And have mercy on
those who doubt; 23 save others by
snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even
the garment stained by the flesh.
THE STUDY:
Last week we looked at the first
two ways Jude revealed how we are to reach out to the non-believers: by showing
mercy and snatching them from the fire. Today we will look at the third way
which is Jude giving the command: to
others show mercy with fear, hating even the garments stained by the flesh.
The strong language suggests that Jude has the false teachers themselves in
mind here. They are to have pity upon even the most abandoned heretic, but to
exercise great care while getting alongside them lest they themselves become
defiled. Although they should be shown mercy,
their mercy must be mixed with fear (en phobÅi). In the NT, fear (phobos) typically denotes that reverential awe with which believers
should view the holy and majestic God.
The idea of “garments stained” refers to the garment worn next to the skin. Jude
pictures the sinful teaching and practices of these people as underclothes fouled
by feces. These words create a vivid and intentionally unpleasant image. Jude
suggests that whatever comes in contact with these people is contaminated by
their sins. Because of the awful threat of contamination, believers should show mercy on them, but they should be
careful. Their mercy should be with fear lest they be tempted and drawn
into the same awful contamination of the false teachers.[1]
WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY
WITH ….
- We walk away with the understanding that in ministry we are going to get dirty. But in the midst of the dirt, mud, smoke and/or dust we are to be careful to not slip and fall to the sins of those we are trying to minister too.
APPLICATION:
As a youth pastor I was faced with the
question, “How do we witness to our friends who are not believers?” This is a
great questions and I believe it is answered in these last couple of
devotionals. Show mercy, snatch them from the fire when necessary, and show reverence
to God! I would always caution my teens with this thought in mind: As long as
you are leading those friends toward Christ, continue the relationship but if
you feel they are drawing you away from Christ then discontinue that
friendship.
Today, there
might be someone in your life that you are ministering too. If you are leading
them toward a personal relationship with Jesus then keep on witnessing to them.
But, if you are starting to feel more compelled to follow them in their unhealthy
ways, stop, drop, and roll. Stop what you are doing, Drop to your knees and
seek God’s strength and guidance. Once you have done this start rolling the
opposite way; back toward Jesus! Ministry is a calling Christ has for all of
His believers but it is also dirty.
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1]
Powers, D. G. (2010). 1 & 2
Peter/Jude: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible
Commentary (296). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.
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