A study on the Book of Jude Part 1

Part 1

The Epistle of Jude was written as an instructional letter for the people of God (believing Jews and Gentles). This letter was written as a warning and a reproof. In these last days the lessons are there to be learned from the examples of the Old Testament saints as to what happens when we stray. Surrounded by heretical teachers, and people who are disobedient to God etc., the temptation is to follow the crowd, to compromise and fall asleep spiritually because we are not aware of the dangers of listening to them and, subsequently, coming under God’s judgment.

At times it is right to fight against false teachings, cults and virtually anything that is done in the name of Jesus that is contrary to the Bible.

What do other scriptures say about it?

The scriptures warn us about what will happen in the last days. Jesus said in Mathew 7:15 – 20 that we are to be aware of false prophets, not to be afraid of them. If you are born again, led by the Holy Spirit, then you should be able to discern their fruits. The example and teaching of Jesus even tells us how to identify the false teachers.

Mathew 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

What did Jesus mean when he said “by their fruits”, he meant where their teaching will lead, in Proverbs 20:11, in 2 Peter 2:1 we read what it says about false teachers.

What did Jesus mean when he said “by their fruits”, he meant where their teaching will lead, in Proverbs 20:11, in 2 Peter 2:1 we read what it says about false teachers.

1 Cr 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

John 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with [their] eyes, nor understand with [their] heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

Whose minds the gods of this age has blinded, who do not believe,
lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

We know that God lets them become blind because of their disobedience, this is their Judgment because the simple fact is that they don’t listen to God nor do they obey him.

This is what God says, here we are commanded yet again as Paul instructs:

2 Ti 4:2; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

This is a commandment not a suggestion. God wants us to preach the word of God. Why? Because it brings conviction from sin and the hope of salvation. We are commanded to reprove, meaning to correct error. If the believer does not listen to his correction, no matter who that person is, we are to rebuke them (in some cases publicly). It then says to exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine, this is what most don’t want and don’t even like, “exhortation”. Even if bad things happen as a result of it, for example if you expose their hidden deceit using the light of God’s word, people who claim to be Christians will be the very people who will conspire to spread false rumors about you.

Exerting with doctrine, Judge (TEST) every thing we are taught, if that teaching or doctrine is false then we should not compromise and just sit back and accept it! Either speak to the person who is teaching the doctrine falsely (this is not suggesting that we should bite the person’s head off, but in humility. Some times it is necessary to do it in a strong manner, other times we need to be gentle, above all having the character of Christ in dealing with the individual, remembering that each person is different.

An instruction for our Pastors and leaders from Ezekiel Chapter 33:7-9.

Eze 33:7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.

Eze 33:8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked [man], thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Eze 33:9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

God said in Ezekiel that he leaves an instruction with a warning, that leaders and pastors are to be watchmen. When people who have been appointed for that position by God see a wolf they are to alarm the church and warn them so that the false teachers can be rejected, if a such a one as mentioned in verse 8 who is in error or is disobedient to God does not get corrected then he will die in his sin and that you will fall under judgement because you let that person carry on in his sin without warning them. This is a sin that is committed against God.

Verse 9 but if that person has been told and warned and he still does not listen nor corrects his ways then the unrepentant sinner will die in his own sin, and you will not receive God’s Judgment for his sin.

The higher price is on the people God has appointed as our leaders, elders and pastors.

Ezekiel Chapter 34: 1 – 10

Eze 34:1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Eze 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe [be] to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

Eze 34:3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye
kill them that are fed: [but] ye feed not the flock.

Eze 34:4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither
have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up [that which was] broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.

Eze 34:5 And they were scattered, because [there is] no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.

Eze 34:6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek [after them].

Eze 34:7 Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;

Eze 34:8 [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because [there was] no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;

Eze 34:9 “Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD”;

Eze 34:10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.

God is speaking in Ezekiel 34:1 – 10 this is an opening in the chapter God is angry at his Shepard’s and he charges them with these 2 things,

Henry’s commentary says:

Quote:

“1. that all their care was to advance and enrich themselves and to make themselves great. Their business was to take care of those that were committed to their charge: Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? No doubt they should; they betray their trust if they do not. Not that they are to put the meat into their mouths, but to provide it for them and bring them to it. But these shepherds made this the least of their care; they fed themselves, contrived every thing to gratify and indulge their own appetite, and to make themselves rich and great, fat and easy. They made sure of the profits of their places; they did eat the fat, the cream (so some), for he that feeds a flock eats of the milk of it (1Co 9:7), and they made sure of the best of the milk. They made sure of the fleece, and clothed themselves with the wool, getting into their hands as much as they could of the estates of their subjects, yea, and killed those that were well fed, that what they had might be fed upon, as Abbot was put to death for his vineyard. Note, There is a woe to those who are in public trusts, but consult only their own private interest, and are more inquisitive about the benefice than about the office, what money is to be got than what good to be done. It is an old complaint, All seek their own, and too many more than their own.“‘ Henry’s commentary.

