Part II.

In verse eight of the epistle of Jude, Jude continues to liken these false teachers to those first three examples given in verses 5-7. These false teachers are the ones who have “. . crept in unawares” (vs.4) they are murmurers and complainers who walk after there own lust. They teach a “gospel” that allows them to be sexual immoral with impunity, and teach others either by word or example, that the grace of God covers them whiles they live such a lifestyle.

(vs.8) “Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominions, and speak evil of dignities.”

The Greek word for “Likewise” is, “homoios” it means, “in the same way.” The KJV takes no notice of the second word in this verse which is, “mentoi” that is a particle of affirmation and often of opposition, meaning “but yet, nevertheless” This word expresses the fact that though they have these fearful examples before them, they persist in there sin. They are also referred to as “filthy dreamers,” “enupniazo” This word means, ‘to dream” It is used of divinely suggested dreams, but metaphorically it means, to be beguiled with sensual images and carried away to an impious course of conduct. As a consequence of their immorality they, “. . defile the flesh” the Greek word for “defile” is, “miainoo” this means, 1. To dye with another color, to stain 2. To pollute, sully, contaminate, soil. They defile their physical bodies with the sin of licentiousness; all in the name of the grace of God. We must bear in mind that, the defiling of the physical body is a sign of God’s judgment, because of the rejection of truth. This is one of the last things in any society that marks the beginning of the end. The first chapter of the book of Romans graphically depicts God’s judgment on those who suppress the truth concerning the invisible God as revealed in his creation. Paul speaks of God giving such over to a reprobate mind, so that they might defile their bodies, and be condemned to the lake of fire. Satan’s ultimate goal in any people or nation is to bring a society in their rebellion against God so as to defile their own bodies. Satan is aware that the sin of sexual immorality brings a people swiftly to the outpouring of divine judgment. The further away from the knowledge of God we drift, the more sexual immoral we become. This can only mean the beginning of the end for the United States of America. We have become increasingly more immoral as to allow for the same sexes to marry. In the book of Romans, chapter one, Paul writing to the Romans said in verses 26-27: “For this cause God gave them up into vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.” Marriage is holy; marriage is the first institution created by God himself. Marriage is to be forever between one man, and on woman. Jude continues in verse eight to further describe the ungodly behavior of these false teachers when he writes, “. . . despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.” The Greek word for, “despise” is, “atheteo” which is, 1.do away with something laid down, prescribed, or established. 2. To thwart the efficacy of anything, nullify, make void, frustrate. 3. to reject, refuse, slight. The word in the Greek for, “dominion” is, “kuriotes” this word is used of angelic, and celestial beings who rule in the heavenlies as in, Ephesians 1:21, Colossians 1:16, and II Peter 2:10. The result of indulgence in degrading lust is a loss of reverence. These false teachers have despised the divine majesty by “. . . denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (vs.4) by the licentious lifestyles of these false teachers, they are denying the Lordship of God, and the contrite submission to the Lord Jesus Christ. When we allow the precious Holy Spirit to control our lives, it will always lead to repentance, and submission to the will of God. But these of whom Jude speaks, “despise dominion” and they, “. . . speak evil of dignities.” These self-willed offenders speak reproachfully, revile, and rail at God-appointed authorities and governments, and exhibit no godly fear for God’s representatives. The inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah showed no reverence for the angels. They went to Lot’s house to fulfill their lust upon his angelic guest. This act of the Sodomites constitute “. . going after strange flesh” This is the apex of the homosexual sin when it attempts to join itself to that which is holy. These false teachers of whom Jude speaks were guilty of the homosexual sin, and so shall it also be in the last days. It is revealing to us that they were men who “. . crept in unawares” they were in the ministry; they were leaders in the professing church, and held places of influence. Does this sound all too familiar? What Jude writes to us in his little epistle, is contemporary with the 21^st century. We too have homosexual clergy behind the sacred desk, and many more who are being ordained by their denominations to serve as Pastors and Bishops in their churches. This means that the God-ordained offices in the church, that should carry with it the reverence, and the dignity from those who function in these offices, are now being filled with irreverent and defiled libertines. They ignore the condemnation of the word of God concerning such practices, and speak evil of those who preach God’s word against it.

