Spots in Feasts of Charity Jude 12 - Equipped for Battle

Our teacher Jude has been strongly emphasizing the poor characteristics of false teachers who traveled from town to town and village to village during his time. These clandestine unbelieving, rebellious and sinful prophets desired positions among people. They were greedy-power mongers who were arrogant, and presumptive enough to speak evil against God ordained people who were put in positions of authority. Although this description of them is bleak, Jude continues to speak out against them with colloquial phrases in today's study found in verse twelve of his intriguing book. He wrote:

These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withers, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

First Jude speaks of “spots in your feasts of charity”. Most of us are unfamiliar with the term “feasts of charity” today, but it was basically like our “Pot-lucks” or “Dinner on the Grounds” that are held at churches everywhere. Everyone would bring a dish of food, and all would join in the eating of whatever was brought. However, notice Jude's description of them “spots” “when the feast with you.” The word “spots” is “spilas” in the original language and it means “a rock in the sea, a ledge, a reef” or rather a “metaphor of men who by their conduct damage others morally, wreck them as it were”. In other words these false teachers are dangerous to have within your group. Their teachings wreck people's lives, and the audience of Jude is allowing them to participate in their “agape” feasts.

Jesus warned of false prophets when he said:

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matthew 7:15

Wolves, and underwater rocks and ledges that are unseen are not easily noticeable, but they rather try to blend in. Whenever false doctrine and teaching comes into a group, it is usually filled with much truth, but then has a twist of some sort that doesn't align with the Holy scriptures. Remember that we have before been encouraged to be like the Bereans in the book of Acts in chapter seventeen who “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” These false teachers in Jude's day were much like those who travel around today. They will join in with us, be among us, and talk like us, but then they pontificate some non-biblical theory or practice that will lead the unsuspecting away from the truth. We must be on guard, alert, and aware of these who would lead us into teachings that are not only pernicious but are also meant by Satan to destroy our lives.

We must remember that Jude warns that false teachers would join in with the church and feed themselves among them without fear. There was no regard for God, authorities, being fake or whom they may damage, but their idea was to make themselves well known and esteemed among people. Basically these false teachers were about advancing themselves rather than advancing others and the principles of God. These “spots” are dangerous, and those who are alert are not only looking for their appearance, but also their damaging teachings and ways. May the Lord Jesus keep us in a steady mind lest we too be persuaded by some ungodly false teacher or teaching that is ready to feast among us.

Next time we will look at the many metaphors that Jude uses to give a further description of these false teachers, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

The Gainsaying of Core Jude 11 - Equipped for Battle

Over the last couple days we have been studying the examples from the Old Testament that Jude has given to describe false itinerant teachers who are trying to persuade people from following the gospel of Jesus Christ. We first read of the example of Cain who through hatred and envy killed his brother Abel rather than correct his offering to God so that it would be respected. Next we considered Balaam who through his greed for silver and gold went against God's desire to stay home, and when he could not curse Israel, he convinced Balak the King of Moab to mingle his young women with the men of Israel which led them to idolatry. Today we have one additional Old Testament example given by Jude. He wrote in Jude verse eleven:

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

“Core” or “Korah” in the Old Testament was a cousin to Moses and Aaron. We read mostly about Korah's uprising in the Old Testament book of Numbers in Chapter sixteen for the full story, but we shall summarize for our purposes. Moses and Aaron were the leaders over the children of Israel as they exited the land of Egypt. Moses talked with God and received the ten commandments from him, and Aaron and his sons were the priests among the people. Korah and his family had charge of taking care of the tabernacle. In other words, Moses and Aaron were over the people, and Korah and his group were over the stuff. Korah felt that he was being slighted, and although God was the one who chose Moses and Aaron, Korah and his crew thought they were just as important as Moses and Aaron. Of course, jealousy ensued, and Korah desired their position. Moses fell on his face when he was confronted by Korah, and later with God's instruction Moses divided the group of Korah with his two hundred and fifty men and Moses and Aaron. Then Moses made this proclamation:

And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for [I have] not [done them] of mine own mind. If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; [then] the LORD hath not sent me. But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that [appertain] unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. Numbers 16:28-30

