Jude 12-23 : Defeating Falsehoods

Contending for the Faith

Now, Jude is a book that tells us that we’re to “contend for the faith [that] was once [for all] delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3). And Jude is a book that tells us that we must be doctrinally sound, that we must believe right. Remember, as we see in verses 3–4, we must contend for the truth that was delivered. But saints, when we believe right—if we truly believe right—we will behave right. Earlier in Jude, we have seen: the importance of the truth, we’ve seen the enemies and fight for truth, we have seen the judgment of false teachers (or apostates—those who know truth and reject it). Jude has done wonderfully helping us see: how great the truth is, the foolishness of rejecting truth, and the behavior of those against truth. But in these verses, Jude will give us clear and tangible steps for dealing with lies, false doctrine, and false teachers. Allow me to give you three ways to win over falsehood.

Our Text: Jude 12–23

Jude 12–23 (KJV 1900): 12 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 withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. 14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage. 17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

A Story of a Robber

I heard a story once about a man who went into a bank to rob it. He slid a note over to the teller that read, “This is a hold-up. Put all your money in this bag and send it back.” The teller calmly grabbed a pencil, wrote a note back, and slid it to him. The man opened it, and it read, “Fix your tie, dummy; they’re taking your picture.”

Now, why does the bank go to the trouble of taking a picture of a robber? It's simple: they want everyone to be warned. This person is dangerous, a criminal, and they need people to recognize him. They'll put that picture on the news or in post offices so people will know to avoid him.

In the same way, Jude gives us a clear picture of spiritual criminals—apostates. God is showing us what these false teachers look like so we can be on guard and recognize the danger they pose to the church. By apostate, I am not saying those who have left the faith (you can’t); I'm saying those who have never had it. They had proximity, access, and knowledge of the truth but have rejected it. This is what Jude is warning us about: apostates and false teachers who know the truth but have turned away from it, seeking to lead others down the same dangerous path.

The Danger of False Teachers

Jude is first going to give us a description of these truth rejecters. Look with me at Jude 12–13: 12 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 withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

To paint an accurate picture of the danger of rejecting truth, Jude gives us five metaphors in these verses to show just how dangerous they are.

Descriptors of False Teachers

The first occurs in verse 12. Notice with me this word “spots.” This term “spots” literally means rocks or reefs. Those who have ever been on a boat and have hit a rock or run aground know exactly what I'm referring to. Notice with me what these people do. Jude says they’re in our love feast. For reference, when you see love feast, I want you to think church fellowship meals (or potlucks—amen). Believers would gather to worship, hear the teaching of Scripture, celebrate Communion, and then share their common love in a meal. This may seem funny to think about someone trying to infiltrate a church potluck, but the principle is huge, and it’s the fact that false teaching and truth-devoid living will attack and destroy Christian love and fellowship. If the truth brings unity, it is falsehoods that will bring division. The devil would love nothing more than to divide us. Or as Mark 3:25 tells us, a divided house won't stand. Like the captain of a ship stands watching for rocks, we must be vigilant watching the doctrine of our church. Allow me to say this: the mark of one's belief in solid doctrine is best shown in how they love the saints. You can’t love and know God and not like His kids, the same way you can’t say you love Jesus but you hate His bride. Look how it's said in John 13:35: 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

The second way Jude describes these false teachers is as a waterless cloud in verse 12. These false teachers promise spiritual nourishment but fail to deliver. They are unstable and unreliable, like clouds without rain. They offer no life or hope because they offer no truth. If I may put it like this: real life can only occur where truth is taught. See, just because it appears like something life-giving, it may not be. In contrast, look what is said about God’s word in Isaiah 55:10: 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: Truth brings life.

The third term used is fruitless trees. Look with me again at Jude 12: 12 ...trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Apostates are like trees expected to bear fruit in autumn, yet they are barren. They are “doubly dead” because they are both fruitless and uprooted, disconnected from spiritual life. False teachers lack both spiritual life and the ability to bear fruit. Bearing fruit is a sign of life—just check John 15. Let me leave you with a warning from Jesus about these dead trees. Look at Matthew 7:17–20: 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Fourthly, the apostate lacks peace like crashing waves. Look with me at Jude 13: 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. Underscore that phrase, “their own shame.” But let me tell you what that is talking about: The ocean, when it is calm, gets very clear. But when a storm comes, and the ocean begins to seethe and to boil, off of the bottom of the ocean floor, from the silt, comes all manner of evil, and seaweed, and filth, and foam, and all of these things that after a storm, these things are left upon the beach. You see, in the heart of an apostate there is great turmoil. Why does he have this turmoil? Because of the mire and the filth that is in his heart and in his life.

