With or Without God! (Jude 14-15)

It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”       

THE STUDY:

          Jude concludes his criticism of the false teachers with two prophecies against them (Vs 14 & 16). We will be looking at the first prophecy, found in verse 14, which is a quote from 1 En. 1:9. “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, ….”  Enoch, is an extremely popular apocryphal book during this time period. The prophecy is introduced as from Enoch, the seventh from Adam. When Adam is counted first, Enoch represents the seventh generation (Gen 5:3–18; 1 Chr 1:1–3). Enoch stands out among OT characters because the Bible says he “walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away” (Gen 5:24; Heb 11:5).

          This prophecy fits Jude’s denunciation of the false teachers extraordinarily well. Like Jude, 1 Enoch speaks about the ungodly (v 4), the insults of the ungodly against the Lord and his “holy ones” or angels (vv 8–10), the Lord’s coming (v 21), God’s judgment (v 6), and the punishment of sinners (vv 7, 10, 11, 13). The relevance of this prophecy to his own struggle against the false teachers undoubtedly explains Jude’s quotation of this apocryphal writing.

According to the prophecy, the purpose of the Lord’s coming is to execute judgment on all. But the punishing of the ungodly was Jude’s main point. This is almost awkwardly overemphasized with the threefold repetition of ungodly in the last clause of the prophecy (deeds of ungodliness acts, ungodly way, ungodly sinners).^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that judgment for all is coming, but even more so, the punishment of the ungodly is inevitable.

 CONCLUSION:

           I have to admit, I have wondered why some people who are mean, nasty, and/or hateful seem to be the ones who accumulate wealth and fortune hear on Earth. It just didn’t seem right! Then I started this personal walk with Jesus and found something interesting in scripture.

My personal goal in life was to obtain wealth, fame, and fortune. But in Luke 6:24 it reads, “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” I interpreted this to mean that if my ambition is to obtain all that the world has to offer then my focus was not on the right things.

The Bible tells us, “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3) If we make God first in our life the reward is eternity with Him, but if we don’t our punishment is eternity without Him. Today, let our focus be on what Christ has to offer us opposed to what the world has. Either way the result will be eternal: with or without God!

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Powers, D. G. (2010). 1 & 2 Peter/Jude: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (284–285). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

Find Some Conviction! (Jude 12-13 Part 6)

12 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.      

THE STUDY:

          Continuing the breakdown of verses 12-13, yesterday we looked at how these intruders were like wild waves of the seas leaving behind filth and debris. Today, we are going to look at the final example that Jude uses to describe these false teachers: They are like wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.

          Wandering stars probably refers to the planets, whose irregular movements were not understood by the people of that day. In Jewish tradition planets and falling stars were thought to be controlled by disobedient angels (1 En. 18:13–16; 21:3–6). Since Jude quotes from 1 Enoch in the following verse, he probably has disobedient angels in mind when he compares the false teachers to wandering stars. Because of their ever-changing movement within their orbits, planets cannot be used by travelers for navigation. Likewise, the false teachers were unstable and unsafe for spiritual navigation.

Each subdivision of this section (vv 5–19) ends with a note of judgment and punishment (vs 7, 10, 11). The theme of punishment and judgment appears again at the end of v 13. The false teachers’ fate is utter darkness.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that a leader (inside or outside the church) should be a person who is found stable and trustworthy. This is especially true when it comes to leading a church spiritually. If you do not lead by a conviction in your heart for the teachings and guidance of the Holy Spirit you will appear as a wondering star.

CONCLUSION:

          I watched a movie a few months ago called “7 Days in Utopia.” I would say it has become one of my top ten favorite movies of all time. The main character is a golfer who, after listening to his father (coach) all his life, approached the 18^th hole of a major tournament with the lead. He felt he needed to play it safe but his father advised him to be aggressive and go for the green. The movie portrayed the father as someone who, with all good intentions, did not have his son’s best interest at heart. The father was off course in his life and was teaching his son to follow the same path.

          The golfer finds himself in a little town called Utopia were his mistakes are revealed and a mentor emerges who decides to take the next 7 days to help him find what he had lost. My favorite line in this movie is where the mentor tells the golfer, “The first step is to find some conviction.” http://youtu.be/L0Bw6og8EWo

          If we don’t live by a conviction of the heart we will find ourselves following false teachers, misguided coaches, etc. We might even be found guilty of leading others astray as well! Today, let people see our “conviction” so they will either allow us to lead them to Christ or be encouraged to find some conviction themselves.

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Powers, D. G. (2010). 1 & 2 Peter/Jude: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (282–283). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

Filth and Debris! (Jude 12-13 Part 5)

12 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.      

THE STUDY:

          Continuing the breakdown of verses 12-13, last week we looked at how these intruders were like fruitless trees: they make empty promises. Today, we are going to look at the fifth one: They were like wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame. This portrayal is probably derived from Isaiah 57:20: “But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt.” Like restless waves of the sea, the false teachers leave filthy scum and debris in their wake. Shame is actually plural, shames. Jude may be thinking of the shameful sins of the intruders.