The next three verses tell us that the Earth opened up and swallowed Korah, his two hundred and fifty men, and all their goods. Then the Earth closed up again. Just the thought of this should have anyone in awe, however this is the example Jude uses of false itinerant teachers. There are those around who are jealous of people in positions given by God. The Bible is very clear about God being the one who sets up one authority and puts down another. The book of Romans in chapter thirteen has more to say about this, but suffice it for now to consider that God appoints authorities. These itinerant preachers according to Jude will perish in the “gainsaying” or rebellion just as Korah did. It is dangerous ground for any of us to speak in boastful manners against authorities like Korah did, and perhaps today we have one of the greatest challenges before us. When we do not like the leadership, even when we disagree with them, we have an awesome opportunity to respect and pray for them, and in our country replace them through elections, but we must continue to remember that God allowed them to be there. Sometimes we may not understand why God would choose this person or that, but it is good to remember what Jesus said to Pilate when we consider our authorities:

Jesus answered, you could have no power [at all] against me, except it were given to you from above: therefore he that delivered me unto you has the greater sin. John 19:11

Next time we will look at what Jude has to say about how these false itinerant teacher affect their love feasts, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

The Error of Balaam Jude 11 - Equipped for Battle

Jude has been sharing the characteristics of false itinerant teachers who have been convincing believers in Jesus Christ that they don't actually know all the truth. He has written of these unbelieving, rebellious, sinful, hating and full of envy prophets, and after using the example of Cain, today our verse shares about how these teachers are like a prophet from the Old Testament in the Bible named Balaam. Jude wrote in verse eleven:

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

Remember we shared yesterday that Jude says “Woe unto them!” which is a statement of grief which means there is pending doom over them, and then he writes they “ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward.” We read about Balaam in the Old Testament of the Bible in the book of Numbers in chapters twenty-two through the first part of chapter twenty-five. Basically the king of a country called Moab desired to hire Balaam the prophet to curse Israel because he thought Israel to be too great of a foe for him to defeat. Though God told Balaam not to go to Balak, after a greater entourage with promises of silver and gold, Balaam asked God if he could go again. Though God allowed him to go, God was not pleased and even used a donkey to tell him so. The prestigious and honorable men with great promise of rewards were more attractive to Balaam than listening to God Himself. He was greedy, and desired material things.

God would not allow Balaam to curse Israel as Balak desired, and he rather blessed Israel instead. However, Balaam convinced Balak that if he would intermingle his women with the children of Israel's men, they would be conquered from within. Sure enough, when the men of Israel began to have relations with the women of Moab, they also gave in to worshiping the Moabites' gods. This lead to a great slaughter of those fallen Israelite men in the wilderness.

Jude tells us that these itinerant teachers are like the error of Balaam. They desire reward. They are greedy for gain, and their focus is upon the material things. From a book that was famous in the disciples' day called the Didache we learn that if a false prophet asked for a feast to be held, and he took part in it, he was a false prophet. If he ever asked for money, he was a false prophet. In other words, if a teacher came along and was personally advantaged by the prophetic word that he was giving, he was to be known as a false prophet. Obviously there are a few “teachers and prophets” around today who should probably read these things.

The question is, “Why do we do what we do?” Is it for our own profit or for others? Are we following the truth or do we have a propensity toward the error of Balaam? Perhaps when we ponder the story of Balaam we find ourselves aligning with the behaviors or thoughts of Balaam to curse others rather than the thoughts of God to bless them. It is indeed one thing to sit as it were in judgment of Balaam especially when we know the outcome of his behavior and quite another thing to take a look within ourselves. May God convict us all when we follow the error of Balaam for reward rather than listening to and obeying His Holy Word.

Next time we will look at the third example given in Jude eleven, “perished in the gainsaying of Core”, so read this again, and think about it for tomorrow. Here's a hint: the word “Core” is “Korah” in the Old Testament.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

The Way of Cain Jude 11 - Equipped for Battle

As we study the book of Jude, we notice that Jude does not have very much good to say about these false itinerant teachers who desire to dissuade people from their faith in Jesus Christ. He has noted how they are unbelievers, rebellious and given over to sinful practices. They deem themselves higher than dignities and authorities, and speak evil of things they know nothing about. They also corrupt themselves in those things that they know to do naturally. Today Jude gives them a warning and a further descriptions in verse eleven, and we shall share about them over the next three days. He wrote:

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

Jude first says, “Woe unto them!” We don't usually hear this type of warning today, but it basically is a proclamation of grief. The idea is that they have pending doom over their heads for their behavior. Whenever we see this word “woe” in the Bible, we should take particular note of what is written next.

