Commentary on The Book of Jude

                                         

Intro

Jude is the brother of James – the author of the Book of James, and the half-brother of Jesus Christ. Jude initially did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah until he rose from the dead (John 7:5; 1 Cor 15:6). Scholars declare this book was written around 68-70 A.D. before the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. No specific audience is identified, but we know that Jude is addressing believers because in his salutation he says, “Those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ (vs.1).” This can only make reference to believers.

Jude’s letter was to discuss our common salvation, but the Spirit of God guided him in another direction.

What Jude had to discuss to his readers

Jude had to warn his readers to contend earnestly for the faith once and for all delivered unto the saints. To contend earnestly means to wage war. To be a combatant for the truth. This is a truth war. Why? Because of evil men, false teachers have perverted the grace of God into a word we do not use in everyday language, licentiousness. It is a word that means without moral restraint. These evil doers were dragging the grace of God underfoot as an occasion to do evil. Jude goes on to describe them in great detail:

1.      They defile the flesh - this means they are sexually deviant. They are likened to Sodom and Gomorrah who God destroyed for their immorality. They are also likened to those who were delivered from Egypt but died in the wilderness due to unbelief. Also, they are like the Angels that sinned in Genesis 6 by not keeping their first estate. God has consigned them to eternal bonds of darkness (vv 5-7).

2.      They also do not respect authority – they are rebellious. To despise human authority is to despise God who created human authority (Romans 13). Jude gives a cosmic example of the situation regarding the body of Moses. Michael the archangel and Satan disputed about the body of Moses. Why was this dispute taking place? Some believe that if the children of Israel knew where Moses’ body was buried, the site would become an object of worship which is idolatry.  Pretty much what many people do today when they visit the gravesites of their loved ones. They talk to the site as if the dead can hear them. Michael did not rebuke Satan himself but declared, “The Lord rebuke you! (vs. 9).” Although Satan is the arch enemy of God, Michael knew his place and called upon the Lord to rebuke the devil.

3.      They blaspheme what they do not understand – to blaspheme is to use derogatory or profane language against someone. Of course, the worst kind of blasphemy is against the Lord. An apostate is someone who falls away and rebels against the truth are spiritually inept and ignorant. Usually people like this talk arrogantly about what they do not know. Especially when the subject is spiritual matters.

4.      They are prophets for hire – They are like Balaam who sold himself for money. They are also like rebellious Korah who challenged Moses’ authority and perished and all those with him. (Num 16:34). Also, Cain who displeased the Lord by presenting an unholy offering. They are unholy pseudo-spiritual prostitutes.

5.      They are hidden reefs or blemishes – you have to be careful regarding these people. They sit in your worship services and they appear as legitimate saints when they are not. Eating with you so they can pretentiously befriend you so they can ultimately take advantage of you. Jude goes on to further describe them as: clouds without water which is an oxymoron. We all expect clouds give us a rain which feeds the earth and causes it to flourish and grow. Apostates once again show their hypocrisy by appearing to be something they are not.  Trees without fruit, doubly or twice dead, uprooted. Jesus cursed the fig tree that didn’t have any fruit when he was hungry. The next day it had withered and died (Mark 11:20). Why did He do this? Because the tree was fruitless and useless. So were these false teachers Jude describes. Wild waves of the sea casting up their own shame. This description speaks to the instability of these individuals. Wandering stars whom the black darkness has been reserved forever. Their destiny has been determined because of the unwillingness to submit to the truth they have been exposed to.

Enoch’s Prophecy

Jude by inspiration of the Holy Spirit declared that Enoch the seventh from Adam prophesied long ago about these apostates stating, “Behold the Lord will come with many thousands of His holy ones to execute judgment upon all and convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him” (vv 14-15).“ We have no codified record of this, but there is an apocryphal[i] pseudepigraphal[ii] work entitled “The Book of Enoch”. The author(s) of this book placed this prophecy in their writings to perhaps convince their readers that their work was authentic. Apparently, Enoch’s prophecy was passed down through millennia until it reached the second century B.C. when this book was written. The prophecy of Enoch is real, but the book bearing his name is not. Once again, the Holy Spirit moved Jude to declare Enoch’s prophecy. Jude did not quote from the Pseudepigraphal Book of Enoch.

