Study of Jude "contending for the faith" Pt.3

King James Version Jude

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.

King James Version Chapter 2

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20

The Companion Bible: Being the Authorized Version of 1611 with the Structures and Notes, Critical, Explanatory and Suggestive and with 198 Appendixes The Epistle of Jude

feeding. Lit. pasturing, as a shepherd does his flock.

themselves. Making the love-feast an occasion of gratifying the appetite, instead of promoting spiritual edification. Cp. Ezek. 34:2. of. Ap. 104. xviii. 1

Evidence of their apostasy v12 - 16

Their approach v12

King James Version Jude

These are spots in your feasts of charity when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear:

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Two: Meet the Apostates! (Jude 8–16)

Filthy spots (v. 12a). Peter called them spots and blemishes (2 Peter 2:13). These men had invaded the “love feasts” in the local assemblies, but all they did was defile them. Instead of adding to the sanctity of the occasion, they detracted from it, like Judas at the last Passover that Jesus celebrated with His disciples. The tragedy is that the members of the assembly did not realize the true character of these men! They thought the men were spiritual!

The Greek word translated “spots” can also mean “hidden rocks.” The mariner who is unaware of the hidden rocks can quickly wreck his ship. The pilot must always be alert, for waters that look calm and safe can contain treacherous reefs. Spiritual leaders must constantly be on guard.

It is a serious thing to be a shepherd over God’s flock. Our example must be Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. False shepherds use and abuse people in order to get what they want, and yet all the while, the people love it! Paul marveled at this when he wrote —“You don’t mind, do you, if a man takes away your liberty, spends your money, takes advantage of you, puts on airs, or even smacks your face?” (PH)

These selfish shepherds do all of this “without fear.” They are an arrogant lot! This is the difference between a true shepherd and a hireling: the true shepherd cares for the sheep, while the hireling cares only for himself. “Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?” () But these apostates ought to be afraid, for their judgment is coming.

Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 555.

Is Disgraceful

They are spots ( this word spots, means a blemish or stain.) They cause you to lack purity when it comes to the things of God.

these men have no regard for the things of God. they do just to show face, they perform traditions just to be praised.

Peter calls them brute beasts.

(Making the love-feast an occasion of gratifying the appetite, instead of promoting spiritual edification.)

King James Version Chapter 34

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

These men had invaded the “love feasts” in the local assemblies, but all they did was defile them. Instead of adding to the sanctity of the occasion, they detracted from it, like Judas at the last Passover that Jesus celebrated with His disciples.

The tragedy is that the members of the assembly did not realize the true character of these men! They thought the men were spiritual!

The Greek word translated “spots” can also mean “hidden rocks.” The mariner who is unaware of the hidden rocks can quickly wreck his ship. The pilot must always be alert, for waters that look calm and safe can contain treacherous reefs. Spiritual leaders must constantly be on guard.

Is Dissolute (adj. lacking restraint, indulgent)

King James Version Jude

feeding themselves without fear:

The word translated “feeding” means “shepherding.” Instead of shepherding the flock and caring for the needs of the people, these apostates only take care of themselves. Jude may have had in mind and , where the prophets condemned the political and spiritual leaders of the nation (“shepherds”) for exploiting the people and caring only for themselves.

It is a serious thing to be a shepherd over God’s flock. Our example must be Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. False shepherds use and abuse people in order to get what they want, and yet all the while, the people love it! Paul marveled at this when he wrote

These selfish shepherds do all of this “without fear.” They are an arrogant lot! This is the difference between a true shepherd and a hireling: the true shepherd cares for the sheep, while the hireling cares only for himself. “Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?” () But these apostates ought to be afraid, for their judgment is coming.

(Making the love-feast an occasion of gratifying the appetite, instead of promoting spiritual edification.)

Ezikeal proclaims in 34:2

King James Version Chapter 34

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

King James Version Chapter 34

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

Their Appearance v13-16

King James Version Jude

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

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Two: Meet the Apostates! (Jude 8–16)

Empty clouds (v. 12c). Clouds that promise rain, but fail to produce, are a disappointment to the farmer whose crops desperately need water. The apostates look like men who can give spiritual help, and they boast of their abilities, but they are unable to produce. “Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift [a gift he does not give] is like clouds and wind without rain” (Prov. 25:14). They promise liberty, but they can only give bondage (2 Peter 2:19).