Jude says “for the have gone in the way of Cain.” What is the “way of Cain?” We have to look back at the story of Cain who was the first-born child of Adam and Eve. In the book of Genesis in chapter four in verses three through eight we read where both Cain and his younger brother Abel brought an offering to present to God.

And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why are you angry? and why is your countenance fallen? If you do well, shall you not be accepted? and if you do not well, sin lies at the door. And unto you [shall be] his desire, and you shall rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. Genesis 4:3-8

Abel's offering was accepted by God, and Cain's was rejected. Whenever a person doesn't get their way, the resulting emotion is usually anger, and it was no different with Cain. Regardless of what Cain's offering was, the lack of respect toward it by God angered Cain. In fact, it angered him so much that rather than correct his offering, he killed his brother and became the first murderer. In other words, he hated and envied the godly, and the only way he knew to handle it was to kill him. As the LORD says, “sin lies at the door.” This is the way of the seducing false prophets and teachers of whom Jude speaks.

There is only one way to have a relationship with God and that is through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only perfect offering that satisfies our problem of sin. People offer other sacrifices, but they are incomplete, insufficient, and not respected by God. Other religions may guise themselves as being correct, respectful, and even reverent, however, just as Cain's offering was refused, they are refused as well.

The interesting note about Cain's offering is that even though it wasn't respected, God offered Cain an opportunity to correct it. But Cain refused, and rather than follow the Heavenly Father's way, he killed his brother instead. Cain held to his offering, fought for his offering, and maybe even justified his offering in his own mind, but all his efforts only turned to murder. The itinerant false teachers of whom Jude speaks followed in the way of Cain. They hated and envied the godly, and their desire was to be over them, greater than them, and known as the “right way”. Today would be a good day to examine our faith and our offerings to God. If we were to be evaluated by God for our offerings, what would He say? Would He receive them, or ask us to do well so we might be accepted?

Next time we will take a look at the second description of these false teachers given by Jude in this verse, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Speaking Evil and Corrupting Themselves Jude 10 - Equipped for Battle

What are the characteristics of someone who is a false teacher? What do they look like, promote or say? How are we to know if someone is leading us in a right direction toward God or actually leading us to an apostate position? These are some of the questions with which our writer Jude is answering for us as he encourages us to “contend for the faith.” We have been learning that those who were false prophets and teachers in Jude's day were unbelieving, rebellious, and promiscuous. They were so arrogantly bold that they spoke against dignities, defiled the flesh and despised dominion. Today Jude adds more to their description in verse ten where he wrote:

But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

First Jude says, “these speak evil of those things which they know not”. This is probably one of the most easily recognized characteristics of someone who speaks falsely. They do not have experiential knowledge of the church or they have a few bad experiences with the church, and now they are experts. These false teachers can tell you how bad this part is or how wrong that part is but they never attend. They don't know the pastor. They don't know the teachings, and they certainly don't know the congregation, but they can give reason after reason why these people are “hypocrites” or some other name. They don't know the Bible, and what parts they do know of God are confused or only what they have heard from someone else. In other words, they speak evil of things they don't know anything about.

Next Jude says these with false doctrine even corrupt what they know naturally. Jude uses the phrase “as brute beasts”. These are laws of God that are written within every person who is born. As God promised to Israel through Jeremiah:

But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jeremiah 31:33

Even though these false teacher knew the law that was in their hearts, they went against it. It is much like the person who knows that the first time they do something wrong there is a great resistance within. Then after that first time, the resistance begins to break down. The next time is easier, and then the next time is easier than the one before, and on and on until a person is trapped by their submission and now the vice is ruling them. “In those things they corrupt themselves.”

So, here are two more traits within those who are false prophets and teachers within Jude's day. Speaking evil of things they don't know anything about, and corrupting themselves with things they know naturally within. The question becomes, “are these traits within us”? Do we speak evil of things we know nothing about? Are we corrupting ourselves with things we know to be wrong? Do we lead others to a closer walk with God, or do we lead them away from a relationship with God by our words? May God help us all as we use the illustration of these false teachers as presented by Jude to be a measuring stick with which we may examine ourselves.

