As we have been studying through the book of Jude, we have watched our teacher give reason after reason as to why we should be very careful of false teachers. Jude has been thorough to give us characteristics and traits of doctrine that is not true, and the promoters of such doctrine are to be warned against. In his latest list Jude told his readers that these are “murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lust, and their mouths speak great swelling words”, and the result of their behaviors have people taken advantage of because they admire them so much. Today Jude introduces Jesus' words as an even more emphatic contention against these false teachers:. He wrote in verse seventeen:
But, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
If there was ever a higher word or reason to resist something, the words of Jesus are the greatest appeal. Whenever the King of Kings and Lord of Lords speaks, we would all do well to listen and listen very attentively. Jude's entreaty to us now are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ. He begins with the word, “but”. The word “but” is a disassociative conjunction which basically means, “whatever was just said or written has less importance than what is about to be given”. In this case, even though these false teachers are murmurers, complainers, etc., what Jude is about to write takes priority and precedence.
Note too that Jude calls his readers “beloved”. Jude expresses care for his readers as he knows they might be subject to these false teachings at any time. Jude cares for those to whom he is writing, and if we think about it for a while, the one who inspired Jude to write, the Holy Spirit, is expressing His care through Jude's words as well.
Next Jude reminds them and us to “remember the words”. Jesus knows all, and Jesus cares more than anyone. Over and over again if we read Jesus' words we will find not only the wisdom for living and warnings against false teachers and ideas, but also a tender love for everyone that transcends even the greatest of sin.
Finally Jude recalls that these words of Jesus were spoken by the apostles of Jesus Christ. When Jesus left the Earth He passed on important teachings and doctrines, warnings and encouragements to the apostles. Through the Holy Spirit of God these apostles were reminded of Jesus' words just as Jesus said they would be. In the gospel of John in chapter sixteen and verse thirteen Jesus said:
However when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Believers and followers of Jesus Christ have the promise of the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth, and when false teachers or teachings come along, they will know it. The key is that we are attuned to the Holy Spirit of God when He checks our spirit. We will know something is just not right about someone's false words, and when we read our Bibles to discover if what they say is true, our spirits will align with God's spirit. As Jesus said, “you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
Next time we will look at what Jude says the apostles passed on that they heard of Jesus, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
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