2 Peter 2:7-8 ⁷and he rescued Lot, a righteous man, tormented by the way of life of lawless people in depraved licentiousness; ⁸for the man living among them day after day tormented his righteous soul by their lawless deeds by sight and by hearing;

Peter’s next example to warn about the seriousness of following false teaching is the story of Lot, which continues the story of Sodom and Gomorrah from verse 6. Like Noah was righteous during a time of great corruption, evil, and sin, Lot also remained righteous in a city full of great depravity. In Genesis 18, Abraham pleaded with God to spare the city of Sodom even for 10 righteous people. Not even 10 could be found in the whole city. Genesis 19 records God’s judgment on the two cities and how God rescued Lot and his family, except his wife, who looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. Two angels had visited Lot with the warning to flee the city. Men from the city wanted to commit detestable acts against these angels.

Peter may have been thinking of this incident with depraved licentiousness (aselgeia). The word used here shows a lack of self-control, where a person gives into the desires of the flesh and lives in abandonment of any restraint (Galatians 5:19). This way of conduct does whatever it wants to please and satisfy deceived senses, instincts, and desires. This type of lifestyle is far from God’s desire and ends up in misery, despair, and eventually, in judgment.

Lot must have been troubled by what he saw around him. His soul and thoughts were tormented by the behavior around him. He may have felt trapped. He knew better and did his best to remain righteous in a culture of wickedness. Many today live in similar situations. Nations and cities internally disintegrate from immorality that seems to be accepted and even promoted in some places. As at other points in history, God’s judgment will come upon these nations and cities. We hope that God will delay this judgment because believers live in these places. They groan in their distress because of the pressure to conform and the pushback they get because of their righteous living. Cultural sin chips away at our faith and exposes us to temptation. We need the strength of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome these negative influences and remain faithful like Noah and Lot. If we keep our spiritual eyes focused on Jesus, we will find help in our times of need (Hebrews 12:1-2).