JUDE: CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH PART 4

Speaker: Rich Gartman

Series: JUDE: CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

Scripture: Jude 1:8-13

Main Idea:

Intro

Good morning, everyone. I’m thrilled to see all of you here today. Before we dive into today’s message, I’d like to start with a little humor. A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six-year-olds. After explaining the commandment to “honor thy father and thy mother,” she asked, “Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?” Without missing a beat, one little boy answered, “Thou shalt not kill.”

Now, let’s get into the serious business of today’s sermon, which is drawn from Jude 8-13. These verses warn us about the dangers of false teachers and the consequences of following them. Let’s break it down into three main points: the characteristics of false teachers, the consequences of their actions, and the call to vigilance.

Bible Verse

8 Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. 9 But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” 10 But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. 11 Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam's error and perished in Korah's rebellion. 12 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.

Characteristics of False Teachers

Explanation – Point 1

Jude describes false teachers as those who defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones (v. 8). They are bold in their ignorance, daring to speak evil of things they do not understand (v. 10). They follow in the footsteps of notorious sinners like Cain, Balaam, and Korah (v. 11).

Illustration – Point 1

Imagine a ship navigating through a stormy sea. The captain, instead of relying on his navigational tools and charts, decides to steer the ship based on his dreams and gut feelings. It’s not hard to guess what will happen—the ship will likely end up crashing into hidden reefs, just like the false teachers who, without understanding, lead others astray.

Application – Point 1

We must be cautious about whom we listen to and follow. Not everyone who speaks in the name of God truly represents Him. We should be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who examined the Scriptures daily to see if what they were being taught was true.

Bible Verse – Point 2

Consequences of Their Actions

Explanation – Point 2

The actions of false teachers bring about severe consequences. Jude likens them to waterless clouds, fruitless trees, wild waves of the sea, and wandering stars, all of which are ultimately doomed to destruction (vv. 12-13). They are a danger to the community, being self-serving and leading others into ruin.

Illustration – Point 2

Consider a tree that looks healthy on the outside but is hollow and rotten inside. When a storm comes, it will be easily uprooted and fall, causing damage to everything around it. Similarly, false teachers might appear charismatic and knowledgeable, but their teachings are hollow and can cause spiritual devastation.

Application – Point 2

We need to be rooted in the truth of God’s Word. By building our foundation on Christ, we can withstand the storms of false teachings and help others do the same. Ephesians 4:14 warns us not to be like children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine.

Bible Verse – Point 3

The Call to Vigilance

Explanation – Point 3

Jude calls believers to be vigilant and discerning. He reminds us that even the archangel Michael, in his dispute with the devil, did not rely on his own authority but said, “The Lord rebuke you” (v. 9). This shows the importance of relying on God’s authority and not our own.

Illustration – Point 3

Think of a security guard in a high-security building. The guard does not rely on personal strength or weapons but on the authority of the law and the tools provided by the security system. Likewise, we must rely on God’s authority and the tools He has given us, such as the Bible and prayer, to discern and combat false teachings.

Application – Point 3

We should be constantly growing in our knowledge of Scripture and in our relationship with God. This equips us to recognize false teachings and stand firm against them. Let us take to heart the exhortation in 1 Peter 5:8 to be sober-minded and watchful, because our adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jude’s warning about false teachers is as relevant today as it was in the early church. By understanding their characteristics, recognizing the consequences of their actions, and being vigilant in our faith, we can protect ourselves and others from their destructive influence. Let us commit to standing firm in the truth and helping others do the same. Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, which guides and protects us. Help us to be discerning and vigilant, standing firm in Your truth. Give us the wisdom to recognize false teachings and the courage to stand against them. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.