The Tormented Soul (2 Peter 2:1-11)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
9 October 2022
Lot was a tormented man.
What caused his torment? What was the Lord's response? These matters should be carefully studied for we all suffer torment in our lives and can learn much from this man Lot.
To begin with he was a righteous man which means in the Biblical sense he believed in God. He had the Holy Spirit in him. He had the moral law of God written in his soul. He knew right from wrong; purity from impurity. Because of these factors he could make moral judgement on what was happening around him.
He saw and heard all the wickedness around him. Godly Lot was tormented by ungodliness. Unrighteousness was all around him. It would not go away. Day by day he was oppressed.
God's response to Lot was twofold. Lot would be sustained in the midst of wickedness and there would be punishment of ungodly people.
Being under torment does not mean being abandoned. Noah survived the flood. Lot survived the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Both were tormented but not forsaken. Christians will survive the floods of wickedness. There will be a way of escape (1 Cor.10:13) just as Noah and Lot escaped.
In this world we shall experience torment. But God will judge evildoers and his people shall one day be freed from torment.
Before the Lord judges wickedness he removes the believer. Noah is separated from wickedness and removed to the ark. Lot is removed from the doomed cities. On the day of judgement the safest place is in the arms of Jesus. No one can snatch us from his hands.
When we are oppressed by ungodliness what should we do? We must wait, watch and witness.
Wait upon the Lord. The saints of the Bible waited and often cried out “how long?” (Psalm 6:3). Even in death they await the vengeance of God upon their oppressors (Rev.6:9).
Watch yourself. In the light of God’s coming judgement what kind of people we ought to be in holy conduct and godliness (2 Peter 3:11).
Witness to this fallen world. Proclaim the gospel of salvation that through Jesus Christ there is forgiveness of sins and reconciliation to God. Take no pleasure in its coming judgement but seek the salvation of the lost.
Jesus wept at the over death’s destruction (John 11:35). Jesus anguished over Jerusalem’s rejection of him (Luke 13:34,35). The Lord takes no delight in the destruction of the wicked.
Jesus was zealous for the cause of the kingdom of God (Psalm 69:9; John 2:17). We ought to be zealous in proclaiming the gospel. How shall people hear the gospel if we do not herald it?
Throughout his earthy ministry Jesus was kept by the power of the Spirit. Ungodliness did not overwhelm him. It did not overwhelm Noah; it did not overwhelm Lot. It will not overwhelm you who trust in the Lord. He shall preserve you.