Next time we will look at three examples from the past that will give us further insight into what these false teachers are like, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Deferring Rebuke to the Lord Jude 9 - Equipped for Battle

Our teacher Jude has been sharing with us the characteristics of false teachers and prophets who were present in his day. Jude's initial desire was to write about the “common salvation” however because of these intruders with false doctrine, he had to write concerning earnestly contending for the faith. Jude used examples such as the unbelieving children of Israel after being delivered from Egypt, angels who kept not their first estate, and Sodom and Gomorrah's proclivity to sin as examples of the traits within these teachers. Now Jude shares how these teachers are so filled with themselves that they defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities, and today Jude gives an example of a high ranking angel who would not dare do such a thing. Jude wrote in verse nine:

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke you.

Somehow Jude was privy to this awesome information, and Jude believed it important enough to use as his example of how wrong these “filthy dreamers” were. Michael, the archangel or chief of the angels, contended with the devil. Let's think about that for a moment. What was that contention like? A battle? An argument? A discussion? Whatever it was the fight over the body of Moses was the topic. We read in the book of Deuteronomy chapter thirty-four and verses five and six:

So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.

After leading the children of Israel through the desert for forty years, Moses died outside of the promise land, and the dispute that Jude writes about is between Michael the archangel and the devil over what should happen with Moses' body. I'm sure there is much that we do not know about this whole scene, but suffice it for now to focus on this part of Jude's statement, “dared not bring against him a railing accusation.” Though Michael had the capacity to rebuke the devil, he did not use it. The question is “why not?” The implication from Jude is that there is a high respect for authority. Michael is a created being, and so is the devil. Both Michael and the devil held high rank in the spiritual beings of God, and rather than openly rebuke the devil himself, Michael said, “The Lord rebuke you.” We should remember that Jude is using this as a contrasting behavior to the ways of these false teachers of whom he writes. Michael the archangel would not speak evil of dignities, but these itinerant false prophets would.

Today there seems to be many people who deem themselves worthy enough to openly rebuke authorities and dignities. Some of them feel themselves capable and high-ranking enough to rebuke the devil himself, however, if we stop a moment and think about what Jude has just written, perhaps our more beneficial and proper position would be to defer our rebuke to the Lord. Rather than say “I rebuke you”, our words should be “the Lord rebuke you,” lest we align ourselves with those who are the false teachers of whom Jude writes.

Next time we will look at how these false teachers speak evil of things they know nothing about, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Filthy Dreamers Jude 8 - Equipped for Battle

Our teacher Jude has been giving us a lot to think about when it comes to those who are apostate or deserters of the faith in Jesus Christ. He has given three examples of those who fell away from God in the past – the unbelieving delivered children of Israel, angels who kept not their first estate, and Sodom and Gomorrah who gravitated toward sin. Today Jude shares with us about the character of those apostate teachers of whom he is directly corresponding. He wrote in verse eight:

Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

Jude begins by saying “likewise” or in the same manner. These apostate teachers of whom Jude is warning are just like the three examples given by him. He calls them “filthy dreamers” and the original language suggest that these are divinely suggested dreams filled with sensual images that leads them to an impious course of behavior – they “defile the flesh”. They stain, contaminate, pollute and soil themselves with fleshly desires, and their bent is toward the flesh rather than toward the things of God.

Next these apostate individuals “despise dominion”. In other words they reject and refuse authority, power or lordship. They run their own lives, and no one has dominion over them. Rejection of authority is their nature, and those who rule in power and authority mean nothing to them.

Finally these apostate teachers “speak evil of dignities.” Not only do they possess a spirit of rebellion, but they also believe themselves to be in positions where they easily criticize those who are in authority. The Bible is very clear about the origin of power and authority. Paul the apostle wrote in the book of Romans:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. Romans 13:1-2

And Jesus answered Pontius Pilate as recorded in the gospel of John:

Jesus answered, You could have no power [at all] against me, except it were given to you from above: therefore he that delivered me unto you has the greater sin. John 19:11

Even though the Bible makes it clear from where power and authority come, these apostate teachers believe themselves to be above the One who ultimately elects all who are in power.

So, what about us? Are our lives aligned with those who live as these apostate ones about whom Jude warns? Do we live in a manner that defiles the flesh, despises dominion or speaks evil of dignities? We would all do well to use these traits of those filthy dreaming apostates to examine our own lives, and the results we find may be leading or misleading others in their relationship with Jesus Christ. May God's grace and mercy rest upon us all.

