just as Sodom and
Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual
immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a
punishment of eternal fire.
THE STUDY:
Jude continues
on with another example for his reader. Jude has reminded the people of the
Exodus from Egypt and the result for the unbelievers. He has also reminded them
of the fallen angles and what fate awaits them. The example of Sodom and Gomorrah is undoubtedly the
most famous story of divine judgment in the Bible (see Luke 17:28–29; 2 Pet
2:6–8). The destruction of Sodom and
Gomorrah included the surrounding
cities (see Deut 29:23), thus underscoring the contaminating threat of
immorality.
God punished
these cities because they gave themselves up to sexual immorality and
perversion. The phrase just as (hōs)
connects the sin of the fallen angels with the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah. Some
argue that sexual immorality and perversion points specifically to homosexual
intercourse. But the phrase could refer to unnatural sexual relations between
angels and humans. We will not be debating these two views but I felt we needed
to be aware of the debate.
Sodom and
Gomorrah serve as an example of those by
undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. These cities are set before the
eyes of the world as a sample of divine retribution. The Gospels frequently use
eternal fire to describe the torments
of hell reserved for the punishment of the wicked.
Jude specifically identifies Sodom
and Gomorrah as the example of God’s punishment. But each of the examples in vv
5–7 could represent the kind of punishment those who rebel against God can
expect. Ungodly and rebellious behavior will not go unpunished.[1]
WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY
WITH ….
- We walk away with the understanding of the degree of punishment that awaits the ungodly and those who rebel against God. That punishment is “Eternal Fire!” What does that specifically look like? We are not given all the specifics but we can rest assure, this punishment is unlike anything we have ever experienced on earth: Jail, prison, beatings, etc. But most certain is the fact that God’s presence will not be!
CONCLUSION:
I remember as
a child that if I did something against my mom’s wishes there was a negative
consequence. This punishment could range from being sent home to groundings, to
the ultimate: whippin’s (WV slang)! Each infraction had a degree that was
attached to it. The thing we
need to understand, when it comes to God, is that each sin has the same value
to God. From telling a lie to murder, the same punishment results: eternal
fire.
This morning
may be a little heavy for some but the truth of the matter is Sin has
consequences. My prayer for each of us is that we hear what Jude is sharing and
look at it positively. Let us want to be like those who followed God out of
Egypt, or those Angles who did not fall. Better yet, let us be like those in Sodom
and Gomorrah who stayed true to the teachings of God and was spared the punishment
of God. Make Matthew 6:33 your life verse, But
seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will
be added to you.
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1]
Powers, D. G. (2010). 1 & 2
Peter/Jude: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible
Commentary (274–275). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.
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