False Teachers Judged, Part 3 Jude 11

False Teachers Judged, Part 3

Introduction

The fact of judgment has thus far been the theme of Jude’s letter to Jewish believers in Palestine. Previously, he has shown that God does indeed bring judgment on those who are rebellious and disobedient (verses 5-7), and then he has described the actions of those who are presently acting in the same way in the present time within the Church (verses 8-10). They certainly do deserve to be judged by God!

Now he is going to compare these false teachers with some historical figures: Cain, Balaam, and Korah. The “Woe” statement in let’s us know that their sins are serious. So what are the sins that lead to the judgment of God?

Disobedience

Jude says that the false teachers have “gone the way of Cain”. What is that “way”? It is living a disobedient life. The story is familiar to all. Cain had offered a sacrifice that was not pleasing to the Lord, while his brother, Abel, had done what God had required. Instead of repenting and correcting his sin, Cain murdered his brother. He even attempted to avoid blame in the murder. He was not going to be someone who was going to submit to God. He was going to do it his own way.

This is what the false teachers were doing in the churches where Jude was sending his letter. Jude has already said that they have “defiled the flesh” (verse 8), as well as lived lives of sensuality (verse 4). Clearly, there lives could be described as disobedient to the clear teaching of God’s Word.

Greediness

Next, Jude says that the false teachers “for pay have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam.” give the details of this error. Balaam was a prophet, not from Israel, who has asked by Balak, king of Moab, to pronounce a curse against the nation of Israel in order to stop them from going further in their advance to the Promised Land. Balak promised great riches for this “ministry”. God stopped Balaam from giving that curse, but the indications are present that he was definitely interested in gaining those riches that Balak had promised. He showed his greediness just in going and attempting to curse Israel, though God turned the curse into a blessing.

The false teachers were into the ministry for pay. They saw an opportunity make money. They want the wealth as well as the prestige that comes with being recognized as a leader, even if it means a lack of obedience and faithfulness to God’s Word.

Rebelliousness

Finally, Jude says that the false teachers have “perished in the rebellion of Korah”. The account of Korah is found in . He was challenging the leadership of Moses and Aaron, men whom God had used for forty years at that point. God had authenticated their authority with numerous miracles that showed that His blessing was on them. But it was not good enough for Korah. He wanted at least some of that authority for himself. So he raised up a group of people to take sides with him. God then showed who His approved leaders had been and would continue to be. The earth opened up and these rebels disappeared! They clearly perished before the eyes of the entire nation of Israel.

The false teachers wanted authority. They wanted respect. They weren’t satisfied with being a part of the Church. They wanted to lead the Church. Herein lies the problem. False teachers often gather a following. If it was just the teaching that was in error, God would take care of them. But when you also deceive those who would follow God, then you are going to be judged for leading them astray as well.

Conclusion

Disobedience, greediness, and rebelliousness have no place in the ministry. They have no place in the life of a true believer, but one or more of them are consistently present in the lives of false teachers who corrupt the gospel. Allowing one of these grievous sins to be a habitual part of your life puts you on the path of God’s judgment. Beware! Woe!

Application:

How can you avoid the sins of disobedience, greediness, and rebelliousness?