Jude reminds me of my least favorite kind of people. I will call them dividers. They thrive in chaos, and thus they undermine stability. They excel at tearing down, and hurling accusations. Today’s lesson is about recognizing the wreckers. The author is Jude. Though some debate, he is likely the half-brother of Jesus. All we know for sure is that he is: “a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.” He writes to all followers of Christ: “To those who have been called.” His greeting includes a blessing: “Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” All three seem to be very scarce today. He urges each believer to: “contend for the faith”, that means to protect and defend. “For certain individuals… have secretly slipped in among you.” Dividers do not allow healthy debate, they desire control. Listen to the two things they attack in the church. First, they “pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality.” The freedom granted through salvation should produce gratitude. God’s grace also includes a sobering understanding that my forgiveness was bought by the blood of Christ. Jude adds that these infiltrators also “deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” Without the Law, or Responsibility, or Lordship, the ungodly are unrestrained.
The Hebrew nation had a 6,000-year written history showing a repeating pattern of triumph, followed by rebellion, leading to repentance, and finally full restoration. These human flaws are recorded to continuously remind us of our need for a Messiah. Jude writes: “I want to remind you… the Lord… delivered His people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe.” God is patient in mercy, and perfect in judgement. The rebellious angels are being prepared for “judgment on the great Day.” Jude includes “Sodom and Gomorrah” turning away from God toward “sexual immorality and perversion.” He says “They serve as an example” for us today. Dividers attempt to corrupt the lessons from history.
Jude adds that dividers blame others for their failures. Often their personal lives are a wreck as they: “pollute their own bodies” and “reject authority.” They “slander whatever they do not understand.” He adds that they rely on instinct instead of wisdom, which “will destroy them.” Jude uses several examples from the Old Testament that his readers understood: “They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.” Each of these stories show that rejecting God’s authority leads to arrogance. Finally, this selfish pride leads to entitlement. These infiltrators become empty takers: “shepherds who feed only themselves… clouds without rain… autumn trees, without fruit.” He reminds us that corruption will continue: “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” Pay attention to his description: “These are the people who divide you… grumblers and faultfinders… following their own evil desires; they boast about themselves.” The chapter closes with instruction for the church on how to defend the faith. Jude describes personal responsibility while keeping our focus on Christ: “Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” We are to be reflections of our Savior: “Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire.” Mercy is easiest for those who have been shown mercy. Mercy can snatch the lost from the gates of hell. Jude tells believers to: “show mercy, mixed with fear.” This fear is for the deceived that march blindly toward judgement. All of this is done in joy with “power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Believer, what tools are you using to contend for the faith?