This metaphor makes a different point than the previous images. Whereas the clouds and trees produced nothing, the wild waves actually produce something, but something awful. Instead of edifying other Christians, [the intruder] soils them like the dirt thrown up by a stormy sea.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that non-believers (false teachers) do two things; they produce nothing fruitful to the glory of God and they leave behind guilt and shame for others to deal with.

CONCLUSION:

We have read the headlines and have even watched the documentaries of those false teachers of our day who have left behind a shoreline of filthy scum and debris after their wake. Our hearts have gone out to those who were mis-led and we may have even questioned “How could someone fall prey to this?”

As many of you know, I was not raised in the church. It was not until my mid 20’s did I come to know Jesus Christ as my personal savior. In those years leading up to my salvation experience I had done some things that were not appropriate when it came to girls. Without going into detail, I had basically done what these spiritual leaders had done: mislead for my own pleasure and left a wake of filth and debris for these women to deal with. I have asked God to forgive me for these sins and have asked those (as the opportunity has arose) who I have hurt to forgive me as well.

There is a possibility we have all been in this situation before, where we were either the “false teacher” or “the victim!” Today we may realize we are the ones who are out for personal gain. Better yet, we may realize we are being led astray to be left behind to deal with the guilt and shame. Let today be the day we either receive forgiveness or extend forgiveness to those who may have left us to deal with the filth and debris. God’s blessings and goodness are just on the other side of forgiveness.

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Powers, D. G. (2010). 1 & 2 Peter/Jude: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (282). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

Promises You Can Count On! (Jude 12-13 Part 4)

12 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.      

THE STUDY:

          Continuing the breakdown of verses 12-13, yesterday we looked at how these intruders were like clouds without rain which was useless. Today, we are going to look at the fourth one: They are fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted. Autumn trees, without fruit reiterates the theme of empty promises. At the end of the season, trees are expected to bear the fruit of the season. Similarly, the false teachers promise fruit but yield none.

The phrase twice dead, uprooted is tricky. Uprooted fits the analogy of trees quite nicely. But it is difficult to apply the literal meaning twice dead to the metaphor of trees. The phrase must describe the false teachers more directly. Two suggestions are possible:

First, they are called twice dead and uprooted because they had once been ‘dead in transgressions and sins’ (Eph 2:1) and were now dead again, in the sense that they were cut off from their life-giving root, Jesus Christ.”

Second, twice dead could refer to their eschatological judgment at the last day. “Second death” is used in Revelation to describe the fate of the wicked at the Last Judgment (Rev 2:11; 20:6, 14; 21:8). Considering the eschatological context of Jude’s letter (vv 6, 14–15, 18, 21, 24), the second suggestion is perhaps the better option. But the choice is difficult.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that false teachers will tip their hand to who they really are by making empty promises. The repercussion of their actions is the same as those who are found wicked in the eyes of God.

CONCLUSION:

As my children are growing up I have learned many things “not” to do. One of those things that became apparent was “do not make a promise you cannot keep!” I would say, “we might go to the movies tonight” and the first thing my kids would say is, “You Promise?” If I say yes, then I better be ready to do it no matter what the cost because if I break that promise it will end up costing me dearly.

The Bible is filled with God’s promises. One of those is found in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” This is not an empty promise! Let us remember Satan is out to lie, steal, deceive, and destroy. Some of you might be feeling that God is not listening or He has left you! This is a lie straight from hell!

Today, let’s stop listening to the false teacher (Satan) and all of his lies and let’s remember the promise of God to His children! He will love you, He will take care of you, He will protect you, and He will save you ! Now those are promises you can count on!

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Powers, D. G. (2010). 1 & 2 Peter/Jude: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (281–282). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

Let It Rain! (Jude 12-13 Part 3)

12 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.      

THE STUDY:

          Continuing the breakdown of verses 12-13, yesterday we looked at how these intruders were only looking out for themselves. Today, we are going to look at the third one: waterless clouds, swept along by winds. The NIV states it as they are like clouds without rain. They are also unstable (swept along by the wind). One commentary states it like this: Like clouds that produce no rain and serve only to block the sun, the intruders … are good for nothing.”^[1]

          The Word of God is sometimes compared to the rain and the dew. “May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb.” (Deut. 32:2). Isaiah 55:10 compares God’s Word to the rain and snow from heaven that brings fruit on the earth. Like the clouds in the sky, the intruders may be prominent and even attractive; but if they cannot bring rain, they are useless.^[2]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that we (believers) all are ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! We have been commanded by God to “GO” and share this good news. If we do this for the glory of God we will produce fruit. But if it is for any other reason we are like waterless clouds.

CONCLUSION:

I had a pastor friend pose a question to me as we were talking about our ministries, “What if ministers worked on commission only?” I was not very keen on this idea but I understood his point. Sometimes ministers may forget what their calling is all about: Spreading the Gospel of Jesus. We do this through preaching, teaching, equipping, and much more. This calling doesn’t just rest on the minister but the people of God as well. If we are not leading people to the Cross but instead directing all the attention to us we are like waterless clouds; “useless!”