Next time we shall see what Michael the archangel did that is very much unlike these apostate revelers, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Example Three Sodom and Gomorrah Jude 7 - Equipped for Battle

As we have been studying the book of Jude together, Jude our writer has been sharing examples of those who once believed in God but forsook Him and His ways. We have seen how the children of Israel were delivered from Egypt, but later did not believe God to enter into the promise land. We have noted one third of the angels who left their first estate and in rebellion against God were cast out of Heaven, and today we see what Jude has to say about Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them as an example of those who rejected God. Jude wrote in verse seven:

Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Much has been written and spoken about Sodom and Gomorrah. Jude uses them as an example and shares with us where they went apostate from God. He says they were “giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh”. Sodom means “burning” and Gomorrah means “submersion”. Their very names were indicative of their condition. They were given over to fornication which is from the Greek word “ekporneuō”. Notice the middle of this Greek word used, “porneuo” from which we get our English word “porn”. Fornication is whenever a person has sexual relations outside of marriage. Of course some people will strain to define “sexual relations” in various ways, but the word itself means any kind of sexual activities outside of marriage. Sodom and Gomorrah were famously noted for these acts. Homosexuality became the norm, and even when Lot was visited by two angels while in the city, the men of the city desired that Lot released the men that they might “know them.” (See Genesis 19:5)

Ezekiel gives us a clue to what happened in Sodom as he writes concerning apostate Israel. He wrote:

Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw [good]. Ezekiel 16:49,50

Pride, fulness of bread, abundance of idleness, not strengthening the hand of the poor and needy were their traits. They were haughty and committed abomination before God. Because of their industrial ways to produce food and commerce, they had idle time on their hands, and sinful acts and prideful hearts were the natural outcome of their abundance and idleness. They forsook the ways of God, and decided for themselves the way things should be. Of course, as Jude wrote they “suffered the vengeance of eternal fire” because of their ways. Though God pleaded, and Abraham negotiated, Sodom and Gomorrah suffered God's judgment as recorded in Genesis chapter nineteen and verse twenty four:

Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. Genesis 19:24

Jude's appeal to his readers through the example of Sodom and Gomorrah is that those who are apostate from God will naturally fall into pernicious and sinful ways. They forsake the word of God and formulate their own doctrine for living. In other words, they make up their own rules rather than obeying the Lord's. We must look through these passionate examples of Jude to see our Heavenly Father pleading with Jude's readers to not be as these apostate Israelites, angels or as those from Sodom and Gomorrah. The very fact that we are reading about these examples should tell us to keep away from the paths of these who fell away, and rather than falling may the Lord bless us with the drive and ability to continue in our walk with Him.

Next time we will take a look at what Jude has to say about other characteristics of those who have forsaken the ways of God, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Angels in Everlasting Chains Jude 6 - Equipped for Battle

Many people wonder about angels. Are they big? Are they strong? How close to God are they, and what do angels do? The Bible tells us that angels exist and that they are servants to the Most High God. The Bible says that angels were created by God, worship God, and are used by God to intervene in our lives. Angels existed before people, and therein lies the example given by Jude in verse six of his book. He wrote:

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

Jude has been sharing examples of those who once believed in, relied upon and trusted in God but forsook their beliefs. The first example was the Israelites who were delivered by God out of Egypt , but then did not believe that God would deliver them into the promise land. In His second example, Jude refers to the angels. These created beings of God “kept not their first estate”. The Bible indicates that as many as one-third of the angels fell from Heaven when Satan was cast out.

“And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth:” Revelation 12:3-4a.

One third of the angels “left their own habitation”, and sided with Satan in his failed attempt to be God. These angels who once worshiped God, lived before God, and served God, now were in rebellion against Him. Jude uses them as examples to show his readers what happens to those who were the closest to God at one time. Those who were once believers are now apostate, fallen away, and in direct opposition to the purposes of God. Jude says the Israelites failed to enter the promise land because of their unbelief, and now these angels fail to be with God because of their rebellion. Now they are “reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.” Until the great day of judgment these angels are chained under darkness, and the idea that Jude conveys is that if God chained these created angels who lived in Heaven at one time before Him, what will He do to those who once believed in Him but fall away as well?

