Jude 8-13

Self-Confident and Arrogant (vv. 8-10a)

These filthy dreamers (as opposed to righteous/holy) are very self-confident

The very nature of being a servant of God implies heightened humility of self and confidence in the master, not the other way around

This is the whole point of v. 9 -> as covered in the 2 Peter study, not even an arch-angel took on Satan by himself

They take on Satan with non-biblical principles -> fabricated lies using a hint of the truth to convince you of something God never promised

In this, they speak evil of things they don’t understand

Pride is the last thing you want to find in your spiritual leaders, as they are sure to fail and bring others with them

Spiritual leaders are surrendered to and bound by the word of God, regardless of the consequences

The lasting consequences are glorious beyond description ()2 Tim. 4:6-8

Animalistic (vv. 10b-11)

The only true knowledge they have are the things they naturally know

Seeing as how they are not saved, their nature is still against God -> there is great simplicity in ! Jn. 4:24

It is through the natural instincts (the only things they know) that they are destroyed

This is inverse from what natural instincts are used for! -> this reveals just how self-destructive we can all be

The example of Cain warns of their hateful nature -> both towards God and man

This ended in Cains banishment

The example of Balaam warns of their greedy nature that drives their actions -> their motivation is selfish and does not balk at the destruction of others to achieve it

This ended in the destruction of Balaam in the promised land, as opposed to the preservation of those like Rahab

The example of Korah warns of their prideful nature

This ended with the earth swallowing up he and his followers -> a clear picture of the sudden destruction and condemnation of hell

All these character traits work to lead them and others to destruction

Completely Empty (vv. 12-13)

These pictures indicate something that may appear valuable, but only deceive and destroy you

These spots (blemishes) at the feasts infect those who consume it, making what is otherwise appetizing to be deadly

They do not lose any sleep over it either!

They are precious-looking clouds coming over a dry land, but they do not carry any life-giving rain

They are a tree that does not bear fruit, nor will they ever -> well past fruit bearing season and still empty, plus irreparable damage

They are like the grimy waves which leave debris behind on the beach

Not only do they lack good works/fruit, but they specialize in evil works/fruit () Is. 57:20

They are like rogue stars -> likely a picture of shooting stars which zip spectacularly into eternal darkness from our perspective

Through both 2 Peter and Jude, we see that there is no value in false teachers, yet there are infinite ways to be led astray by them

We must not only beware them, but earnestly contend against them for the faith!