Jude continues to describe these wicked people as grumblers, finding fault following after their own lusts. They also flatter with the tongue in hopes of trying to take advantage of people (vs. 16). This should come as no surprise Jude says because the apostles of the Lord said in the last days mockers would rear their ugly heads. They are of the spirit of the antichrist (1 John 4:3; 2 John1:7). They cause divisions in the church. They are unsaved, worldly minded and devoid of God’s Spirit.

What we are supposed to do

Jude said for us to edify (to build up as a strong fortress) ourselves on our most holy faith praying in the Holy Spirit. This does not mean pray in an ecstatic, unintelligible speech which many call tongues. But rather praying by the leading of God’s Spirit (vs. 20).

We are to anticipate anxiously the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ which of course is eternal life. We are also to have patience with those who doubt the truth. It does not mean they do not believe, but they are not fully convinced. Their belief is not solid, so they need undergirding due to perhaps an immature faith in God. It’s there but not strong where it is a rock solid, unmovable faith (vv 21-22). Trusting God fully will take time. Teaching consistent sound doctrine is loving and will cast out doubt and fear. One MUST always expose themselves to Biblical truth so that faith will come (Romans 10:17). They can easily fall away if they listen to false doctrine – causing them to forget and abandon the truth they knew. The Bible calls that shipwrecked faith (1 Timothy 1:19).

The last group need the gospel so desperately that it’s described as “snatching them out of the fire”. If the apostate’s unfortunate followers do not receive the gospel, they will certainly perish in hell. They are totally polluted with sin and must receive the gospel with haste due to the apostate’s filthy doctrine. They are also in dire need of God’s mercy, the apostate, and those defiled by their filthy teaching and ways. Jude says we are to do this with fear even hating the clothing defiled by the flesh (vs. 23). Filthy garments in scripture are symbolic of an unrighteous life. When we are blood washed by the lamb (John 1:29; Rev 1:5), the Bible says we are wearing white clean robes which symbolizes righteousness (Revelation 3:4,5,18). These are given to us. We never earn them.

Jude ends his letter doxological letting us know that God will keep us from falling (into apostasy) He will preserve us until the end and present us blameless with great joy. Here’s a profound truth: Jude says to the only God (meaning there is only one God in the universe) through Jesus Christ our Lord be glory, majesty and dominion and authority forever (bold italics added for emphasis).  Jude is declaring to God the attributes that already belong to Him. It is to our advantage to ascribe these virtues to our God so that our lips bear fruit in praise to His glorious, and matchless name [Hebrews 13:15(vv 24-25)].

Amen.

---

[i] Apocryphal is the adjective version of the noun Apocrypha which means hidden.

[ii] Pseudepigraphal is the adjective version of the noun Pseudepigrapha which means false writings

Is The Church Chasing The World Away From Christ? Part 2

This subject is such a tinderbox. Why? In small part, many in the Church are to blame for the way people think about God and the Church. As I mentioned in the prior article, the way we present Jesus to the world is the way they see Him and all of Christianity.  It is impossible for the unsaved to have a Biblical worldview unless we who are truly in Christ show them the way. You know what that means? We must know what we are talking about.

What one loves is what they will give their time, energy and spend their money on. One will study hard and long with commitment and diligence to learn that subject so that they can graduate, get their degree and become employed in their field of study. An athlete trains long and hard so that he or she can be the best and win that championship ring or that cup. It signifies them being the absolute best in their sport - and everyone knows it.

How much more should we as Christians heed the command of 2 Timothy 2:15 which says to study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that does not have to be ashamed; rightly dividing the word of truth.  In other words, we cannot treat our Christian life as a hobby. It has to develop into our all-consuming passion. The more we get of God's truth, the more we should want. The knowledge of God is an everlasting well we can never exhaust.  

You see because we live in a postmodern society and a social-media-universe, everyone has an opinion on everything. Social media has allowed many to show how ignorant they can really be about God, Christianity, and the Bible. We cannot manufacture lies (presented as truth by each person) about what the Bible says.  God meant what He said and said what He meant in His word. The word never needs editing or updates by us.

You see, the world, for the most part, will reject the truth anyhow. Why? Because it goes against the dictates of their corrupt minds. We do not need to help them by being hypocritical. Biblical truth offends the lost so they are always going to militate against it.  Darkness hates the light because it is exposed. And unless the power of God's love overcomes their evil stubborn resistance, no one will ever be regenerated and saved and brought into the kingdom of God (John 3:3).

