We run into many messages and ideas, but not everything that claims to be Christian truth is, and we need to contend for the faith. Jude is writing primarily about people who claim Jesus but have distorted the Gospel into something false and destructive. To describe these people and their teachings, Jude gives three pictures. He reminds us of Cain, who resented his brother for being accepted by God so much that he killed him. Have you ever encountered people who are wrong before God but instead of getting it right, they try to destroy those who are right? He reminds us of Balaam, who told a pagan king how to lure God’s people into sinning and bringing God’s discipline on themselves. Have you heard folks who teach whatever will sell and whatever will make them popular even when it will destroy people? Then, he mentions Korah, who decided to stir up contention and divisiveness against Godly leadership and was destroyed for it. Have you ever encountered someone who sowed dissention and stirred up strife not to counter godlessness but just to tear down leadership? These people and their teachings are like hidden rocks under calm water which tear the hulls out of ships; like clouds that promise rain; trees that bear no fruit; and wandering stars that promise guidance but lead people to destruction. Their lives stir up shame and nastiness, and Jude says the day will come when God will deal with them. First, think about the traditions, teachings, music, preaching, etc. that influences you. Does it hold to the Word or change the Gospel into something else in any of these ways or other distortions? Second, is your heart ever tempted to tear down someone because your life is wrong; to stir up contention just to be difficult; to promote yourself to the hurt of others?
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 16:08:52 +0000
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