The Word of God is sometimes compared to the rain and the dew. “My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distill as the dew” (Deut. 32:2). Isaiah 55:10 compares God’s Word to the rain and snow from heaven that bring fruit on the earth. Like the clouds in the sky, the false teachers may be prominent and even attractive; but if they cannot bring rain, they are useless

Has no Consistency (clouds w/o water)

They move about with no purpose. These men look like those that can give spiritual help and boast of their abilities, but have no help to give. Jude had in mind the farmer that is in need of rain. The clouds come and go without giving any relief to the parched soil. They have no nourishment in them. They look like they are going to give you something, but they lack any content. They are clouds with out water. .

They promise liberty but only bring bondage. .

Gods Word is compared to rain or dew throughout the scriptures. Isa. compares His Word to the rain and snow from heaven that bring fruit on the earth. Like the clouds of the sky, the false teachers may be prominent and even attractive; but if they being no rain they are useless.

Has no Cultivation

(trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;)

The picture is that of an orchard in the autumn when the farmer expects fruit. says you should know them by their fruits. They may look good but their branches are bear of the one thing they are ment to have. Those that preach the Word of God have a responsibility to feed others, but the false teachers have nothing to give. Not only are they fruitless they are rootless. Their root system will have no true hold in the ground and could very easily be pulled up roots and all. What a contrast to the godly man in .

They teach doctrines of men and teach their own agendas. there is no real purpose for them being there. They are more for show then anything.

Has no Concern v13

King James Version Jude

raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars

for their path of destruction v13

Have you ever walked along the beach the morining after a great storm and seen all the debris that is scattered along the shore line? Im not a real big fan of the sand at the beach, but I do love to go and listen and watch the waves as they bring a mezmorizing sound and the beauty of their movement is amazing.

The sea holds such power but during a storm the ocean or beach is the last place you want to be. The sea rages but brings little to no help to the shoreline. A boat on the sea during a major storm is doomed for destruction. These false teachers that Jude is referring to are nothing more than destructive waves having no concern for who or what they destroy.

for others well being v13b

Jude is not referring to fixed stars, planets, or comets that have a fixed postion in the sky and help navigate those in need of directions. He is referring to meteors, falling stars that suddenly appear and then vanish into darkness to never be seen again. Our Lord is compared to a star ( ; ), and Christians are to shine as stars in this dark world ().

Fixed stars can be depended on to guide the traveler through the darkness, but wandering stars can only lead him astray.

verses 14 and 15 are a reminder that even the OT tells of these apostates. Bible scholars tell us that this quotation is from an apocryphal book called The Book of Enoch. The fact that Jude quoted from this nonbiblical book does not mean the book is inspired and trustworthy, any more than Paul’s quotations from the Greek poets put God’s “seal of approval” on everything they wrote. The Spirit of God led Jude to use this quotation and make it a part of the inspired Scriptures.

When Enoch originally gave this message, it is possible that he was also referring to the coming judgment of the Flood. He certainly lived in an ungodly age, and it seemed that sinners were getting away with their evil deeds. But Enoch made it clear that judgment was coming and that the ungodly would get what was coming to them!

However, the final application of this prophecy is to the world in the end times, the very judgment that Peter wrote about in . The false teachers mocked this prophecy and argued that Jesus Christ would never come and God would never send judgment. But their very attitude was proof that the Word is true, for both our Lord and His Apostles, as well as the prophets, said that scoffers and mockers would appear in the last days (). Enoch gave his prophecy thousands of years ago! See how patient God has been with those who have rebelled against Him!

Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 557.

Has no Content v16

Jude completes the description and emphasizes even more why they are so dangerous: they are out to please themselves by taking advantage of others. Peter says in that their heart has been exercised with covetous practices.

They give the impression that they are interested only in gratifying their own lusts.

What approach do they use? Jude tells us that they use murmuring and complaining to get people disatisfied with their current situation so that they can easily lead them astray into false doctrine. They use “great swelling words” to impress people. They impress with their vocabulary and and oratory skills, but they are speaking nothing more than “hot air”. They use flattery to to manipulate their listeners. They speak well of others publicly only for their advantage.