Finally, we see that these false teachers are doomed like a wandering star. Look with me once more at Jude 13: 13 ...wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. Wandering stars, like meteors, flash briefly and then disappear into darkness. Apostates may shine momentarily but are doomed to eternal judgment. They may be flashy and appear shiny but have no real substance.

The Destiny of False Teachers

We have seen the danger of false teachers, but I’d like to draw your attention to Jude 14–16, and we will see the destiny of false teachers. Read with me: 14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.

Their Future

First, let's look at their eternity. Jude references or quotes Enoch, and many love to argue about the use of this verse, and no matter what position you come to, Jude did not quote from Enoch to tell us anything new, but to give a vivid description of what the Bible already teaches. Christ will return to judge. Look with me at 2 Thessalonians 1:7–9: 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

You may wonder why so much judgment is pronounced on those who reject truth. Look with me at verse 15, and you’ll see this term “ungodly” appear four times in one verse. It is the ungodly who will be judged. See, a rejection of truth is a rejection of God. It is in the truth of the Scriptures we find that God desires all men to come to Him His way. Rejecting truth is rebellion. Aren’t you thankful that the truth can make you godly? Look with me at 2 Peter 1:3: 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things (his word) that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

The future of those who reject truth is a hard one; look with me at their life here on this earth.

Character and Lifestyle of False Teachers

Verse 16 shows us their character and lifestyle on this earth. We see four aspects of their character in Jude 16: 16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.

We see they’re:

Grumblers and Faultfinders: They constantly complain and criticize others, blind to their own flaws. This tells us they’re never content or happy.Self-Indulgent: They follow their own desires without regard for God’s will. They live life with no guidance or heavenly wisdom.Arrogant and Puffed Up: They boast of their abilities and importance. Life is dominated by self, not others.Deceptive Flatterers: They flatter others for selfish gain.

Defence Against Falsehood

We have seen the danger of false teachers and apostates. We’ve seen the destiny of apostates, and third, we’ll see what our defence against falsehood is. As we begin to close, look with me at verses 17–19: 17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

Defense Against Falsehood

Our first method of defense is the word of God. Look at verse 17, and you’ll see: “remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles.” That’s the Bible! We need the truth of the Bible to battle falsehood!

We need the word of God; we must also live in the will of God. Look at verses 20–21: 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Build Yourselves Up in Faith (v. 20)

Spiritual growth is essential. Believers must grow in their understanding of “the most holy faith,” the body of apostolic teaching. Look with me at Acts 20:32: 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. False teaching destroys, but truth builds up.

Pray in the Holy Spirit (v. 20)

This is not speaking in tongues. Rather, our prayer should align with the Spirit’s will and wisdom. Ephesians 6:18 tells us: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Prayer is not about getting man’s will done in heaven but getting God’s will done on earth.

Keep Yourselves in God’s Love (v. 21)

Keeping yourself in God’s love doesn’t mean that your salvation depends on your own efforts—Scripture makes that clear (Jude 24). Instead, it’s about staying in a place where you can experience and be nourished by God’s love. It’s about living in close fellowship with Him, letting His love shape and guide your life. When we’re truly focused on God’s love for us, it strengthens and nurtures us in our walk with Him. Look how Jesus says it in John 15:9–10: 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

Wait for Christ’s Return (v. 21)

Finally, as we live in God’s love, we must be eagerly looking forward to the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. This means we should live each day with eternity in view, always anticipating Christ’s return. We’re not just going through the motions—we are actively longing for the moment when He comes again, trusting fully in His mercy.