We do well to examine our own position with God? Are we like these angels in rebellion against God and His ways? Have we once been a worshiper, servant and loyal worker for God but are now apostate, fallen away and living apart from God? If we find that we are away from God, perhaps today is the day to return to Him. He is always waiting, always patient, and always caring, and as long as we come before Him in sincerity about a change in direction for our lives, He will receive us and put away the everlasting chains that are reserved for those who reject Him.

Next time we will look at Jude's third example of those who fell away from God, Sodom and Gomorrah, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Put in Remembrance Jude 5 - Equipped for Battle

Our teacher Jude has been sharing with us encouragement to “contend for the faith.” Those to whom he was writing years ago needed as we do today exhortation to be about the business of the gospel. There were false teachings and doctrines being promoted throughout the church world, and Jude knew there was a need to keep those who were the sanctified, preserved and called of Jesus Christ to stay on task. Ungodly men were turning the grace of God into lasciviousness, and they were denying the only Lord God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Today we find Jude calling his readers to remembrance, and he gives examples of those who were non-believers or apostates in these past examples. He wrote in Jude five:

I will therefore put you in remembrance, though you once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

Notice first that Jude puts them in remembrance. Sometimes one of the best motivators for the future is to look to examples from the past. To be reminded of previous times when the Lord did a work, or when the Lord kept His promises is an assurance that God will indeed work in a similar manner again. Jude continues with “though you once knew this”. The example he was about to give was one they already knew. It does us good to be reminded of God's workings in our past. When we hear messages or sermons that we have heard before, rather than roll our eyes in repelling resistance, we should note them as reminders of the Lord's faithfulness. God has been involved before, and He will be involved again.

Next Jude uses when the children of Israel fled Egypt as an example of God's faithfulness . In the book of Exodus in chapter twelve and verses thirty and thirty one we read:

And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for [there was] not a house where [there was] not one dead. And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, [and] get you forth from among my people, both you and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as you have said.

The final plague that consisted of the death angel going throughout the camps of Egypt and killing all the first-born children and animals of the Egyptians was the last straw that convinced Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go into the wilderness to worship. God delivered them and intended that they travel directly to the promise land, and yet there were still unbelievers among those who were set free. Jude reminds his readers that those unbelievers were also “destroyed” because they did not believe. These apostate individuals had seen God work, watched God's miracles in their lives, been exposed to God intervening on their behalf in the past, however, they continued in their unbelief. Unbelief keeps a person from entering the Kingdom of God. Unbelief keeps a person from having a relationship with God, and like the children of Israel who were delivered from the bondage of Egypt, we can be standing at the boarder of the promise land and still not believe that God will bring us into it. Though God desired to have fellowship with these children of Israel, they resisted Him by not believing His promises.

One of the tricks of our enemy Satan is to cause unbelief in people. These itinerant false prophets were promoting ideas of unbelief, and Jude addresses their intentions by calling all his readers to remember. We must remember that God was with us in our past, He is with us now, and He will be with us in our futures. We must not fall prey to unbelief lest we too be destroyed like the children of Israel who did not believe.

Next time we shall look at another of Jude's examples as we continue our contending for the faith encouragement, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

The Reason to Contend for the Faith Jude 4 - Equipped for Battle

As we continue our study through the book of Jude, we have come to understand that Jude is writing to those who are sanctified, preserved and called. We have noted Jude's blessing and desire for these saints, and his charge for them to earnestly contend for the faith. There is a reason they are to contend, and Jude makes his purposes clear in today's words found in verse four. He wrote:

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Whenever we see the word “for” after the statements that were just made in the Bible, we might for our clearer understanding use the term “because”. This helps us to have clarity on reasons for previous statements. “For” or “because” “there are certain men crept in unawares” Jude's audience is to contend. As with the book of First, Second and Third John, Jude is also having to deal with false teachers and false doctrine that is being spread throughout the church. These teachers “crept in” or secretly entered, and their stealth-like behavior is much like a thief. Their plan is to rip off the saints, and like Jesus said when He was on the Earth “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15). For this reason we must contend for the faith. There are those in the world who would rip off believers in Jesus by adding to or taking away from what the Bible says about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we must be aware that they enter into the church appearing as sheep but are merely “ravening wolves.”

Notice the characteristics of these false teachers: First, they were “ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men”. God knew in advance that these characters would be among the church and how ungodly these men would be. Second, they “turn the grace of our God into lasciviousness.” “Lasciviousness” is unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence. Those who are false teachers turn the unmerited favor of God, grace, into something it was never designed to be. These teachers said that since God is gracious, then it does not matter how you live. You can sin all the time, and it will be just fine. No, and a thousand times no! Paul wrote, “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” (Romans 6:15) These false teachers and doctrines must be opposed.