Extinction of the apostasy V17-19

Their Appointment 17-19

From the very beginning Satan has attacked the Word of God. Yea, hath God said? was his opening statement when he led Eve into disobedience in the Garden. . Once a believer begins to question Gods Word, he/she become vulnerable to Satan’s other attacks. Gods Word is our only protection from the lies of the devil. “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them.”

Remember Who gave it. V17

Wherever there is the authentic, the counterfeit will appear; this happened in the early church. False apostles and teachers began to appear, and it was necessary to develop a system to protect the church against false prophecies and forged letters. Since Christ had committed “the faith” () to His Apostles, one of the main tests in the early church was, “Is this what the Apostles taught?” When the church assembled the New Testament books, it was required that each book be written either by an apostle or by someone closely associated with an apostle. Apostolic teaching was, and still is, the test of truth.

Whenever somebody offers you a “new revelation,” test it by what the Apostles wrote and by what Jesus Christ taught. You will soon discover that the “revelation” is a lie.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Three: You Don’t Have to Stumble (Jude 17–25)

Whenever somebody offers you a “new revelation,” test it by what the Apostles wrote and by what Jesus Christ taught. You will soon discover that the “revelation” is a lie.

RemembeWherever there is the authentic, the counterfeit will appear; this happened in the early church. False apostles and teachers began to appear, and it was necessary to develop a system to protect the church against false prophecies and forged letters. Since Christ had committed “the faith” () to His Apostles, one of the main tests in the early church was, “Is this what the Apostles taught?” When the church assembled the New Testament books, it was required that each book be written either by an apostle or by someone closely associated with an apostle. Apostolic teaching was, and still is, the test of truth.

Remember What they said v18

Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 558.r what was said v18

These apostals prophesied that, in these last days, mockers would come and deny the Word of God. Jude echoed Peter and Paul and John also warned their readers of the apostates (; ; and 4:1-6)

When a warning is given so many times we seem to forget just how serious it is.

The phrase “walking after their own lusts” appears also in and in verse 16 and 18 of our study. This explains why the apostates deny God’s truth: they do not want God to tell them how to live. They would rather satisfy their own sinful desires, and Gods Word condemns their selfish way of life.

Remember why they said it v19

False teachers want to divide the church and lead people out of the true fellowship into their false fellowship. “Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” ().

Their appeal is usually, “We have a deeper knowledge of the Word that your church doesn’t have! We have a better understanding of prophecy, or of the Christian life, than you do.” They offer a “higher quality” religion than that of the Apostles.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Three: You Don’t Have to Stumble (Jude 17–25)

Not only do false teachers divide the church, but they also deceive the church, because they are “sensual, having not the Spirit.” The word sensual means the opposite of “spiritual.” This is the way Paul used it in 1 Corinthians 2:14–16, where it is translated “natural.” (The Greek word is psukikos, which means “soulish.”) Because the false teachers do not have the Spirit of God, they must function on their natural “soul power” alone.

Not only do false teachers divide the church, but they also deceive the church, because they are “sensual, having not the Spirit.” The word sensual means the opposite of “spiritual.” This is the way Paul used it in , where it is translated “natural.” (The Greek word is psukikos, which means “soulish.”) Because the false teachers do not have the Spirit of God, they must function on their natural “soul power” alone.

One of the tragedies in ministry today is that some of God’s people cannot discern between “soul ministry” and the true ministry of the Spirit. There is so much “religious showmanship” these days that the saints are confused and deceived. Just as there was “false fire” in the tabernacle (), so there is “false fire” today in the church; therefore we must exercise careful discernment.

How can we discern between the “soulish” and the “spiritual”? By using the Word of God which is able to divide soul and spirit (); and by paying close attention to the witness of the Spirit of God within (). A “soulish” ministry magnifies man, but the Spirit glorifies Jesus Christ. When the Spirit is ministering through the Word, there is edification; but when the soul is merely “manufacturing” a ministry, there is entertainment or, at best, only intellectual education. It takes the Spirit of God to minister to our spirits and to make us more like Jesus Christ.

Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 559.

Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 559.