Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is studying the book of Jude as a continuation of our study in 2 Peter warning against false teachers and false doctrine infiltrating the church.
Jude, is a powerful and urgent message that deserves our attention. Written by Jude, a half-brother of Jesus, this short letter is a fiery call to believers to contend for the faith against false teachers and heretics who were infiltrating the early church.
Jude's epistle serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of spiritual complacency and the importance of vigilance in maintaining our Christian convictions. Through vivid imagery and powerful warnings, he urges believers to stand firm against those who would undermine the truth of the gospel.
In this Bible study, we will delve into the key themes and messages of the Book of Jude. We will explore the nature of the false teachers, the warning signs of their destructive influence, and the practical steps believers can take to resist their teachings. By understanding the context and content of this epistle, we can gain valuable insights into how to navigate the challenges of our own spiritual journeys and remain steadfast in our faith.
Let us embark on this journey together, seeking to understand and apply the timeless truths found in the Epistle of Jude.
We are using for our study Be Alert (2 Peter, 2 & 3 John, Jude): Beware of the Religious Impostors
Purpose: To urge believers to contend for the faith and beware of false teachers who deny Jesus Christ.
Key themes:
1. Warning against false teachers*: Jude exposes the dangers of false teachers who infiltrate the church, denying Jesus Christ and leading others astray.
2. Contending for the faith*: Jude encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, fighting for the truth against those who seek to corrupt it.
3. Remembering God's judgment*: Jude reminds readers of God's judgment on unbelievers and false teachers, citing examples from the Old Testament.
4. Building oneself up in faith*: Jude encourages believers to grow in their faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and keeping themselves in God's love.
Key verses:
- "Contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people." (Jude 3)- "For certain individuals... have secretly slipped in among you." (Jude 4)
The book of Jude reminds us to be vigilant in our faith, standing firm against false teachings and growing in our relationship with God.
Meet the Apostates
Jude 1:10-18 NIV [10] Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them. [11] Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they +have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. [12] These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. [13] They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. [14] Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones [15] to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” [16] These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. [17] But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. [18] They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”
Apostate
Definition: An apostate is someone who was once a believer but has renounced their faith or turned away from it. They may actively oppose or deny the teachings they once held.
False Teacher
Definition: A false teacher is someone who teaches doctrines that are contrary to the true teachings of a faith. They may misinterpret or misrepresent scripture, or they may introduce new, heretical beliefs.
Severity: While false teaching can be harmful, it doesn't necessarily imply a complete renunciation of faith. A false teacher may still believe in some aspects of the faith but simply misunderstand or misrepresent certain teachings.
Severity: Apostasy is often considered a more severe offense, as it involves a complete rejection of the core beliefs of a faith.
In essence, an apostate is someone who has left the faith entirely, while a false teacher is someone who remains within the faith but promotes incorrect or harmful teachings.
Jude 8–16 and 2 Peter 2 parallel and supplement each other. Jude describes characteristics of the apostates, reinforcing Peter’s words and, at the same time, adding information of his own.
All that Jude wrote about the apostates in these verses may be summarized in three statements.
1. THEY REJECT DIVINE AUTHORITY (8–11)
2. THEY RESORT TO DELIBERATE HYPOCRISY (12–13, 16)
3. THEY RECEIVE THEIR DUE PENALTY (14–15)
THEY REJECT DIVINE AUTHORITY (8–11)
Jude 1:8-11 NIV [8] In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. [9] But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” [10] Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them. [11] Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.
All authority comes from the throne of God, whether it is authority in the home, the church, or the state. Those who exercise authority must first be under authority, accountable to God. But the false teachers reject divine authority and set themselves up as their own authority.
They are dreamers living in a dream world of unreality and delusion. They believe the lie that Satan told Eve.
Genesis 3:4-5 NIV [4] “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. [5] “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
They have turned away from God’s truth to feed their minds on false doctrine that inflates their egos and encourages their rebellion. Jude says that the apostates are ignorant people who do not know what they are talking about!
Jude 1:10 NIV Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them.
When men rebel against God, they sink to the level of animal-like instincts which will eventually destroy them. When a person despises God’s authority, he feels free to disobey God’s laws and live as he pleases. What he forgets is that those laws have penalties attached to them so that he cannot disobey and escape the consequences.
In talking about submission to authority, which we have already said the apostates don’t do Jude gives us an example that we as believers need to look at very closely.
Jude 1:8-10 NIV [8] In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. [9] But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” [10] Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them.
These verses first provide a striking contrast between the humility of Michael, a powerful archangel, and the presumptuousness of the false teachers Jude is addressing.
Archangel Michael is considered one of the most powerful and revered angels. His name, which means "Who is like God?" reflects his divine status and authority.
As an archangel, Michael possesses immense power and authority bestowed upon him by God.
Daniel 10:13: "But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia."
Daniel 12:1: "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then."
Revelation 12:7-8: "And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer."
Michael, a high-ranking angel, engaged in a dispute with the devil over the body of Moses. This suggests a conflict about the fate or disposition of Moses' remains.
Despite his power and authority, Michael did not dare to condemn the devil directly. Instead, he deferred to the Lord's judgment, saying, "The Lord rebuke you!" This demonstrates a profound respect for God's sovereignty and a recognition of His authority to judge.
Jude uses this example to highlight the arrogance of the false teachers he is condemning. They are so presumptuous as to speak evil of heavenly powers, something even Michael would not dare to do.
This verse underscores the ultimate authority of God. Even the highest angelic beings recognize His supreme power and judgment.
The false teachers' behavior serves as a warning against spiritual pride and presumptuousness. Those who claim to have superior knowledge or authority can easily fall into error and sin.
