Jude 4-8

Those We Contend Against

They are those who have crept in without being noticed -> the one’s fighting against the faith openly are not the most dangerous threat

While they are a threat, this deals with those who look the part (the wolves in sheep’s clothing)

Their judgement was predicted long ago, and even longer ago now -> when it comes in fulness, it will not be surprising, though it will take many by surprise

They are ungodly -> they are not friends, but rather have made themselves enemies

They have turned God’s grace into sensuality -> This is still very visible today

False teachers use the disguise of “tolerance” of sexual “freedom” which is actually just substituting the grace of God for sexual immorality

This is a sign of a reprobate mind (Rom. 1:18-31)

They have denied the Lord -> either with their actions alone or altogether

When you refuse to teach God’s word, you are refusing God -> you cannot have God in just the parts you like (you can’t pick out the M&Ms from the trail mix)

That we must earnestly contend against these people tells us that we cannot be pacifists in the work of God’s kingdom

We must proceed with caution, but we cannot refuse to proceed at all!

Earnestly contend for the faith, as that is the war we fight! -> we cannot let the severity and gravity of this calling go over our heads

Examples of Warning

Those who came out of Egypt but did not believe tell us of those who are around the right people/look the part, but are not genuine (1 Cor. 10:1-12)

The rebellious Angels further support this -> If these can be destroyed despite their beauty and apparent glory, then false teachers can as well

With all those who follow their ways, just like in the wilderness (Num. 11:4-6)

Sodom and Gomorrah show the depravity that man can fall to and the severity of God’s judgement

There exists in the common human the capacity for unimaginable evil, and feeding the flesh leads to just that

We have these examples for ourselves, but in this context to evaluate our teachers -> their life is as important as their teachings