They said to you, “In
the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”
THE STUDY:
This
prophecy, as well as the word scoffers,
is found only here and in 2 Pet 3:3. The scoffers
are simply those following their own
ungodly passions. Hence, the focus of the prophecy pertains to their
mocking of God and his moral requirements.
Jude uses the word “Ungodly” (asebeia) which reminds the reader of the prophecy of 1 Enoch with its fourfold repetition of this word in v 15. Asebeia describes those who have no
reverence for God. It usually carries an ethical undertone that points toward
an immoral or unethical lifestyle. For Jude the prophecy of the apostles is
fulfilled in the disgraceful behavior of the intruders.
In
the last times is used frequently to refer to the day of messianic salvation
and judgment. Jesus warned his followers there would be apostasy in the final
age (Matt 24:9–14; Mark 13:5–13). Jude and his readers believed they were
living in the last times for a
variety of reasons. The fulfillment of this prophecy through the false teachers
only reinforced this conviction. It is uncertain precisely what this perception
of the last times entails. Did they
anticipate the imminent return of Christ? Or did they merely perceive
themselves as living in the final age between the resurrection and return of
Christ?[1]
WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY
WITH ….
- We walk away this morning with the understanding that we should not be surprised by those of this generation who disregard and even mock the moral requirements of God. These events should be viewed as a warning to the non-believer and the finish line for the followers of Christ.
CONCLUSION:
I recall many
lessons learned from the coaches I have had the honor of playing for. This
passage of scripture reminded me of how my coach taught me about keeping your composure:
as an individual as well as a team. One of the safeguards was to not let the
other person or team in your head. It was our belief that if the other person
or team was able to get into our heads VICTORY was soon to follow. One of the
indicators that the opponent was being successful in getting into our head was
when we would start bickering and fighting among ourselves. When we would
display this for others to see, VICTORY for the opponent was soon to follow.
In the
spiritual realm the same can be true. What happens is sides are taken and
division then causes arguments and even fights among the believers. All of this
is caused by the deceiver who gets into the head of the believer and starts the
process of turning their eyes from Christ to self. Ultimately this leads the
believers to questioning, disregarding, and for some, mocking the morals and
word of God. Once Satan and his demons get the body of Jesus Christ to start
bickering and fighting among themselves, VICTORY is looming.
Today, I pray
that if there is a situation in your life such as questioning or disregarding
what Jesus has said or is wanting you to do, remember Satan is the one who places
this doubt and fear in you, not God! Finally,
don’t be surprised or shocked by those who mock the morals and word of God.
This is God letting the believer know VICTORY is coming.
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1]
Powers, D. G. (2010). 1 & 2
Peter/Jude: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible
Commentary (287–288). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.
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