I continue my quick study of Jude (given it's only one chapter), and my focus today is Jude 1:8-13, where Jude presses on with a warning against false teaching as he gets more pointed and shares how false teachers - identified by their sin - will be eternally condemned. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: V9: God has providence over everything, including sin and Satan. The text shares how archangel Michael, contends (see also how Jude encourages us to "contend for the faith" - Jude 1:3) with Satan but did not take it upon himself to pronounce judgement - leaving that for God alone. It is God who has authority over all - including the power to save and the power to judge.
- What do we learn from the text about people?:Vv8, 10-13: Jude continues to warn believers about those who "have crept" into the church "unnoticed," espousing what they believe is true but discerning believers know to be false. These false teachers are also known for their sin - including how they "defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones." God has not softened their hearts and called them to faith - as He has for believers - and as a result they do not understand (like unreasoning animals) the Word and those who believe. They are eternally condemned - even though there is sufficient evidence in Creation alone that God reigns - see also Romans 1:20. Their rebelliousness is similar to that of Cain (first murderer - Genesis 4:1-16) and Korah (who rebelled against God's appointed leader Moses - Numbers 16). They are further defined as "hidden reefs" where they can obscure themselves and go unnoticed - and both feast with you, then pounce on you as a prowling lion ready to devour you - 1 Peter 5:8. They bear no fruit - unlike a believer (Galatians 5:19-23). They are headed to the "gloom of utter darkness...forever."
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must avoid all the sin and rebelliousness described by Jude here. Claim the promise that God reigns and that He in his infinite grace and mercy saves believers from the eternal "gloom of utter darkness." Follow the example of Michael who knows that God is in control and He alone both saves and judges. Repent, believe and be saved!
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your infinite grace and mercy that You saved me from the eternal gloom of utter darkness. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
