Religion That Ruins

INTRODUCTION:

When I graduated high school in 2004, about 80% of Americans identified as Christian.

Since then, there’s been a 20-point drop and a steady rise in what sociologists call “the Nones.”

For years that trend looked unstoppable. Many wondered if we were watching the slow death of Christianity in America.

But in the past three years, something surprising has happened: the decline has leveled off and even begun to reverse.

Headlines are popping up about “Americans Becoming More Religious.”

The most interesting shift? It’s young people — especially young men — who are hungry for historic roots and theological depth.

Why the change? I think it’s the failure of secularism. (the idea of cutting God out of the public sphere)

The problem is, you can’t erase God from the public sphere — you just replace Him with something else. Everyone worships something.

It’s not a matter or whether people will worship God but the God they choose to worship.

Human beings are innately religious.

“The nones” may not have identified with any historic religion but their lives were shaped by religion nonetheless.

They absorbed the religion of our culture: secular humanism and expressive individualism: different God, a different Law, different heaven, different hell.

In that way, while every person is innately religious, not every religion is equally good.

Each will offer ethical prescriptions but they differ on why and how.

They have different answers to the most important questions.

Is there a God? What is he like? Can he be known and how?

What is man? What’s gone wrong and how do we fix it?

Where did we come from? Why do we matter and what happens when we die?

Every religion has a different approach to answering these questions.

Your religion is irrelevant if you’re wrong about what’s true.

Set the Table

We want to reject the bad and embrace the good, deny what is false and affirm what is true.

The book of Jude is helpful to distinguish between the two.

Jude was written by Jesus’ half-brother to Christian converts in Judea. It was a few years before the Roman Jewish War (63-67 AD)

Jews and Christians refused to worship the gods of Rome, so they faced heavy persecution.

In that climate, a group called the Zealots rose up, preaching a political gospel: “Advance the kingdom by spilling Roman blood.”

They sounded spiritual but rejected Jesus’ way of advancing His kingdom through Word, not sword.

Like wolves in sheep’s clothing, they crept into the church, twisting grace into license and rejecting Christ’s authority.

Jude calls them godless, delusional, and dangerous to others.

In our text he illustrates w/three OT characters: Cain, Balaam, and Korah.

With that in mind let’s read our passage.

Jude 10–11 CSB

10 But these people blaspheme anything they do not understand. And what they do understand by instinct—like irrational animals—by these things they are destroyed. 11 Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, have plunged into Balaam’s error for profit, and have perished in Korah’s rebellion.

Who are these people? Cain. Balaam and Korah? Jude mentions them in a way that assumes his audience is familiar.

Ruinous Religion

Before we get into their stories notice the Jude’s pronouncement of a woe.

This isn’t Jude’s way of shaking his head in disappointment. It’s a pronouncement of divine judgment.

In other words, having the wrong religion can ruin your life.

Jesus pronounced a “woe” over the religious leaders in Matthew 23. It’s not a mild warning. It’s a heavenly gavel slamming down.

This word describes someone already under a curse. Unless they repent, their future is doomed.

Its a word of lament and condemnation: lament because it’s tragic, condemnation because it’s certain.

Cain, Balaam and Korah all experienced a judgment from God. Those who imitate them will experience much the same.

A.W. Tozer said, “What comes to our mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

People should not be so cavalier when it comes to what they think about God.

Many people see religion as “take it or leave it.” It’s not as important as the things that really matter.

It’s a “life accessory” more than “true necessity.”

The fact that many of us aren’t familiar with these characters is evidence you’ve become too casual in your thinking about God.

Some have adopted spiritual beliefs more in line with what Jude prohibits than what he recommends.

Recognizing Roots

You can’t avoid the false religions if you do not know the truth! You cannot reject what’s wrong if you do not know what’s right.

To avoid the wrong religion you must recognize it’s root.

Engagement with the Scripture must extend beyond Sunday morning.

Many Protestants make fun of Catholics because they won’t read God’s Word without a priest.

But for many, there’s no practical difference! The only time they open the Bible is Sunday morning for the weekly sermon.

That must not be! I don’t mean to shame you or condemn you. I want you to content for the faith.

That’s why God has given us his Word and encouraged us to know it well.

