False Doctrine: An Empty, Destructive Road

Introduction:

Jude has described the false teachers as a danger lurking in plain sight.

They utilize, much to their delight, the benevolent meals of the congregation to make their way among the congregation.

Yet, they are somewhat off to themselves. They have no interest in demonstrating true charity. Instead, they refuse to interact with the majority of the congregation.

He has also described them as “feeding themselves.”

Here, he brings his recipients’ minds to Ezekiel 34. In light of Ezekiel 34, it is also clear that what Jude has in mind is the failure to show the proper care and concern for God’s people.

Rather than be guided in the truth and to behave accordingly, these individuals only see their position as an occasion to exploit the people of God.

In Ezekiel 34, reference to shepherds occurs 32 times in 16 verses out of a total of 31 verses for the chapter. Most of the time, it is used in reference to the leaders of Israel. The other times it is used of God or of David’s descendant whom the Lord will send to shepherd and feed his people.

Yet again, Jude’s characterization of the false teachers gives us a summons to consider the Word of God’s teaching about good, true pastors. How do they differ from this?

The pastoral epistles, Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, establish what true teachers are and what they do.

Their teaching comes out of their own genuine faith and their desire to know God’s word.

They set an example for the rest of the congregation.

This is not because it their job to do so in order to earn a living. Rather, their example comes from their own commitment to Christ.The only real, spiritual food is the Word of God.

A Call to See Them as They Really Are

Clouds, trees, waves, stars are the physical objects Jude then uses for indirect comparison but to make emphatic statements.

Through them, he describes them as the opposite of what they seem to be.

Rather than having a basis for their arrogant and boastful view of themselves, they are, in fact, men of little spiritual foundation and even less spiritual substance.

Waterless clouds

See Prov. 25:14

The point seems to be that they have nothing to offer.

It isn’t just that they are blown around by everything.

It is that the Word of God they claim to have by new revelation in reality is nothing.

Nothing they promise ever comes to pass. Their “new revelations” only end in destruction.

It is important to remember that false doctrine does not lead to an alternative, but acceptable version of Christianity. The Bible is clear that it leads to a destroyed faith.

Notice that Paul told Timothy something similar in 1 Timothy 6:3-5.

See also 1 Tim. 6:8-9

Fruitless Trees - these are found in autumn. The teachers bear no spiritual fruit manifesting their lack of spiritual substance.

Yet again, there is nothing there of any value.

Waves spewing nothing but shame.

Isaiah 57:20

Deceived Stars headed for destruction.

Instead of a pure faith that comes from a pure conscience, false doctrine leads people astray. What it ends up producing is a wide array of ungodly characteristics. At their most extreme, false teachers deceive others from ever hearing the truth. The truth they refuse to believe for themselves, and their false doctrines mislead others into eternal destruction. God has always had a place reserved for such hardened, deceptive unbelievers.