(vs.9) “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the Devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, the Lord rebuke thee.”

Here Jude references an apocryphal writing called, the assumption of Moses. The fragments that we have, gives us this summarization. (1) Michael is commissioned to bury Moses (2) Satan opposes his burial on two grounds: (a) he claims he is the lord of matter (hence the body should be handed over to him). To this claim Michael rejoins, ‘The Lord rebuke thee, for it was God’s spirit which created the world and all mankind.’

(b) He brings the charge of murder against Moses. Jude wasn’t giving an endorsement to this apocryphal writing, but being lead by the Holy Spirit, he brings to our attention that which was true concerning the events of Deut. 34:5-6.

Obviously, this was an oral tradition pass down from generation to generation. Jude’s immediate audience being Jewish would be familiar with this apocryphal writing. However, Jude’s intention here in verse nine, is to show us that those heavenly beings such as Michael, recognizes the authority of other spirit beings, and conduct themselves in a manner indicative of the glory, and majesty befitting of their office. Notice what Jude said of Michael, that he “. . durst not bring against him a railing accusation. . .” Jude is saying that Michael dared not to bring a “krisis blasphemia” that is, he did not revile or hurl insults at Satan. Michael did not bring a personal judgment against Satan, but deferred to God’s authority over him to rebuke him. Jude sets the account of verse nine in contrast to the previous verse. Though the angels who are greater in power and might, show respect to other Principalities, these “filthy dreamers” show no reverence for God or the holy angels. They are against governments and Lordships (civil or sacred) and hold them in contempt. They are willfully disobedient, openly disrespectful to any laws, or rules that would impede their lawlessness.

(vs.10) “But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.”

They speak reproachfully, revile, and calumniate those things that are of a greater honor than themselves, though they know nothing of these higher glories. It would seem that these false teachers speak high of low things, and speak low of high things. They like the brute creature, follow their natural instinct to those sensual appetites. The word “brute” in the Greek is, “alogos” and means, “Without reason” they are irrational, and unreasonable as animals. The only thing these false teachers know are the impious, fleshly lusts wherein they find so much enjoyment, and pleasure. Instinctively, the brute creature only lives for two basic purposes: to eat, and for procreate. Just as the animal kingdom, these libertines no nothing but the fulfillment of the base, and depraved appetites. In these same indulgences they are brought to their eternal ruin. O what an eternal ruin shall these endure, and all those they allure through their pernicious doctrine of lasciviousness; namely, turning the grace of God into a license for immorality.

(vs.11) “Woe unto them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.”

1. The way of Cain

2. The error of Balaam

3. The gainsaying of Core (Korah)

“Woe unto them. . .” The Greek word for “Woe” is, “ouai” this is a primary exclamation of grief and great sorrow. There is nothing but great sorrow for these false teachers when one considers their final end. The first three examples given by Jude reveal to us that; just as God judged Israel, the fallen angels, Sodom and Gomorrah for their sexual immorality, he shall also judge these false teachers for their sexual sins. The second set of examples that Jude gives are equally powerful as the first. These examples also reveal that, just as God judged Cain, Balaam, and Korah for their disobedience, and rebellion, he will also judge these false teachers for their rebellion. The first person in these second set of examples begins with, “. . the way of Cain” We learn from scripture that Cain ignored the proper sacrifice, and replaced it with the labor of his own hands. From the beginning we can see the origin of all religions, and the concept of there being more than one way to be saved. From that time until now, men have attempted to establish their own way to God instead of through Christ Jesus. As a result of going about to establish his own righteousness, Cain’s offering was rejected. There is but one way man can be justified, and that is by the precious blood of the Jesus. The first point I think we can glean from this example is: The repudiation of the cross which speaks of self-denial, and the crucified life. We are to die to our own way and live to the will of God. The cross denies these false teachers of their fleshly appetites so they despise, and reject it. Cain also despised his brother Abel, because his own deeds were evil, and his brother’s good. This is another picture of how these of whom Jude speaks despise those who are righteous; those who walk in a greater piety than they. Cain also represents the children of the flesh, who will always persecute the children of the Spirit. By their hatred of those who are righteous, they exemplify that same murderous spirit as that of Cain. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” We can boast and pride ourselves on our knowledge of the bible; we can tell of our great accomplishments and really impress our brothers, and sisters; they may even say of us that we are great bible expositors. We may understand all mysteries and dreams, but if we have not love, we are nothing to God. When we love the brethren, we desire to be in fellowship with them, and pray for their spiritual and physical wellbeing. We rejoice with them that rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Remember, how we relate to one another is how we relate to the Lord. There is no such thing as loving God and despising the brethren. Our love one to another is a reflection of our relationship to Christ Jesus.