Quote

“2. That they took no care for the benefit and welfare of those that were committed to their charge: You feed not the flock. They neither knew how to do it, so ignorant were they, nor would they take any pains to do it, so lazy and slothful were they; nay, they never desired nor designed it, so treacherous and unfaithful were they. “ Henry’s commentary

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(2.) They did not do their duty to those of the flock that were dispersed, that were driven away by the enemies that invaded the country, and were forced to seek for shelter where they could find a place, or that wandered of choice upon the mountains and hills (Eze 34:6), where they were exposed to the beasts of prey and became meat to them, Eze 34:5. Every one is ready to seize a waif and stray. Some went abroad and begged, some went abroad and traded, and thus the country became thin of inhabitants, and was weakened and impoverished, and wanted hands both in the fields of corn and in the fields of battle, both in harvest and in war: My flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, Eze 34:6. And they were never enquired after, were never encouraged to return to their own country: None did search or seek after them. Nay, with force and cruelty they ruled them, which drove more away, and discouraged those that were driven away from all thoughts of returning. Their case is bad who have reason to expect better treatment among strangers than in their own country. It may be meant of those of the flock that went astray from God and their duty; and the priests, that should have taught the good knowledge of the Lord, used no means to convince and reclaim them, so that they became an easy prey to seducers. Thus were they scattered because there was no shepherd, Eze 34:5. There were those that called themselves shepherds, but really they were not. Note, Those that do not do the work of shepherds are unworthy of the name. And if those that undertake to be shepherds are foolish shepherds (Zec 11:15), if they are proud and above their business, idle and do not love their business, or faithless and unconcerned about it, the case of the flock is as bad as if it were without a shepherd. Better no shepherd than such shepherds. Christ complains that his flock were as sheep having no shepherd, when yet the scribes and Pharisees sat in Moses’ seat, Mt 9:36. It is ill with the patient when his physician is his worst disease, ill with the flock when the shepherds drive them away and disperse them, by ruling them with force.Henry’s commentary

So by this we have a lesson to learn as in verse 9 and 10 God gives us a warning to say shepherds meaning pastors God is showing the pastors he wants them to listen to what God is saying as this is important God also leaves a warning in verse 10.

Barnes states.

Verse 10. But these speak evil of those things which they know not. These false and corrupt teachers employ reproachful language of those things which lie wholly beyond the reach of their vision. See [2Pe 2:12].But what they know naturally. As mere men; as animals; that is, in things pertaining to their physical nature, or in which they are on a level with the brute creation. The reference is to the natural instincts, the impulses of appetite, and passion, and sensual pleasure. The idea of the apostle seems to be, that their knowledge was confined to those things. They did not rise above them to the intelligent contemplation of those higher things, against which they used only the language of reproach. There are multitudes of such men in the world. Towards high and holy objects they use only the language of reproach. They do not understand them, but they can rail at them. Their knowledge is confined to the subjects of sensual indulgence, and all their intelligence in that respect is employed only to corrupt and destroy themselves.

As brute beasts. Animals without intelligence. See [2Pe 2:12]. In those things they corrupt themselves. They live only for sensual indulgence, and sink deeper and deeper in sensual gratifications.

Barnes

Thus this is what God says about Irresponsible Pastors this is God’s judgement on them in accordance with Ezekiel.

JUDE 1:1-2

Jude’s Background.

JUDE 1:3-16

The Sin and Doom of Godless Men

JUDE 1:17-22

A Call to Persevere

JUDE 1:24

Doxology

Jude 1:1 – 2 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

In Jude’s letter he identifies himself, according to verse 1, as the brother of James who is another brother of Jesus Christ. (Mt. 13:55 and Gal. 1:19).

Mt. 13:55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

Gal. 1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.

Luke 6:6 makes it clear also but Jude and Judas is the same name. The Hebrew name

Luke 6:6 makes it clear also but Jude and Judas is the same name. The Greek name for Jude is Ioudas or which the the New Testament is translated from. There is no distinction or difference between the names “Judah”, “Judas” and “Jude”, being rendered all as Ioudas; but in many English translations “Judah” is used for the Old Testament figure and the tribe named after him, “Judas” is used in the New Testament.

In verse 2 Jude is showing that he has been instructed by God to warn us about these various issues any one who warns his brother’s in Christ has love because he does not want to see him/us fall into error but understand that we need discernment.

Luke 6:16 And Judas [the brother] of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

As you can see from Luck 6:6 that we see Judas mentioned this also would indicate that in Jude 1:1 Jude is Judas according to Luke 6:6 also to note that Judas Iscariot and Judas are two entirely different people, that the brother of James is only called Jude and not Judas Iscariot.

Source references from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

When someone writes “gave all diligence” it means that the writer wants to say some thing important. He further uses the word “exhort” meaning that he urges, in other words it means to pursue without stopping no matter how hard or difficult, even if causing offence to others. We must hold to what is true. He encourages us as to the importance for a person to earnestly contend for the faith with was once delivered unto the saints.

What does that mean for the Believer that we should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints?