A Story of Hope: Eliza E. Hewitt

Eliza E. Hewitt was a woman of deep faith, but life had not been easy for her. In her mid-30s, while working as a schoolteacher in Philadelphia, she experienced an injury that would change the course of her life. A student struck her with a heavy slate, causing a serious spinal injury. Suddenly, her active life as a teacher came to a halt. Confined to her bed, suffering from constant pain and unable to do the things she loved, it would have been easy for her to slip into despair. But Eliza didn’t let her circumstances define her. She turned to her faith, pouring out her heart to God. Though her body was limited, her spirit soared as she found comfort in the promises of Scripture. The thought of heaven—of eternal rest, healing, and being face-to-face with her Savior—gave her immense hope. During this time of hardship, she began writing hymns, focusing on the joy of eternity and the victory awaiting every believer. One day, inspired by the glorious hope of heaven, she penned the words to what would become a beloved hymn: "When We All Get to Heaven." This wasn’t just a song—it was a declaration of victory over suffering, a song of anticipation for the day when all pain would be gone, and she would be in the presence of Jesus. With every word, Eliza poured out the joy she felt in her heart despite her pain: “When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory.”

Look for Jesus

We must also get into the work of God. We have seen how we are to help ourselves in the face of falsehood, but we will now see how to help others. Look with me at Jude 22–23: 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

First, Show Mercy to Doubters (v. 22)

We are to be compassionate to those affected by lies and false teaching. Compassion literally means being moved with the feeling of another person. The best definition of compassion is seen in Matthew 9:36: 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Jesus looked at the marching, milling multitudes on their way to Hell, and Jesus wept tears over them. “He was moved with compassion”—not just that He had compassion; “He was moved with compassion.” His compassion caused Him to do something.

In John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, there’s a scene where Christian, burdened by his sin, falls into the Slough of Despond—a deep, muddy swamp representing despair. He tries to get out, but the more he struggles, the deeper he sinks. Relief comes in the form of a man named "Help," who pulls Christian out of the swamp and sets him on solid ground. May our compassion move us to lovingly engage and help those who don’t know truth.

Snatch Others from the Fire (v. 23a)

Urgently rescue those who are on the verge of falling into eternal destruction. While God is the source of salvation, believers are instruments used by Him to reach sinners. Look with me at James 5:19–20: 19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. We are in the serious business of pulling men out of the fire with the truth. This is an unpopular position to hold, but Hell is real. Hell is hot. Hell is eternal, and we have the soul-saving truth.

Show Mercy with Caution (v. 23b)

While showing mercy to the deeply corrupted, exercise caution to avoid being drawn into their sin. Jude uses the metaphor of stained clothing to describe their corruption. Let me say it like this: Never, never compromise to win someone to Jesus Christ. You’ll never bring people to Jesus Christ by becoming like them. You may be with them, but you do not become like them.

Conclusion: Winning the Battle for Truth

As we come to the end of this passage in Jude, we’ve seen the portrait of false teachers and apostates. Jude does not shy away from showing us their danger, their destiny, and how we as believers must defend against falsehood.

We must be rooted in God’s Word—this is the ultimate defense against lies. Without the truth of Scripture, we are vulnerable to deception.We must pray in the Holy Spirit, relying on His guidance and strength to navigate the challenges of living in a world where truth is constantly under attack.We must stay in God’s love, holding fast to His promises, and remembering that it is by His grace alone that we stand.We must eagerly await Christ’s return, living each day with eternity in view, knowing that one day He will set all things right.

But Jude doesn’t just leave us with a defensive posture. We are called to action—to show compassion, to rescue those ensnared by lies, and to exercise caution as we engage with those deeply corrupted by sin. This is the heart of the gospel. It’s not just about guarding the truth, but sharing it with a broken world.

A Call to Action

Church, this is our calling. We are the hands and feet of Christ, sent out to pull people from the fire, to offer hope and truth where there is none, and to stand firm against the spiritual dangers that threaten to destroy faith.

Will you take up that call today? Will you commit to building your life on the truth of God’s Word, to praying in the Spirit, and to showing mercy to those who desperately need the life-saving message of Jesus Christ?

Final Encouragement

As we leave here today, remember that you are not alone in this battle for truth. God has given us His Spirit, His Word, and the hope of Christ’s return. Let’s walk in that confidence, contending for the faith, and sharing the light of Christ in a dark world.

And let us all look forward with joy to the day when we see Jesus face to face, singing and shouting the victory, as we step into eternity with Him.