Also, just so that I am clear, those who ultimately reject the Lord are responsible for that rejection themselves. God will punish the offender. They do not get off the hook because of some vacillating or nominal Christian offended and deceived them somehow by living a double life - in other words, not living up to their profession of faith. 

So a word of encouragement: let us not be the reason people run away from God. We must be beacons of light in a dark and hopeless world of sin and unrighteousness. Let us practice what we preach. It's time we reevaluate our relationship with God and stop being Christians just on Sunday - we need a reboot of sorts. Granted we will never do this perfectly because we are still battling against our sinful flesh that has yet to receive its redemption, but with the help of the Holy Spirit and us being determined to live holy by remaining in the bosom of the Father, we will have a track record of faithfulness in our lives which no one will be able to deny.

Is The Church Chasing The World Away From Christ? Part 1

The book of Proverbs 25:26 it reads, "A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring."

I use that verse of scripture to show that those of us in the Church must be careful how we present ourselves to the world - that is the fallen world. For how are we to reach them if we are doing the same things they are doing? Answer? We will not reach them. We MUST be light in a dark world that has no hope and without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12).

We have to lovingly and firmly stand our ground for truth no matter what. We do not have to resort to gimmicks or tricks to draw the lost into the kingdom. God is adding daily to His Church those that will be saved (Acts 2:47). Our blessed role is to be the seed planters - preach the gospel.

Now, back to the original question. Are we in the Church running away the lost? Sadly and perhaps often, yes. How? When someone who is a faithful church attendee does or says something ungodly, the accuser will make sure your sin(s) are exposed to everyone. The accuser will then stereotype all Christians and label them hypocrites. Often times they're right. We do act hypocritically. 

At this point for the person that had put their trust in you as an example of a virtuous person, you most likely have blown your witness to them. Their view of God, the Church, and the Bible is distorted because in their mind you have burned them. Many people that have a bad Church experience now despise Christians and the God they serve. 

Our role as ambassadors of God in the earth cannot be underestimated. How we represent Jesus is how they view Him. So, we must all ask ourselves, "how am I representing God in my life?"

Sadly for many, they see God as a cosmic genie. This represents the prosperity gospel. They see gain as godliness. If one presents this view as gospel to those they know and these people do not prosper financially and materially, they will conclude that God is not real because they are not rich and prosperous. You see many televangelists spew financial gain as godliness. The word of God declares exactly the opposite, "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). 

For others, they view God strictly as a healer. If God does not heal them of their sickness and or disease, they determine that God is not real. Why? Because someone else misrepresented God to them perhaps at some healing crusade from a fake healer. And for someone who has been paralyzed all their life, this is the hope they have been waiting for. When they find out they have been scammed, many walk away from the Church - never to return again.

Now, let me come to the defense of those of us who are truly in Christ. True believers have the Spirit of God dwelling on the inside of them. It's a spiritual reality that we cannot see. The Christian life is an ongoing, developmental growth process. None of us mature overnight, or in a few days. Just like it takes years for a newborn to become an adult, it takes our whole life long to become more and more Christlike. Based on our gifting and our commitment to truth will determine our rate of growth. As in the natural world some mature and develop faster than others, it is the same dynamic in our Christian lives. And just like a natural person often stumbles and falls, we do that in our redeemed lives too.

Yes, Christians sin too (1 John 1:8-10).

But, what is so important to remember is that sin can no longer be the hallmark of our lives like it used to be prior to our conversion. We have been delivered from our sins through Christ so we no longer have to serve sin anymore (Romans 6:1).

In 2 Peter 3:18 we are commanded to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When we do this, we will be more careful about how we represent Christ to the world. Peter also said this in chapter one of  2 Peter 1:5-9, "And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound (italics mine. Italics not in original text), they make you that you shall neither be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was purged from old sins. 

The last sentence is why so many Christians do not experience victory in their lives. They are selling themselves short in disobedience. They are also unfortunately knowingly or unknowingly merchandising their blindness-shortsighted ways to others who are getting hurt and running away from the Church.

It's time for us to grow up Church and get serious and do what we have been commissioned to do. We do not have a lot of time left before Jesus returns. 