This is the popular view of love, but it is false and dangerous.

ECUMENISTS ARE CONFUSED ABOUT THE DEFINITION OF LOVE

Love is crucial. The Bible says that without love “I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” The Bible tells us that God is love, and those who know God will reflect His love. What is love, though? The ecumenical world is confused about the definition of love. It must be defined biblically. “Love,” to human thinking, is a warm feeling or a sensual romantic thought.

“Love,” to this ecumenical generation, is broadmindedness and non-judgmental acceptance of any one who claims to know the Lord Jesus Christ. This is not what the Bible says about love.

Jesus answered and said unto him, (John 14:23;) “IF A MAN LOVE
ME, HE WILL KEEP MY WORDS and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him “

“May 15, 1997 (David W. Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061-0368, fbns@wayoflife.org) –

This is what happens if we accept false teachers and tolerate false teachings

2 Timothy Chapter 2:17-18 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

Now who were Hymenaeus and Philetus

They claimed that the Resurrection had already taken place, this was a lie.

The bible says again

Ephesians 5:11 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.“

2 John 1:9-11 “Whoever transgressed and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.“

This goes for people like Billy Graham, Benny Hinn and others.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.’ Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.’ ‘I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.‘”

You need real player for this clip.

Click here to see the video: Graham has “wonderful fellowship”
with the Pope and Mormonism.

Larry King: “What do you think of Mormonism, Catholicism, other faiths within the Christian concept?”

Billy Graham: “Well I think I am in wonder fellowship with all of them.”

Larry King: “You are comfortable with Salt Lake City. You are comfortable with the Vatican?”

Billy Graham: “I am very comfortable with the Vatican.”

Larry King: “You were preaching in his church (Pope) the day he was made Pope.”

Billy Graham: “That is correct.”

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.“

See we must be all the more faithful to God’s word.

Jude v 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

People like Graham, Hinn and others are as verse 4 states: Godless men working within the churches today and who also prostitute the churches for gain, comfort and Money. This is what they teach.

Look at the money teachers.

Click here to goto the audio files.

2 Timothy Chapter 4:14-16 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge.

It’s the people like Alexander we must be aware of.

John writes a letter in to the elder,
3 John 1:9-11 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

Here John speaks to cast false teachers out because of their false witness but we are told to be the Good example.

Jude v 5 Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe.

If we sit back and tolerate false teachings we deceive ourselves. People were destroyed because of their disobedience.

To those who do not do the will of God the bible gives us a warning.

Rom 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

And as such we should run away from it do not listen and take it either speak out or walk away, for that person is accursed by God.

They do not obey God they are more interested in their wealth while others are going poor these people teach that if you follow God you will be rich and so these men drive around in their Rolls Royce wearing Armani suites, sleep in expensive hotels when there are countless of people dying from starvation world-wide.

1 Timothy Chapter 1:3 – 4 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

Charge here means to “command”, that we expose and command also that they teach no other doctrine.

It also says about fables well here is a definition the dictionary says:

1. A usually short narrative making an edifying or cautionary point and often employing as characters animals that speak and act like humans.

2. A story about legendary persons and exploits.

3. A falsehood; a lie.

These things do not edify any one they just tell stories to twist what is truth.

By teaching these things it is they that cause division not those who defend the word of God but those who teach it falsely cause divisions.

1 Timothy Chapter 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

This is another warning, “Take heed” meaning something important to take notice of, this will save you from falling into error because by doing so you’re not sitting back and taking the person’s word for it. We should also be on guard so that if when we talk to others they do not fall for this! We have to be careful.

1 Ti 1:13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief.

Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

We are told to practice what we have been taught to be out spoken we, as believers, cannot sit there and keep silent.

Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

We are to speak also in line with Gods word this is important.

Jude v6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

As we see in (Revelation 12:7-9) it talks of a great battle in heaven because of a rebellion and God cast the devil and his angels down to the earth thus sin and trouble began.

Rev 12:7-9 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Jude v 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Jude recognised the rebellion of unbelievers. Even today, for
example, they celebrate their lusts in drunkenness and perversion openly on our streets.

God takes these matters seriously we read this

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination.

Genesis 13:13 But the men of Sodom [were] wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

Jude v 8 Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

This is spoken about in the book of Romans as the result of what happens when men do not submit to the authority of God.

Romans 1:24-32 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

For this cause God gave them up unto 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 recompense of their error which was met.

And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Jude v 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.

In the case of Jude 9, because we fight against the devil and his deeds and false teachings he states, “The Lord rebuke you!”( notice here he does not do it in his own strength.)

We also see this in Isaiah 55:8, John 15:5, Isaiah 40:31, Luke 6:48 Jesus is our Rock.

Isa 55:8 For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Luk 6:48 He is like a man who built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

Jude 10-11But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. 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.

For any one who commits these things there is a warning; you can either do what Cain did or follow the example of Abel.

Let’s look at the ways of Cain, what he did to his own brother

Genesis 4:14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, [that] every one that findeth me shall slay me.

End of Part 1

By Miguel Hayworth