Micheal W Smith sings a song called, “Let it Rain!” http://youtu.be/0eOWf8vfZJY  I encourage you to listen to it as a time of meditation with the Lord this morning. Remember, we have a purpose and a message. Our purpose is to be the clouds and our message is to let it rain the good news of Jesus Christ. Today, be looking for the opportunity to let it rain.

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Powers, D. G. (2010). 1 & 2 Peter/Jude: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (281). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

^[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Jud 12). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

Red Flags! (Jude 12-13 Part 2)

12 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.      

THE STUDY:

          Continuing on breaking down verses 12-13, we read how Jude moves from example to application in these two verses. Jude ascribes the same kind of wickedness and destruction to the false teachers as was illustrated by his three infamous examples (Cain, Balaam, and Korah). Six vivid portrayals of the false teachers are given. Yesterday we looked at how these intruders were like hidden rocks in the midst of God’s people.

          Today, we are going to look at the second one: They are shepherds feeding themselves (heautous poimainontes: shepherding themselves). Shepherding in the NT usually alludes to pastoral leadership. Thus, Jude may imply that the intruders claim to be leaders in the church, but instead of tending the flock they only look after themselves. With only their own interests in mind, the false teachers gather followers only to lead them astray.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that church leaders with the wrong motives will not only cause themselves to stray from Christ and his teachings but their followers as well.

CONCLUSION:

We have seen many tragic examples of religious leaders leading their followers astray over the last decade: Jim Jones, David Koresh, Marshall Applewhite (Heaven’s Gate). In all of these cases, each leader convinced their followers to meet their own needs, motives, and visions while claiming this to be prophetic.

Many people have asked the question, “How does someone let this happen to them?” I won’t attempt to answer this question! I believe the more poignant question should be, “How can someone recognize and shield themselves from these types of leaders?”

One of the things my wife and I teach our children is this thing called, “RED FLAGS!” Red Flags are those that start waving deep inside your soul that is warning you of something. Have you ever had a moment where you walked into a room and something didn’t feel right in your spirit or you came upon a person who made you feel uncomfortable? Those are the “Red Flags” we are talking about.  

How can someone recognize and shield themselves from these types of leaders? By developing a “personal relationship” with Christ! Being in a personal relationship with Christ means you are spending time every day in his word. You are praying and meditating on a regular basis, (ever second, minute, hour, and day). And everything you are learning about Christ is confirmed by the Holy Spirit.

Let today be a day that you enhance your ability to hear, feel and sense those “Red Flags!” Read about, pray to, and meditate on Christ. Blessings

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Powers, D. G. (2010). 1 & 2 Peter/Jude: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (281). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

Watch out for Hidden Rock! (Jude 12-13)

12 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.      

THE STUDY:

          Over the next few days we are going to break down and look at verses 12-13. We read how Jude moves from example to application in these two verses. Jude ascribes the same kind of wickedness and destruction to the false teachers as was illustrated by his three infamous examples (Cain, Balaam, and Korah). Six vivid portrayals of the false teachers are given.

          Today, we are going to look at the first one: They are hidden reefs at your love feast. Agapē (love) was the early church’s favorite term for Christian love. Believers began to apply the word agapē to their joyful fellowship meals. At these love feasts (agapais), believers would share a meal and celebrate the Eucharist (Holy Communion) together as a body of believers.

The vulnerability of love feasts to greed, disorder, and drunkenness is well-documented by Paul (1 Cor 11:17–34). Peter insinuates that immorality had occurred at some of these feasts (2 Pet 2:13–14).

The intruders must have been responsible for promoting similar abuses because Jude calls them hidden rocks (spilades) at these love feasts. The usual meaning of spilas was “a rocky hazard hidden by waves, a (hidden) reef.” The false teachers were a dangerous hidden reef at the fellowship meals. “Close contact with them will result in shipwreck.” The metaphorical image of danger conveyed by (hidden reef) is powerful.

The intruders participate in the feasts without fear (aphobōs: without reverence). Aphobōs discloses the arrogance of the intruders. But the real danger of their shameless behavior is the misleading impression that a person can remain a Christian while practicing in an immoral lifestyle.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding of two things: 1) Even at events or situations that Christians would consider “for the Glory of God” Satan will try to infiltrate and destroy. 2) A person cannot remain a Christian while involved in an immoral lifestyle. 

CONCLUSION:

I conclude with these two thoughts: First, I am not sure where people have come up with the idea that Church is only for the believers. I have heard the church referred to as a “Spiritual hospital.” Every Sunday morning Satan and his demons are either in a church service or trying to get in. We need to continually be in prayer and in God’s word. This is how we can recognize the infiltrators. Secondly, in reference to immoral lifestyles, those who are participating in this are trying to get God to come to their terms instead of them coming to terms with God.

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Powers, D. G. (2010). 1 & 2 Peter/Jude: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (280–281). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.