to a dog returning to its vomit. Stress the urgency of remaining steadfast in the faith to avoid such devastation. Encourage believers to continually seek the transformative power of Christ’s redemption, which sustains their journey towards holiness and prevents a tragic relapse into depravity.

You may notice a lack of integrity in public life amongst leaders or peers, leading to a loss of trust. Instead of feeling hopeless, commit to being a person of integrity yourself. This week, when faced with a situation that tests your values—be it in business or social media—choose honesty, even if it’s hard. Share your values openly with colleagues and encourage discussions around truth. As you model integrity, you create a ripple effect that can inspire others to act faithfully in their own lives, showcasing the light of Christ in a dark environment.

The biblical account of Noah's Ark illustrates the depravity of man vividly. Genesis 6:5 states that 'the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.' This extreme corruption led to God's judgment via the Great Flood. In today’s world, we can often see echoes of this behavior in humanity's choices that disregard divine commandments, proving that little has changed over millennia.

In the annals of history, the fall of the Roman Empire is often cited as a consequence of moral decay. The empire became infamous for its corruption and debauchery, illustrating a society that moved away from its founding values. This reflects the biblical principle found in Proverbs 14:34, 'Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people,' reminding us of the dire repercussions of systemic depravity.

Reflecting on the biblical story of David and Bathsheba, we witness a man after God’s own heart fall into sin, revealing the depths of human depravity. Despite his closeness to God, David’s lust led to adultery and murder. 2 Samuel 11 serves as a cautionary tale about how even the most righteous can succumb to sin, yet it also highlights God's mercy and forgiveness when we repent.

The biblical account of Noah's Ark illustrates the depravity of man vividly. Genesis 6:5 states that 'the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.' This extreme corruption led to God's judgment via the Great Flood. In today’s world, we can often see echoes of this behavior in humanity's choices that disregard divine commandments, proving that little has changed over millennia.