Letter to Philemon

This letter was written by the apostle Paul to one of his sons in the faith - a man by the name of Philemon. The reason for the letter is regarding Philemon's slave, a man by the name of Onesimus. Onesimus offended Philemon somehow and ran away from his hometown of Colossae in Asia Minor which is now Modern day Turkey to Rome. Providentially Philemon encounters Paul who was in prison led him to Christ. Paul writes this heartfelt letter to Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to receive him back.

Paul greets and commends Philemon

The first thing Paul does is salute Philemon and those in his house. Next, he commends Philemon for his love and faith for the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. These are tremendous and gracious kind words to bestow upon a fellow believer. This lets us readers know that Philemon was a man of impeccable and godly character. Philemon loved not only in word but more importantly in deed (1 John 3:18). I know it had to be refreshing to Philemon to know that the aged apostle Paul was also praying for him. Paul also commends Philemon for loving people by sharing his faith with others. Philemon was a breath of fresh air to all the saints and comfort and joy to Paul himself (vv 4-7).

Paul's appeal to Philemon regarding Onesimus

Paul encourages Philemon to receive his runaway slave Onesimus back - not as a slave, but as a brother. Paul knew he had the authority to compel Philemon to do what he asked (vv 8-9), but rather he asked with tender loving care for Philemon to do the right thing. Receiving Onesimus was like receiving Paul since the apostle had birthed Onesimus in the gospel and was his dear child in the faith (vs 10b). Onesimus who was formerly useless was now useful to Paul and would be useful to Philemon since he is a converted man. As a matter of fact, the book of Colossians records that Paul sent a brother named Tychicus along with Onesimus to Colossae so that they could report to the Colossian church how Paul was doing while in prison (Col 4:7-9a). Paul wanted to keep Onesimus with him for assistance in ministry but knew the right thing was to send him back to the man that owned him. 

Paul knowing Philemon's pedigree said to him, "If you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. If he has wronged you in any way, charge that to my account" (vv 17-18). Here I believe is the genius of the apostle, Paul was willing to pay back to Philemon any loss incurred by Onesimus' delinquency when he ran away. Paul also knew that what he deposited in Philemon in regards to the gospel was far greater than any loss he suffered because of Onesimus. Paul most likely led Philemon to Christ so in that reality Philemon owed his life to Paul (vs 19). Comparatively speaking, forgiving and receiving Onesimus back was a small thing. This act was a test of Philemon's fidelity and obedience to the word of God - forgiving his offender and receiving him back as a beloved brother.   Paul needed this benefit from Philemon - to forgive Onesimus to refresh his soul (vs 20). Paul went on to say he knew that Philemon would do even more than what Paul asked of him (vs 21).  

Lastly, Paul requests that Philemon prepares a place for him so that he could stay with him. Paul anticipated that he would be released from prison. Paul greets Philemon on behalf of his fellow prisoner Epaphras. Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke (Author of the book of Luke and Acts, vs 25) also sent their greetings. 

How to avoid the two extremes

What are these two extremes the writer is talking about? The first one is called Legalism. The second is called Antinomianism. What do these words mean? Legalism was invented by overzealous Jews called Judaizers. Their preoccupation was with the law of  Moses. They insisted that one could not be saved apart from the works of the law. In other words, trusting wholly in Jesus' sacrificial atonement for the remission of sins was not sufficient. One also had to adhere to the law and obey all of its demands in order to be saved; salvation by works and not grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Antinomianism is a compound word. Anti means against. Nomianism comes from the Greek root nomos which means law. So an Antimonian is one who is against the law.  

Now, let's put context to these terms as they relate to our salvation. 

The Antinomian (lawbreaker)

Paul the apostle dealt extensively and clearly with these two matters. He explained why both were dangerous. Many who are in the Antinomian camp have cheapened the grace of God. How? By living any way they want. Their mindset is that since they are saved by grace, I can sin my fill and it does not matter because I'm covered by the blood of Christ. This is what Paul had to say about that in the book of  Romans 6:1-2, "What shall we say then, are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?"

Paul anticipated that critics of his doctrine would say that since we are saved by grace apart from works that Paul was advocating sinful behavior. Paul refuted that evil mindset saying we who have been delivered from sin's power by the blood of Christ are no longer slaves to sin - stop serving sin and serve God!