(Num. 22:5-31:16) Balaam son of Beor an Old Testament prophet. Apparently Balaam was a true prophet of Jehovah, but as we can readily see from scripture, even true prophets can go into apostasy. Jude referred to the “. . . error of Balaam” which is a lust for gain; greedy of filthy lucre. We must distinguish between the error of Balaam, the way of Balaam, and the doctrine of Balaam. Here Jude speaks of his error. The error of these false teachers of whom Jude warns, is the same as that of Balaam. Jude said that they “. . ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward.” The Greek word translated, “ran greedily” is, “ekcheo” that is, “to pour out” The verb is in the passive voice, and speaks of those who give themselves up to a thing, rushing headlong into it. The error of Balaam speaks of the error of filthy lucre. These teachers of whom Jude speaks are guilty of the error of teaching things for the sake of gain. The apostle Peter also warned us of these in his second epistle. In the second chapter of his letter, Peter writes, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them. And bring upon themselves swift destruction. A many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” (II Pet. 2:1-3) To preach or prophesy for money, and self-aggrandizement necessitates that one preach what the people want to hear, and not what the Spirit of God is saying. This means removing from preaching anything that would be considered, “offensive” or, “negative” so as to allow room for all kinds of indulgences. We have many “Balaams” in the ministry today who are no different than soothsayers. Men who evidence no fear of the judgment to come, neither do they tremble at what awaits them of God’s awful wrath. They may get rich at the expense of the souls of men now, but they will have hell to pay later. This is why true ministers have a solemn responsibility to warn the flock of God. No pastor of any congregation can truly pastor the flock of God unless he is willing to warn the flock of God. When false doctrine is taught publicly, it must be rebuked publicly so that others may take heed. This reward spoken of here can also refer to applause, recognition, and promotion. Balak had promised Balaam honor and promotion as well as money. (Num. 22:17, 37) Balaam met his fate at the end of a sword, and is now in the torments of hell. (Num. 31:8)

Not only have these false teachers gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam, but “. . . perished in the gainsaying of Core.” (Korah) Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram were the men who opposed the leadership of Moses and Aaron. They were not content with the service of the tabernacle; they wanted the priesthood also. We read of this in the book of Numbers, chapter sixteen concerning this rebellion. God had ordained Aaron and his sons after him to minister in the high-priest office for the children of Israel. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram along with two-hundred and fifty leaders of Israel accused Moses, and Aaron of making themselves rulers over the people. They thought to take upon themselves the office of Aaron and his sons. Now Jude says of these false teachers that they shall perish “. . in the gainsaying of Core.” The Greek word for “gainsaying” is, “antilogia” this word means, “to speak against”, “a contradiction” The sin of Korah and those who rebelled with him were: To deny the God-given authority of Moses, and an attempt to intrude into the priest’s office. So do these false teachers oppose godly leadership, and seek to assassinate the character of godly leaders, and ruin their influence among men. These false teachers are self-promoting, and proud, they qualify themselves for certain positions in the professing church that God has not appointed them too. Some of these individuals are angry with God, thinking that they should be in the offices they see others serving in. They see themselves as being qualified and deserving, but lack the true humility of a godly servant of the Lord. Jude tells us that their end is to perish with the same destruction of Korah’s rebellion, namely, “They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit. . .” (Num. 16:33) God opened up the earth to swallow up the entire company of rebels.