THE ROOT OF WRONG RELIGION

So with the time we have left I want to offer up three religious roots from these three Old Testament characters.

Cain, Balaam & Korah: three different men, three different judgments, the same spiritual poison.

Honestly, I imagined I’d do one sermon on each character but have switch my plan to covering them all together.

For those who are taking notes I’ll give you the outline up front.

Cain = The Root of Empty Ritual

Balaam = The Root of Earthly Riches

Korah = The Root of a Inflated Reputation

The Way of Cain

Let’s start with the “Way of Cain.” Of the three he’s the most well known.

We covered Cain’s story in our study of the book of Genesis.

I would describe Cain’s religion as “empty ritual” without relationship.

The Scripture presents Cain as a son of Adam and Eve and older brother of Abel. Cain was a farmer, Abel was a rancher. (Gen 4:1)

Despite their occupations, both men were expected to offer sacrifices to God. Abel offered some firstborn from his flock. Cain offer “some produce from his land.” (Gen 4:3-4)

God “had regard” for Abel’s offering but not the offering of Cain. Cain’s response to God’s displeasure was anger and resentment. (Gen 4:5)

God warns him of that resentment and calls him to repentance but Cain refused and murdered his brother. (Gen 4:6-8)

Not only does he murder his brother because of his resentment, he lies to God and covers up his sin. (Gen 4:9).

Genesis 4:8–10 CSB

8 Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s guardian?” 10 Then he said, “What have you done? Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground!

In response, God issues a judgment.

Cain was cursed by God, alienated from the ground and fated to become a restless wanderer on the earth. (Gen 4:11–12)

From there Cain goes from bad to worse as his godlessness increases. Not only does he do wickedness, he teaches others to do the same.

Sacrifice & Resentment

Jude’s focus in mentioning Cain is to forbid his “way” of life. This “way” is ultimately illustrated in Cain’s offering to the Lord.

Cain’s sacrifice was rooted in self-advancement and personal interest - not submission or gratitude in God’s mercy.

Abel’s offering came from a grateful heart, with faith in God’s provision.

Cain’s offering came from a greedy heart, with an expectation for more.

God’s rejection of Cain’s offering had less to do with the offering than the heart from which it was given. (Heb 11:4)

Self-centered sacrifice leads to resentment.

Cain is the “prototypical sinner” in that he epitomizes self-interested greed.

He lived life HIS WAY and influenced others to do the same. Those who pattern their life after his will suffer a similar judgment.

Cain’s murderous actions came from a heart that was devoted to the “evil one.” (1 John 3:12) He, like these apostates, was godless.

But his godlessness was not because he wasn’t practicing religion. He was just practicing religion to advance his own interests.

His heart was oriented towards himself first and foremost. God was only useful insofar as he gave him what he wanted.

Application:

Does your attitude towards God bear the marks of Cain?

Are you engaging in religious ritual but without the context of a personal relationship with Jesus?

Are you giving to God to GET from God? Or is God a worthy end in of himself?

Are you going through the motions or sincerely seeking after God?

Do you find yourself resentful towards others because of what God did/didn’t do for you?

Do you have a anger or hate towards others because God does more for them than you?

Beware of that spirit for it first dwelled in Satan before you.

Avoid this kind of posture towards God or those who would promote it.

Greed of Balaam

The second behavior Jude highlights is with the error made by Balaam.

Balam’s bad religion was rooted in earthly riches.

Many remember Balaam because of the talking donkey, but Jude’s focus is on what happens before and after.

Balaam was a well-known diviner in Pethor (Num 22:5; 23:7) hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse Israel.

Israel had already defeated the Canaanites, the Amorites, and the king of Bashan, and Balak wanted supernatural insurance for Moab’s survival.

Balak sent dignitaries with payment, but God told Balaam not to go: (Num 22:12). Balak tried again by sweetening up the deal. Balaam initially refused but later agreed.

The Lord had ONE condition: only do what I permit.

On the way, God confronted him through the incident with the talking donkey. The warning, again, “only do what I permit.” (Num 22:22–35).

Outwardly, Balaam seemed compliant — but money had a hold on his heart.

He blessed Israel instead of cursing them, even pronouncing curses on Israel’s enemies (Num 23–24). At first glance, it looked like victory.