The Legalist 

These Jewish extremists insisted that Gentiles, in particular, could not be saved without being circumcised and keeping the Mosaic law. Because of their deep-rooted commitment to the law, it would be correct in saying these Jews did not want Gentiles to be saved.  Peter argued in Acts 15:10 that the law was a yoke that no one could bear. Paul said that by the works of the law no flesh could be justified (Rom 3:20;Gal 2:16).

The Balance

Since we realize that human works are useless to get right with God, the only work we can do is believe in Jesus Christ for our sole salvation. Once we are saved, we are then free to serve God in righteousness, performing good works that are well pleasing to God (Ephesians 2:10). To attempt to work one's way into the kingdom of God is sin. Also to trample the grace of God and the work of Christ is sin. We must avoid these two extremes of the Antinomian and the Legalist.

Who are the 144,000?

For some perhaps many there is confusion regarding who the 144,000 are in the Bible in the book of Revelation. According to the Jehovah Witnesses organization, these witnesses are a special group that will reign in heaven with Jesus Christ at the end of this age. JW's literature claims that heaven filled up in 1935 so there is no more room for anyone else. In other words, no one else goes to heaven.

This is not true! There are and will be an innumerable amount of saints in heaven. In Revelation 7:9-10 we read, "After this, I (John the apostle) looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every tribe and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

John was seeing one of many visions; visions of the end times. In this chapter, God seals his witnesses on their foreheads to protect them from the judgments that are prevailing on the earth during the Great Tribulation. We learn in chapter 14 that the 144,000 are virgin men, 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:5-8). These witnesses have not been identified yet. As a matter of possible fact, they may not even be alive yet. No one knows. So the idea that these witnesses are Jehovah's Witnesses from today is unbiblical. How JW's have attached themselves to the witnesses in the book of Revelation is a mystery to me and a lie.

The deception is that only the 144,000 will enjoy the glories of heaven, whereas the rest of the JW members will live here on a Paradise Earth. Non-Jehovah Witnesses will not go to hell because JW's do not believe in hell. Nonbelievers will be annihilated - that is cease to exist - another false doctrine obviously not supported by holy scripture.

Count it all joy?

Why would the writer James utter the above statement? The statement actually reads, "Count it all joy when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience or endurance" (James 1:2). The word count means to consider. The writer James is not saying that tests are joy. They are not, they are painful. And truth be told, none of us want trials in our lives at all. James said to consider them joy because of what trials produce in us, patience or endurance which is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). 

This type of attitude requires a laser focus on God and the truth of his word. If we are to discover that our faith is genuine, it has to be put to the test. The way God has decided to do that is through challenges in our lives. The archetype of the one who was righteous and suffered greatly in the Old Testament was Job. Job lost everything. He became so destitute and despaired of life that he cursed the day of his birth and wished he had never been born (Job 3). Yet Job testified, "Though he (God) slay me yet will I trust him" (Job 13:15). 

The life of Jesus as a suffering servant

About 700 years before the birth of Christ Isaiah the prophet said this about the Messiah, "He was despised and rejected and forsaken by men. A man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness; and like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or have any esteem for Him (Isaiah 53:3). In the tenth verse of this chapter, it tells us that it pleased the Lord to bruise Christ (Isaiah 53:10). 

Hebrews 12:2 tells us that we are to fix our eyes on Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. About Him it says that for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of  God. Now, what was the joy set before Jesus? It has to be two things: 1) fulfilling the Father's will. 2) Redeeming all those the Father gave to Him to come and save. The second point is a subset of the first one.

What this tells me is that our suffering must have an end game, an exit strategy. We should not be suffering for nothing. In other words, we should not be suffering for doing evil, but for doing good; therein lies the joy. Knowing that our suffering for righteousness is NEVER in vain! It is also essential that we pass the test(s) that we are going through so that they do not lead us to temptation and to sin. 

So, when you are going through your trials, that is the perfect time to examine your life and ask yourself, "Am I in or out of the will of God?" If you are out of the will of God, then repent immediately. If you are in the will of God, then pray and endure the fiery trial. Although it is painful, and you want it over, do not give up for God will see you through. He is pressing you so that your faith in Him will strengthen and you can count it all joy.

Final thought: "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).