Michael's example demonstrates the importance of humility, even for those in positions of power. True spiritual leadership is characterized by a servant's heart and a willingness to submit to God's will.
In conclusion, Jude 1:9 offers a powerful reminder of the sovereignty of God, the dangers of spiritual pride, and the importance of humility in Christian life. The point is that Michael did not rebuke Satan, but left that to the Lord. It is a dangerous thing for God’s people to confront Satan directly and to argue with him, because he is much stronger than we are. If an archangel is careful about the way he deals with the Devil, how much more cautious ought we to be!
While it is true that we share in the victory of Christ, it is also true that we must not be presumptuous.
Matthew 4:5-7 NIV [5] Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. [6] “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” [7] Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Satan is a dangerous enemy, and when we resist him, we must be sober and vigilant. Peter warned us
1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV [8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. [9] Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Michael, even as a powerful celestial being, does not presume to judge the devil. This implies that human judgment, particularly in matters of faith and spirituality, should be tempered with humility and reliance on divine authority.
The verse concludes with the phrase "The Lord rebuke you!" This emphasizes the ultimate authority and judgment of God, who has the power to confront and correct those who stray from the faith.
We don’t want to be arrogant without humility like the apostates because as Jude says “Woe to them”
Jude 1:11 NIV Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.
Because as we have said earlier their primary reason for their rebellion and apostasy is greed and notoriety.
This verse is a condemnation of false teachers and their destructive influence within the early Christian church.
The Three Examples
Cain:
Genesis 4:2-8 NIV [2] Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. [3] In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. [4] And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, [5] but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. [6] Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? [7] If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” [8] Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
Cain's story in Genesis is a stark example of jealousy, violence, and rejection of God's guidance. His sin led to the murder of his brother Abel and his subsequent banishment from society. In this context, Cain represents those who choose a path of rebellion and disregard for God's commandments.
Balaam:
Numbers 22
Balaam was a prophet who, despite receiving divine guidance, succumbed to greed and sought to curse the people of Israel for a bribe. His actions were ultimately thwarted by God, and he is remembered as a symbol of spiritual compromise and the dangers of worldly influence.
While Balaam clearly possessed prophetic abilities and was involved in prophetic activities, his status as a fully devoted prophet of God remains a subject of debate. His actions and motivations suggest a complex and nuanced figure who, while capable of receiving divine inspiration, was also susceptible to human weakness and self-interest.
Korah:
Numbers 16
Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram, led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their leadership and authority. Their rebellion was punished by a devastating earthquake, and they are seen as examples of pride, disobedience, and the destructive consequences of division within the community.
Jude's discussion of Korah remains relevant today as a reminder of the dangers of apostasy and the importance of maintaining spiritual faithfulness.
It serves as a cautionary tale against:
Believers should be wary of pride and the temptation to elevate themselves above others.
It is essential to submit to the leadership of God's chosen representatives and avoid rebellion.
The judgment that befell Korah and his followers serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of spiritual disobedience.
By comparing these historical figures to false teachers, Jude is suggesting that they are following a similar path of sin and rebellion. Their actions are characterized by:
Greed: Seeking personal gain or worldly rewards.
Disobedience: Rejecting God's commandments and the teachings of the true church.
Division: Creating discord and schism within the Christian community.
The Warning
Jude's warning is a stark reminder of the dangers of false teaching and the importance of remaining steadfast in one's faith. The examples of Cain, Balaam, and Korah serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the consequences of spiritual compromise and rebellion.
2. Apostates and false teachers RESORT TO DELIBERATE HYPOCRISY (12–13, 16)
Jude 1:12-13, 16 NIV [12] These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. [13] They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.
[16] These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.
The "love feasts" were communal meals held by early Christians, often accompanied by worship and fellowship. Sort of like our monthly fellowships. These gatherings were meant to be occasions of spiritual edification and unity.Jude warns that there were individuals within the early church who were infiltrating these gatherings and introducing sinful practices. These "blemishes" could have included anything from drunkenness and immorality to false teaching and division.
In essence, the phrase highlights the hypocrisy of those who claimed to be followers of Christ but were engaging in sinful behavior, particularly within the context of a religious gathering.
Shepherds who feed themselves without fear: They are leaders who are more concerned with their own personal gain than the spiritual well-being of their flock.
False shepherds use and abuse people in order to get what they want, and yet believe it or not, many people love it! Paul marveled at this when he wrote
2 Corinthians 11:19-20 NLT [19] After all, you think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools! [20] You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face.
These selfish shepherds do all of this “without fear.” They are arrogant lot! This is the difference between a true shepherd and a hireling: The true shepherd cares for the sheep, while the hireling cares only for himself. But these apostates ought to be afraid, for their judgment is coming.
Ezekiel 34:2 NIV [2] “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?
Clouds without water: They make empty promises and provide no spiritual nourishment.
Trees without fruit: They profess faith but lack the fruits of righteousness in their lives.
Raging waves of the sea: These false teachers are compared to tumultuous waters, representing their chaotic and destructive influence.
Foaming up their own shame: Their actions will ultimately bring disgrace upon themselves.
Wandering stars: They are compared to stars that have strayed from their intended course, representing their departure from the true faith.
Black darkness of eternal night: They are destined for eternal condemnation.
Grumblers and complainers: They are characterized by a negative and critical attitude.
Following their own sinful desires: They are driven by their own selfish ambitions.
Proud and boastful: They have a high opinion of themselves and are arrogant.
Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God: They prioritize worldly pleasures over their relationship with God.
Knowing these things, we are amazed that anybody would listen to these apostates and follow them, but many people are doing it today! There is something in fallen human nature that loves a lie and is willing to follow it, no matter where it may lead. But the success of the apostates is only temporary, for their judgment is coming.
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