Thirdly, these false teachers were “denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Their teachings were filled with ideas that promoted other ways to God rather than a relationship with Jesus. Some of them would even deny God, and they would say things like, “Oh, there are many gods. There is more than one god in the universe. You don't really believe that only one god is sufficient, do you?” In addition, they would deny the Lord Jesus Christ. They would promote others “leaders” or “prophets” as being the ones to follow. They would put Jesus as equal to or even below other teachers whom they knew. Jude wrote that these are they that must be contended.

Jesus gave us all a clue to how we are to recognize the wolves in sheep's clothing. He said,

“You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:16-20

False teachers and doctrines are as prevalent today as they were in Jude's time. An easy way to note whether a person is a sheep or a wolf is by what they eat. Sheep eat grass, hay and the like, and wolves eat sheep. Whenever false teachers enter our midst, we simply have to watch how they treat the sheep. Do they take from them, glean from them, rip them off, or take advantage of them? Then they are wolves. Or do they feed them, care for them, tend to them, and sacrifice their own lives for their sakes? Then they are sheep. Jesus reminded us to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves”, and as we continue to heed the warnings and instruction from Jude, perhaps we will grow in our abilities to note what these pernicious doctrines and people are really trying to do to others.

Next time we will look further into what Jude has to say to remind his readers of the greatness of following God, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Earnestly Contend Jude 3 - Equipped for Battle

When we read and study the books of the Bible, if we search long enough, we can usually find a reason that the books are written. The Bible is God's Holy Word, and although men were used to write the words, the Holy Spirit of God inspired them. We have been reading through the introductory words of Jude who described himself as the bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and his audience is the sanctified, preserved and called of God. Today we see in Jude three Jude's purpose for writing this short little letter. He wrote:

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Notice first how Jude refers to his audience – “Beloved”. For any of us who have been in the faith any time at all, love is a natural fruit of God's spirit dwelling within us. These people were precious to Jude, and when he thought to encourage them, his driving care was his motivation. When we care for others enough to share with them concerning spiritual matters, they are indeed the “beloved” to us.

Next, look at Jude's targeted subject - “the common salvation”. Jude desired to write to these believers about the common salvation, and wanted to be diligent in sharing about it. However, there is a notable change in Jude's direction as he began to write. He wrote, “it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith”. In other words, Jude desired to write them about the subject of salvation, but the Holy Spirit changed his direction. It became a need to write and exhort them about something else. Although the topic was related, the emphasis was much stronger that he had to write to them and exhort them about contending for the faith.

False prophets and teachers attempted to draw believers in Jesus away from their beliefs. These opposing factions would deny the Deity of Jesus or say He was just a phantom or draw people into believing that they could not be saved unless they followed the law as well as believe in Jesus. False teachers were abundant, and Jude knew he must do something about it.

The word “epagōnizomai” is the word used by Jude. It means to contend, but if we look closely, the word gives the idea “agonize”. Jude says his readers are to agonize for the faith, contend for the faith, give a strong defense for the faith that we share in Jesus Christ. When eternal destinies are involved, and people's souls are in the balance, there should be no other motivation needed. People who are led astray by contentious false teachings and prophets must be resisted. Jude is concerned for those who might be drawn away by these pernicious words.

Our precious faith in Jesus Christ is constantly bombarded by teachings and doctrine that is outside the Biblical view. As we learn from Jude and see his willingness to be redirected by the Holy Spirit of God in that which he writes, we too should be driven to contend to for the faith that was once given to us. Others lives both now and eternally may depend upon our earnestness. Others lives will depend upon knowing the truth, and others lives may never know the true gospel of Jesus Christ unless we share it with them. Let's allow Jude's words to motivate us, and let us earnestly contend for the faith today.

