False Teachings
In this one-chapter book, Jude, a self-proclaimed servant of Jesus Christ and brother to James, admonishes the Christian fold to be cautious of false teachings. Verse 4 says “I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” With this direct caution, Jude affirms the prior teachings on the condemnation of those encouraging immorality through grace.
It must be said, that the teachings on God’s grace are the ultimate gospel, for grace is undeserved favor. And the undeserved favor we receive is God’s mercies despite our sinful nature (for if we say we are without sin we lie, James 1:4). Nonetheless, to camp of grace and continue in sin in hopes that God’s abounding grace is continuous is to dwell in sin.
In an attempt to remind his audience (fellow believers) of God’s wrath of immorality, Jude reminds us of the Israelites who were destroyed post-salvation from Egypt for unfaithfulness, the angels who fell along with Lucifer now chained until judgment, and the people of Sodom and Gomorrah who received their instant judgment for immortality. These reminders are given to call attention to the false teachers who live for the flesh, defile the rule of law & authority figures, and speak evil of celestial beings. False teachers who lack discipline and promote the YOLO life, ignorantly, encourage submission to flesh and bodily desires without reason.
Jude spends a little time giving us the characters of such men and women to beware of their antics. He likens them to Cain, Balaam & Korah. He describes them as filled with flattery and often empty words all to get what they want, constantly grumbling and complaining, while being boastful.
Having said all that, Jude admonishes us to be faithful. He calls for faithfulness in praying for one another in the power of the Holy Spirit. Asking that we gently navigate those who are wavering, going hard to steal back those who have lost the faith, while showing mercy in gentility to sinners (reminder - for all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory- Romans 3:23). We must show love to the sinner while hating the sin. And with a closing remark in recognition of God’s power to keep us in His love, Jude ends this warning to believers.
Morale- Be careful of sleek false teachers, and caution others likewise.
Best wishes,
L.B.