What does "their destruction has not been sleeping" imply about God's justice? Setting the Context 2 Peter 2:3: “In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.” • Peter has just warned about false teachers. • He assures believers that God already rendered a verdict (“longstanding”). • The phrase “their destruction does not sleep” is Peter’s vivid way of saying judgment is wide-awake and inevitable. The Phrase Explained • “Destruction” – not mere setback but divine ruin, ultimately eternal judgment (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). • “Does not sleep” – God’s justice is never drowsy, delayed, or distracted. The sentence has been issued, and its execution is continually active. • Literal force – God is always alert; nothing can lull His justice to rest (Psalm 121:4). What This Reveals About God’s Justice • Certain – The verdict “remains in force.” God’s gavel has already fallen. • Ongoing – Justice is not postponed; it is progressively working even if unseen (Habakkuk 2:3). • Righteous – God’s holiness demands that sin be punished (Nahum 1:3). • Impartial – False teachers, no matter how influential, face the same standard (Romans 2:11). • Timely – When the appointed moment arrives, judgment strikes without hesitation (2 Peter 3:10). Illustrations From Scripture Peter himself anchors this truth in history (2 Peter 2:4-9): • Fallen angels – cast into chains, awaiting final doom. • The ancient world – the flood showed judgment can engulf an entire generation overnight. • Sodom and Gomorrah – fire fell exactly when wickedness reached its limit. Other confirmations: • Galatians 6:7 – “God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” • Jude 7 – similar warning that eternal fire already looms over persistent rebels. • Revelation 20:12 – final sentencing before the great white throne. Living in Light of Certain Justice • Stay anchored in truth – measure every teaching by Scripture’s literal words (Acts 17:11). • Resist discouragement – apparent delay is God’s mercy space, not weakness (2 Peter 3:9). • Walk in reverent obedience – a holy God who judges sin also empowers holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Intercede for the deceived – some can still escape before justice strikes (James 5:19-20). Encouragement for the Faithful • God sees every injustice; nothing slips past His watchful eye. • He vindicates His people in His perfect timing. • Until that day, believers rest in the assurance that “their destruction has not been sleeping.” |
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