Next time we shall look at what Jude has to say about these false teachers who have crept into the church in secret, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Mercy, Peace and Love Jude 2 - Equipped for Battle

Most people who read this blog will remember the popular song “What the World Needs Now is Love”. This famous selection with lyrics by Hal David and music composed by Burt Bacharach became a mantra during the sixties, and although the manifestation of the idea within it has been lacking, the basis of it is still needed today. In studying the book of Jude we have learned some of Jude's view of himself – bond-servant of Jesus Christ, brother of James – and we have seen the audience with whom he shares – the sanctified, preserved and called. Today we take a look at Jude's desire for his readers, and not only does he hope love for them, but also mercy and peace as well. In verse two he wrote:

Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

Jude first writes of “mercy”. The word used here is “eleos” which means “kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them”. It means not getting what we deserve. Although our infractions may have penalties with which we should pay, leniency and true pity are rather applied.

Next Jude desires “peace” for his readers. The word used here is “eirene” which carries the idea of national tranquility, security, safety and prosperity. Most of us who have ever been engaged in any sort of conflict understand the importance of peace within our lives.

Finally Jude hopes for “love” for those reading his words. The Greek word employed here is “agape” which means unconditional love, affection, goodwill and benevolence. Those who love in this manner do so without keeping score, holding grudges, or needing reciprocal attention. This is the type of love that Jesus manifested when He lived upon the Earth.

Jude's desire is that his readers enjoy mercy, peace and love, but notice that he doesn't desire just a normal level of each of these. He wants these traits to be “multiplied” within them. The idea is that we grow greatly in each of these traits. When mercy is given to and recognized by us, we should also be givers of mercy to others. When peace is in our lives, we should be a conductor of peace in others lives. When we understand the unconditional love that the Heavenly Father has extended toward us, we should extend this unconditional love toward others. We must be constantly growing, constantly increasing, and constantly multiplying in all these areas.

Our teacher Jude has given all of us areas in which to examine ourselves today. Are we multiplying in mercy? Are we multiplying in peace? Are we multiplying in love? If so, we are on the right tract. If not, perhaps today is a great day to begin to increase through the help of God the Father, His Holy Spirit and His Son working the math within our lives.

Next time we will take a look at what Jude has to say about contending for the faith, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Sanctified, Preserved and Called Jude 1 - Equipped for Battle

As we entered our study of the book of Jude, we began by recognizing that Jude referred to himself as the “bond-servant” of Jesus Christ and brother of James rather than the half-brother of Jesus that he really was. Today we discover to whom Jude addresses his words, and we find it in verse one where he wrote:

Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called:

Notice there are three words Jude uses to describe his readers: sanctified, preserved and called. We shall begin with the first: “sanctified”. What does it mean to be “sanctified”? The Greek word used is “hagiazo” which means “to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow;to separate from profane things and dedicate to God; to purify.” In other words, it means to be set aside for a holy or pure purpose, and notice to whom they are set apart by “God the Father”. Is it not interesting that Jude refers to his readers in this manner? These to whom he writes have been “set apart for holy use” by God the Father. Just like the instruments that were used in Solomon's temple of old, Christians have been “set apart” for holy purposes.

Secondly, Jude refers to his readers as those who are “preserved in Jesus Christ”. The word employed by Jude here is the Greek word “tereo” which means “to attend to carefully, take care of”. Not only does Jude say that his readers are set apart by God for holy use, but they are also “taken care of” or “attended to” by Jesus Christ. In other words Jesus Christ is watching over them and guarding them. When we acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we place ourselves in no greater hands with which to care for us.

Finally, Jude is writing to those who are “called.” The Greek word used here is “kletos” which means “called to or invited to” like as with a banquet. There has been an invitation to those who would follow after Jesus Christ. Jesus said “For many are called, but few [are] chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) God's “call” goes out to “whosoever”, and it matters not what a person's background, creed, color, gender or race is. It doesn't matter what has been done in our past, nor does it matter how terribly we have destroyed our lives. God loves us, and He has made a provision for anyone who will accept His Son Jesus. We must acknowledge our sin (missing the mark of perfection) and simply ask God to forgive us, cleanse us and turn us away from our sinful lives. The Heavenly Father continues to call today, and once we receive the call to come to Him, God “calls” us into service within His kingdom.

So, prayerfully, we all are those to whom Jude writes: sanctified, preserved and called, and if not, as the scripture says, “now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) It's as easy as acknowledging your sin, asking God for forgiveness, believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the price for your sins, and believing in your heart that God raised Him from the dead which gives promise to your eternal life as well. If you know Him, welcome to Jude's audience, and if you don't know Him, won't you received Him today, and you too will be the sanctified, preserved and called?

Next time we will take a look at three blessings that Jude expresses to his readers, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore