2 Peter 2:11-22 Revised Standard Version

11 whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a reviling judgment upon them before the Lord. 12 But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and killed, reviling in matters of which they are ignorant, will be destroyed in the same destruction with them, 13 suffering wrong for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their dissipation, carousing with you.

5. Angels are greater in might and power. Why the comparisons between men and angels?

Writer’s block. It’s a thing. (and still going.)

6. Does verse 12 mean Fifi does not go to heaven?

This was inserted for fun. Fifi was our extra dog growing up. She was the product of a male and his daughter. She was the one from the litter that no one picked. She was actually a pretty good dog considering all that. That is until my step-father traumatized her. I do not know what he did, but not knowing probably kept me out of jail. (I probably did not include that part in the bible study, but after writer’s block, who knows what is coming out next.)

The point of the question is that unlike “irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and killed”, people have souls, made in the image of God, and have potential to live eternally with Him in heaven. Behaving the way the unrighteous do, those being kept for punishment (verse 9), is not only ignorance in action, it has an outcome of destruction. Good dog, bad cat, regardless, our efforts are for people, not animals.

7. Irrational, instinct, ignorance. Characteristics of sinners. Believing in Christ is all that keeps us from this fate. Do we consider our previous fate when living our new lives?

We were about 50/50 on this one. Some of us suit up in our salvation and push on for tomorrow. Others take time to remember our fate and allow it to impact our actions. I do not think either is necessarily wrong as long as our actions are in following with Christ’s example and commands. Both have positives for us depending on our backgrounds and our response to them. I like to forget the bad and move on, but sometimes I might miss opportunities not remembering how I was impacted in the past.

8. What can we learn from the filth in verse 13?

The adage that former smokers have the least sympathy for others smoking plays into this theme. When you have experienced or have seen or have been impacted by evil, you have a more emotional reaction to it. To see others having fun in something that we think is disgusting amplifies the disgust. I picked out a rental car that someone had smoked in recently. Once it was way too late, I wondered how I could possibly have not been disgusted by the stench. I never smoked, but my sinuses were always hypersensitive to tobacco smoke and the nausea and gagging left a mark. Apparently, the level of antihistamines in my system also impacts my sense of smell and the family had to suffer days of driving around in a smelly car. Hopefully next time I remember to check with those who smell better. Avoiding filth starts with understanding what it is so that you can take proper action.

So, the one last thing that does pop into my mind. Do not hate other people. Hate the sin. Love the person. I know it is hard, but it is a command (not from me).