The epistle of Jude provides an exhortation that is particularly appropriate for our time. It addresses the struggle of the beloved of God in resisting the evils of the end of an era -godlessness, materialism and immorality. These evils were being promoted by ungodly men for their own profit and prestige. In our world, we find exactly this situation as teachers of religion and people of standing in a supposedly Christian nation promote license, undermine faith in God and defy the need to faithfully submit to the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The problem stated: v.4
Ungodly men were influencing the ecclesia. The three basic errors being promoted were: twisting the doctrine of liberty in Christ to rationalize immoral behavior; denying the active power of God; and refusing to believe in the saving authority of Christ.
Vs. 5-8: Three examples of certain punishment
The points that Jude developed were not new (“though ye once knew this”); but, just like us, the beloved of Jude’s day needed constant reminders of scriptural principles and examples. To make the point, he chose three examples from their history.
First, he drew lessons from the wilderness wanderings: those who do not believe in the active power of God will be destroyed. We note that their weak faith showed up during trials and difficulties in the way. Our faith must be strong enough to weather the storms of life.
Second, Korah, Dathan and Abiram died in a spectacular manner after refusing the divinely appointed mediator. They were arrogant, seeking position and notoriety for themselves. The attitude of God toward pride and jealousy was no different in Jude’s day than it is in ours.
We must humbly submit to the saving truth revealed through our Lord Jesus.
Finally, the punishment poured out on Sodom and Gomorrah testifies, even today, of God’s wrath toward wanton immorality and lasciviousness. The sin of these cities is remembered in the word sodomy and the results of their punishment is evident beneath the waters of the Dead Sea.
Let no one think that defiling the flesh, despising God’s dominion or speaking evil of his mediator will go unpunished (v.8).
Vs. 9-11: Additional historical examples
Jude now draws an historical incident from the time of Ezra to illustrate the great evil of blaspheming others. The incident is recorded in Zechariah 3:1-2 and fits into the historical context of Ezra 4 and 5. Reconstruction of the temple was vehemently opposed by neighboring nations, yet, in the vision, even a chief angel would not presume to bring railing accusation against the opponents; he left judgment to God.
The ungodly people of Jude’s day, however, voiced harsh condemnation of things they did not understand. In so doing, they aligned themselves with historical figures who should have been leaders in righteousness but instead followed after iniquity. Through jealousy and personal pride, Cain rejected the essentials of the atonement and violently opposed the beloved of God. Balaam, for the sake of financial advantage, contributed to the fornication of Israel. And Korah, not satisfied with the honor he did have, spoke evil of Moses thinking to exalt himself.
Vs. 12-13: Six metaphors describing the ungodly ones
These ungodly people had integrated themselves into the ecclesia and participated in the communal meal prior to the breaking of bread. They defiled that lovely time, however, by creating schism in the community. They were like blemishes on clean garments.
They were like the false shepherds of Israel who selfishly fed themselves while ignoring the flock (Ezk. 34:1-3).
Like clouds which give no rain, they held potential for doing good but created only gloom and darkness. And they were like trees which, being unproductive two seasons in a row (“twice dead”), have proven they are devoid of any use, fit only to be destroyed.
These false teachers were guilty of throwing the ecclesia into a state of turmoil, roiling peace with waves of contention. In doing so, their own impurities became evident to all.
Navigators depend on stationary stars to provide them with direction. A moving star causes one to become hopelessly lost. Similarly, false teachers are false guides to the ecclesia and lead them far astray.
Vs. 14-16: A parallel to days of old
Enoch, beloved of God, spoke out against ungodliness in his own time. His major contemporary, Lamech, personified revenge and faithlessness (Gen. 4:23-24); his three sons were famous for profit (4:20), pleasure (4:21) and power (4:22).
Ungodly people have certain fundamental traits, thus what applied in Enoch’s day applied in Jude’s and applies in our own. These are not merely weak people who sin, rather, men who are openly and intentionally rebellious against God (v.15). In any generation, they are characterized by divisive talk, complaints against those working hard in the Lord and flattering words to others which are intended to secure their own personal advantage.
Vs. 17-19: We have been warned
The Lord Jesus, as well as Peter and Paul, warned that severe problems would arise for the believers. The trouble would be characterized by mockery of holy things, whether they be divine standards or the very persons of our God and our Lord.
There is in verse 19 a cautionary note to ourselves. Ungodly persons are not interested in the integrity of the ecclesia nor are they concerned about its unity. They are cliquish and divisive. Due to constant murmuring and complaining they cause sub-groups within the community. Schism is thus not a symptom of spirituality, but of the working of the flesh.
Vs. 20-21: Four helps in trouble
Jude sets forth divine resources we can draw on in times of ecclesial or personal trouble. The first is faith built through the word of God. We must never lose touch with the Bible and we must always remember that it is our ultimate ecclesial guide and statement of faith.
Prayer is the counterpoint to reading and studying God’s word. God speaks to us through His word and we have an opportunity to reply to Him through prayer.
The third resource is to practice love. We are to make certain that this greatest of all spiritual attributes dominates us and ecclesial life.
Maintain hope, looking to the mercy we seek to obtain from our Lord Jesus Christ. This has a two-fold impact: it keeps us from giving in to despair and it causes us to be more merciful to others.
Vs. 22-25: Work to save
It’s easy to discourage and destroy; it’s hard to save, but that should be our objective toward others. Different techniques will be required for different personalities, but in every case the objective must be to save.
This much is certain, all the resources we need for salvation are available from our loving Heavenly Father. Let us draw upon His help to upbuild, unify and serve the ecclesia.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One