The brother of James and Jesus, Jude was called upon the Lord to write an epistle warning believers of apostates who had infiltrated the Christian church. These selfish vipers were guilty of spewing venom within the body, which caused both confusion and division.
Deeply rooted in deception, the false teachers described by Jude were actually wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing, roaming among the flock to destroy the truth, or even leading others toward destruction.
“16 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.” (Jude 1:16)
Jude, or Judah, the Hebrew name of the author of this letter, had his heart set on exposing deceivers of his time, as well as ours. He describes such false teachers as grumblers and complainers who transgress the Lord and His laws.
Because they are out to selfishly justify their sin rather than repent of it, apostates are masters at denying their transgressions with insolent or “swelling” words. To ensure success in their self-serving endeavors, these deceivers surround themselves with like minded hypocrites in an attempt to avoid biblical accountability, or worse yet, exposure to the saints appointed by God to point out their reproachable ways.
“17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.” (Jude 1:17-18)
Judah reminds those in Christ of the truth spoken by his own biological brother, the Lord Himself when He walked in the flesh. And, through the apostles of the Christ, a warning and prophecy was delivered about false teachers, self-righteous hypocrites out to destroy.
The bounty of apostates is seeded in blasphemy, which does not bear fruit, rather than biblical love which reaps a harvest beyond measure, according to God’s perfect plan.
“19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.” (Jude 1:19)
Judah refers to apostates as sensual persons, focusing on selfish animal pleasures rather than spiritual fulfillment. These are false teachers who separate themselves from the love of God and the joy that comes along serving.
Such blasphemous leaders should not be followed, instead it is the biblically appointed mission of believers to point out error in these hypocrites, and warn each one of the judgment that await them in this life, and the next. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Jude,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