Jude in his description of these false teachers is much more graphic in his denouements, than Peter in his epistle. Jude gives us a chilling, and a rather picturesque view of the spiritual condition of these evil men. Verse twelve begins, “These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear. . .” The word in the Greek for, “spots” is, “spilas” which means, “hidden rocks in the sea, ledge, or reef” Jude by the Holy Spirit depicts these false teachers as hidden rocks. Hidden rocks of the sea are a constant danger for ships as they approach shallow waters. So it is also true of these false teachers; they are dangerous because of their doctrine, and moral conduct by which they shipwreck the faith of others. The apostle Paul spoke of those who made shipwreck of their faith, and the faith of others. In I Timothy 1:19 we read, “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.” What makes these false teachers dangerous is they are “hidden” that is, they are not easily discerned. These false teachers are good at feigning themselves as righteous men, and great bible teachers, but in all reality they are a danger, because they bring destruction to those they influence. Notice the reference given above, how Paul identified by name those “hidden rocks” Hymenaeus and Alexander were not easily seen, or else they could not have “made shipwreck” the faith of some. It is evident that one of the solemn responsibilities of a minister is to expose false teachers by name so that the church can avoid them. Some may recoil at this, but when the souls of men are in danger of being lost because of these “hidden rocks” we dare not shrink back from our responsibility. These spurious teachers are in our “feast of charity. . .” This speaks of the love-feasts of the early Christian church. The word for “feast” in the Greek is, “suneuocheo” which means, “to entertain sumptuously in company with” These false Sheppards are not ashamed to feed themselves at the expense of the flock of God. Jude says of these that they are, “feeding themselves. . .” that is, they are their own Sheppard’s; or self-Sheppard's and the Lord is not their Sheppard.

“. . . clouds they are without water, carried about of winds” Here we read that these false teachers are like clouds that are waterless, and carried about of winds. The phrase “carried about” is, “paraphero” in the Greek. The verb phero means “to carry”; and the prefixed preposition, para, means “alongside” the compound verb meaning, “to carry alongside.” These false teachers do not have the water of the word of God, which brings cleansing, healing, and revival; but instead they are “. . . carried about of winds” That is, they are borne along by the winds of false doctrine. The bible warns us that in the last days there would be great winds of destruction. These great winds of destruction would come in the form of damnable heresies. Paul in his letter to the church of Ephesus, chapter four, wrote concerning the ministry gifts of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and teachers. One of the primary purposes of the ministry is to perfect the saints for ministry service to the Lord. Another purpose is to unify the saints in the faith (not just unity for the sake of unity), but a biblical unity. We find yet another great purpose in verse thirteen, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” Notice in verse thirteen what the apostle Paul mentioned concerning, “. . . every wind of doctrine” this is false doctrine. Paul warned the Ephesians of the dangerous methodology of false teachers. The “wind” that the apostle Paul spoke of to the Ephesians, is the same “winds” mentioned by Jude. These are satanic winds; seducing spirits who actuate false teachers. Instead of being borne along by the Holy Ghost, these false teachers are borne along by; “winds” that is seducing spirits. Jude also says they are; “tress whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead.” The word in the Greek for, “. . whose fruit withereth” is, “phthinoporinos” this word means, “autumnal” a tree that not only has lost its fruit, but is stripped of its leaves as well. The description of these false teachers as late autumnal trees, indicate that they at one time had life, But who are now, “. . twice dead.” These false teachers are, “. . . without fruit” that is, “akarpos”, “barren” (figuratively or literally). To become “twice dead” means that they were once dead in their trespasses and sins; then made alive through the born-again experience, and now having fallen away, and have become dead again in sin and death. Since these have died again, they are to be, “. . plucked up by the roots” they are to be violently uprooted. God shall lay his axe to the root of these trees, and cast them into the Gehenna of fire.

(vs.13) “Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.” The Greek word for “Raging” is, “agrios” this word means, “wild, fierce, untamed” these false teachers are wild in a moral sense; they are unhindered by law, or conscience. The prophet Isaiah spoke of the wicked in chapter fifty-seven when he wrote, “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.” These are also described as, “. . wandering stars” perhaps this refers to the comets (shooting stars) that streak across the sky for a moment of time, and then forever vanishes away in the dark to be seen no more. Those who trouble the Church with doctrines of demons, God have appointed them a place in eternity; “. . the blackness of darkness for ever.” The word, “blackness” is, “zophos” This word means, “gloom (as shrouding like a cloud) the gloom of darkness has been reserved for them where there shall be weeping, waling, and gnashing of teeth.

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