But later we learn the truth. In Numbers 25, Israel was seduced by Moabite women, leading to idolatry at Baal of Peor and a plague that killed 24,000 people.

We later learn in Numbers 31:16 that these women were recruited to offer up their bodies but only after the men of Israel worshipped the gods of Moab.

Numbers 31:16 CSB

16 “Yet they are the ones who, at Balaam’s advice, incited the Israelites to unfaithfulness against the Lord in the Peor incident, so that the plague came against the Lord’s community.

Religious Ruse

Balaam’s story becomes a parable and timeless warning for God’s people.

2 Peter 2:15 CSB

15 They have gone astray by abandoning the straight path and have followed the path of Balaam, the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of wickedness

The wages of wickedness. Serving God not because you love him but because it’s financially advantageous.

Jesus rebukes the church in Pergamum for doing the same thing.

Revelation 2:14 CSB

14 You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block in front of the Israelites: to eat meat sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality.

Balaam’s ministry to the Lord looked faithful on the outside but inwardly it was a ruse for the sake of personal profit.

Ministry without pure motives is nothing but a ruse.

Outwardly, it seemed like Balaam was working for the Lord. Inwardly, Balaam had curved in on himself.

This is Balaam’s error and you should avoid the same mistake.

Application

What about you? When it comes to being faithful, is it God or Mammon that you serve?

Jesus said we can’t have both. “You can’t serve God AND money.”

Many compromise their integrity because of their devotion to money and what it buys.

This is easily seen today with the “health and wealth Gospel.” But there are more insidious examples even in our church.

Are you more excited about what God gets from your service or what you get in return?

Are your decisions made on the basis of financial security or faithfulness to God?

Do you treat the blessings and gifts of God as a resource for your own kingdom or a resource for building God’s?

Are you willing to obey God fully even if it costs you financially, socially or professionally?

Greed can hide itself in our hearts even as we “outwardly” are serving the Lord.

We’re performing spiritual goods for the sake of self-advancement.

That’s why it’s so important to put guardrails in place in this area of your life.

Pastor David told me early on in ministry the subtle temptation pastors have in this area. We are “paid” to do ministry and if you’re not careful it can become a primary motivator.

Are there people in your life who have the influence and permission to say, “Money has taken the place of faithfulness to God and it needs to stop?”

This is a spiritual poison that will jeopardize your faith. Beware of Balaam’s error.

It’s okay to have some money. But don’t let money have you.

The Rebellion of Korah

The third example Jude gives is “Korah’s rebellion.”

The religion of Korah shows us religion rooted in inflated reputation.

His story illustrates the dangerous pursuit of glory, detached from God’s design.

Korah’s story is told in Numbers 16. He was a Levite— a tribe chosen by God for temple service.

Levites would help care for the temple and transport holy things back and forth. This was no small task nor was it unimportant.

Those who severed in this capacity had great proximity to the presence of God and great influence over God’s people.

But it wasn’t enough for Korah. Korah wanted more.

He gathered a coalition of 250 community leaders. Together, they challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron.

Numbers 16:3 CSB

3 They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have gone too far! Everyone in the entire community is holy, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the Lord’s assembly?”

At face value, that sounds spiritual. It’s dressed up in the language of equality: “Everyone’s holy! Who do you think you are?” 

But behind those words was an unholy heart of envy, ambition, and pride.

A few verses later we’re given greater insight on their motives.

Numbers 16:8–11 CSB

8 Moses also told Korah, “Now listen, Levites! 9 Isn’t it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the Israelite community to bring you near to himself, to perform the work at the Lord’s tabernacle, and to stand before the community to minister to them? 10 He has brought you near, and all your fellow Levites who are with you, but you are pursuing the priesthood as well. 11 Therefore, it is you and all your followers who have conspired against the Lord! As for Aaron, who is he that you should complain about him?”

Korah and his band of rebels were coming after Aaron because, as priest, he had a more prominent position.

He was the only one allowed to offer up sacrifices and do priestly work on behalf of the people.

The Levites were helpers in the temple, they helped make the whole enterprise work but in essence they’re showing contempt for that role and a desire for greater glory.

Unfortunately, in rejecting God’s design for spiritual leadership they were rejecting God himself. (Num 16:11)

Moses’ response to the challenge was to let God decide who he wanted to be in charge. When that day came, something incredible happened.

