Me, Too! (3)

Study of Jude

Message Three

Wednesday night at TBC

The study of Jude will not be a traditional “sermon study.” I will formulate notes, include an ETS and perhaps and ESS, but for the purpose of interaction in the audience and an informal atmosphere, I will not formerly teach.

To guide our study each week, we will answer three questions: what does this passage say? What does this passage mean? Why is this passage important to me?

The following is a study of Jude 12-16.

ETS: Jude described the false teachers and their destiny.

ESS: Believers should be aware of the common traits of false teachers and their destiny.

What does this passage say?

False teachers have no meaningful purpose that benefits the kingdom; false teachers are dangerous; their destiny is eternal judgement.

What does this passage mean?

Firstly, Jude describes the false teachers. This is hinted by the “these people” referring to the false teachers of the day in comparison to the illustrations given previously. Daniel Akin highlights that they are “destructive (12a), disappointing (12b), destitute (12c), defiling (13a), and disappearing (13b)” (Akin 169-70). Additionally, they are ungodly (having no reverence for God) [15], selfish (12 and 16), and distracted (16)

Dangerous reefs (12a): refers to reefs which were dangerous to ships posing a threat to their structural integrity. These false teachers posed a threat to the unity and fellowship of “love feasts” of the church whereby believers looked forward to instruction, encouragement, and a meal together. See also 2 Pt. 2:13.

Note: shepherds who only look after themselves. This seemingly supports that these false teachers could have been acknowledged leaders. The backdrop here seems to be Ezekiel 34:2;8.

Waterless clouds (12b): refers to the false teachers both as people of terrible character and to their doctrine. Both could not sustain what they promised.

Trees in late autumn fruitless, twice dead and uprooted (12c): refers to trees that bear no fruit in the harvest season- perhaps dead at the root and fruit. Uprooted because of their lack of worth.

Wild waves of the sea (13a): Refers to the the washing up of seaweed/debris from an ocean storm- tossed about and yet defiling the beaches upon arrival.

Wandering stars (13b): Perhaps refers to a shooting star that is for a moment seen and then disappearing. The key is that it is understood that these ft being compared to wandering stars implies their going off course and falling away, thus being cast into darkness- judgement.

Discontented grumblers (16a): such as those in the wilderness who basically cursed God in their discontent. They lived according to their own desires. Thus, what God offered was not what they were looking for.

Uttered arrogant words (16b): They speak arrogant words as to try to impress others with their spiritual knowledge or eloquence; yet it was devoid of genuine divine truth. They did so to try to flatter people for their own sake. Notice this in contrast to Jesus’ actions as described in the Christ hymn of Philippians 2:5-11 (specifically v. 6).

Next, Jude declares their destiny. Vv. 13b-16 declare that they are destined to the judgement of God because of their lack of reverence and all-consuming selfishness. This is a quote from 1 Enoch that cause many to debate the credibility that Jude gave to Enoch. They key is this: he used this because the people to whom he wrote would have been familiar. The question of credibility could, in some way, cause us to miss the whole point.

Akin commented on v. 14 writing, “The ‘tens of thousands of his holy ones’ refers to the angels. Numerous times in both the OT and the NT God is pictured as coming with his angels (cf. Zech. 14:5; Matt. 16:27, 25:31; 1 Thess. 3:13; 2 Thess. 1:7). At this coming, things will be radically different from his first visit to earth. Here he comes to a crown, not a cross. He comes to a throne, not a cradle. He comes to reign, not to die. He comes to judge, not to be judged. The next time he comes will be the last time he comes, and angels will be both his escort and his agents of judgement (v. 15).” (Akin 171)

Why is this passage important to me?

This passage is important to me because I, as a believer and leader, need to be aware of the common qualities possessed by false teachers understanding that they still exist today. Furthermore, I need to understand that their destiny is judgement and their doctrine is empty and devoid of any promise that is genuine. With such understanding, I must avoid being led astray by false teachers, confront them when necessary (meaning the opportunity arises), and to teach truth always.