“In
the same way, these people—who claim authority from their dreams—live immoral
lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings.”
Jude 8
Jude, widely considered to be the
brother of James and Jesus, wrote this general letter attacking a specific
controversy that had entered the church. He deals with general aspects of the
heretic’s creed, such as denying Christ’s rightful position and using Christian
liberty as a license to disregard portions of God’s standards. When we read the above verse in this brief,
single chapter writing, many people that cross our path each day come to
mind. Some claim to be believers, yet
bear no fruit. Others attempt to appear
pious all the while having no personal relationship with God thru Christ at
all. Attending church is an important
element in a Christian’s spiritual maturation; however, attending every time
the doors are open doesn’t make you a believer in Christ.
Jude writes in verse 16 “These people are grumblers and complainers,
living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and
they flatter others to get what they want.” Verses 12-13 give very clever
illustrations of what these false believers are like: “When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating
the Lord’s love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are
like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds
blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn
that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the
roots. They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their
shameful deeds. They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest
darkness.” Because their lives are empty, sorrow awaits them.
Those who are self-seeking and filled
with vanity need to submit to the Lord’s will for their lives. Living as if nothing else matters but your
own satisfaction and pleasure will only lead to a miserable future, filled with
‘things’ and topped off with emptiness, bitterness and pain. We must remain faithful to what we know is
true and not dabble in that which only sounds
good. The question you must ask yourself
is “does it line up with the word of God?” If the answer is no, disregard and
discard it for it is a trap to drag you down.
“All glory to him who alone is
God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Jude 25a) Until next time, walk with the King and be a
blessing!
Resource: Asbury Bible Commentary.