Unaligned Ambition

Moses warns the community to separate themselves from the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram.

When those leaders of the rebellion came outside their tents the earth opened up and swallowed them whole. Num 16:31-33

Numbers 16:31–33 CSB

31 Just as he finished speaking all these words, the ground beneath them split open. 32 The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, all Korah’s people, and all their possessions. 33 They went down alive into Sheol with all that belonged to them. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly.

Afterwards, the 250 people who joined in the rebellion were consumed by fire from God. (Num 16:35)

In Israel’s history, Korah’s name became shorthand for brazen rebellion and rejection of God’s order (see Ps 106:16–18).

Korah’s sin wasn’t just about wanting a different leader—it was about refusing God’s structure and calling.

Ambition without alignment is still an act of rebellion.

Korah wanted a better reputation than the one God had assigned him. In the end, that pursuit destroyed him.

And that spirit is alive and well today, especially in the church!

When people pursue positions of spiritual influence, not because they want to serve, but because they want to be seen.

When people resist their spiritual leaders because they can’t stomach the idea of submission—whether the home, local church, or marketplace.

When people pursue all kind of sophisticated religious projects but meanwhile reject the teaching of Scripture because it contradicts their approach.

From church splits to ministry coups to power struggles dressed in “holy” language.

Beneath the surface it’s less about theology and more about the ego.

Are you serving in a role God has given you with gratitude, or do you constantly wish you had someone else’s assignment?

Do you chafe under spiritual authority—not because it’s ungodly, but because it’s not you who’s in charge?

Do you find your value in your position, title, or recognition, instead of in God’s approval?

Jude’s warning is clear: Woe to those who walk in the way of Korah. 

Ambition that isn’t aligned with God’s design will ultimately end in ruin.

CONCLUSION

Cain, Balaam, and Korah—three different men, three different sins, one sinful root.

Augustine had a great visual for this root. He called it “incurvatus in se.” It means to be “curved in on the self.”

Cain put self at the center of worship.

Balaam put self at the center of ministry.

Korah put self at the center of community.

Different arenas— the same spiritual poison. The outcome for each was the judgment of God.

Not because God delights in condemning, but because God will not let false religion go unchecked.

Examine your heart.

Does your worship flow from genuine faith in Christ or from cultural custom?

Do you use religious activities to pursue personal gain?

Are you cultivating humility and submission to God and to the leaders He has put over you?

If not, look to Jesus - in his glory. He embodies true religion.

He offered the perfect sacrifice in faith, not empty religious ritual;

He came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Even though he was by very nature God - he did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped - but he emptied himself - he took the form of a servant and became obedient to death - even death on a cross.

Jesus resisted every temptation that Cain, Balaam and Koah would not.

Lust of the flesh. (It’s not about what you do but what Christ has done)

Lust of the eyes. (It’s not about what you earn but what Christ has given)

Pride of Life. (It’s not about how powerful you become but how powerless Christ became in order to save a sinner like you.)

So how do we get rid of bad religion? It’s not necessarily by trying harder or adding more.

Undefiled religion starts with true repentance.

Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of action.

In this case, repentance is turning away from the selfish orientation of bad religion and exchanging that will a godward orientation in all things.

Instead of religious rituals that use God for self-advancement. Offer up your worship in view of God’s great mercies. It’s not about how good YOU are but how merciful GOD has been through Christ.

Instead of using ministry as a platform for self-advancement, envision your ministry platform as a cross for self-denial. Don’t look to your own interests but rather to the interests of others like Jesus. (Philippians 2:3-4)

Instead of being driven by an insatiable appetite for more, learn to celebrate and find contentment in God’s good design. Just because you have a desire for something doesn’t mean it’s good. Learn to accept God’s boundaries as a blessing and not a curse.

To those devoted to this bad religion Jude offers up a Woe! It’s a declaration of lament and condemnation.

Jesus is speaking a better word to us this morning. It’s not a word of condemnation but a word of invitation.

“Come to me… all you who are weary and heavy laden. Take my yoke upon you… learn from me for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

This is the promise of undefiled religion. Not centered on what we do but what Christ has already done. Will you humble yourself and put your faith in Jesus today?