A Look at the Epistle of Jude

“In the same way, these people—who claim authority from their dreams—live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings. But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.) But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction. What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion.”– Jude 8-11

            Anytime someone claims to have heard directly from God it makes it difficult for listeners to refute such a claim.  These false teachers of Jude’s day claimed to receive authority thru dreams. If a believer doesn’t know scripture they can easily be sucked into this vortex of ungodliness. Jude writes in verses 8-11 about those who propagate such heretical lies by saying that they “live immoral lives”, “defying and scoffing at things they do not understand”. The words “defy” & “scoff” not only apply to these false teachers, but could easily apply to any number of people today who would rather live in abject ignorance than consider embracing what millions consider to be the only truth worth embracing.

            The scathing rebuke of these ungodly folks appears to apply to all those who do not choose to acknowledge God in any way in the past, present and in the future. Their destruction is assured because they chose their own path, avoiding the path God would have for them. They cast aside anything that would challenge what they have convinced themselves into believing. Having done so they confidently spread it like manure among jewels. Satan will take literal garbage and wrap it in pretty paper, topped off with a bow to entice the godly to stray from what they know in their hearts is true. They needed to guard their hearts in Jude’s day and we must guard against godless teaching today as well.

            These false teachers are just another example of what Solomon shares in Proverbs when he says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”_{(Proverbs 14:12 NLT)}  Their arrogance keeps them from seeing their own folly. Receiving authority from their own dreams proves that arrogance, but it is only steeped in ignorance, for they entertain nothing but their own teachings. Death and destruction is coming for all who turn away from God and turn othersaway from God as well. Know what you know and live by it. Do not let ‘fly by night’ teachings knock you off your path. Draw ever closer to the Lord for he alone can keep you on a steady course to heaven. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlkeller

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; www.biblegateway.comand The American Heritage Dictionary.