2 Peter 2:10-13a

Those Who Love Sin and Hate Authority (v. 10a)

They walk after their flesh according to the lust of their uncleanness -> their teachings are alluring because they appeal to our natural state

The pursuit of what is common and sinfully longed for is a pleasurably destructive pursuit!

The pursuit of what is holy and spiritual is totally foreign and requires a moral overhaul -> it offers more resistance than most are willing to endure

They despise all form of authority -> this hatred very generalized -> it is directed towards both spiritual and fleshly authority

They despise the authority of God, His word, and His teachers -> there is no arguing on the grounds of doctrine because they reject God’s authority in place of their own

They despise authority in general, which is a godly institute based on His sovereign will

This is appealing to our flesh who wants to answer to no one except ourselves -> this is not a trait we had to be taught!

Their Dreadful Description

They are presumptuous (bold) -> they disregard what is appropriate of them in all manners, elevating themself in God’s position

Much like Satan did in the original sin and rebellion!

They are self-willed (arrogant) -> this goes hand-in-hand with being presumptuous

They do not act in direction by God, but by themselves -> this lowers their teachings to be no better than what anyone else could produce

It has no authority!

They do not fear the dangers of spiritual warfare, having no concern for the dark power of demonic presence (v. 10b)

The dignities (“glorious ones” indicating their celestial status) here refer to fallen angels -> this is why the good angels are in opposition to them in v. 11 (Jude 8-9)

They do not believe the dangers of their sin, but instead embrace it and mock God in the process

They are natural brute beasts (irrational animals) born for destruction, and they will perish from God’s judgement

This is not a confirmation of their predestination for hell, but an allusion to the animal comparison

As animals act on their instinct and desires, yet are bred for destruction, so too are false teachers falsely confident in their instincts that lead them to sure deaths

False teaching is predicated on feelings and instincts, while God’s word teaches us that those are things that cannot be trusted from our wicked flesh

False teachers seek after their flesh, while children of God mortify their flesh (Rom. 8:13) -> as chapter 7 points out, we still have that flesh present in us after salvation

They speak evil of things they don’t understand, which will cause God to laugh (Ps. 2)

Ultimately, these are like the wretches described in Isaiah with whom the Lord was sorely displeased -> they are boldly arrogant (Is. 5:18-24)

As we discussed at great length last week, this will bring sure judgement to them and all who follow their irrational, nonsensical ways!