The Letter of Jude: Part Four
After studying the first thirteen verses it’s no surprise that preachers don’t base many sermons on this book; it’s kinda depressing. And yet God chose Jesus’ brother to send this warning message, reiterating much of what Jesus taught, to the churches. Matthew (24:36-44) and Mark (13:33-37) record some serious forewarnings of Jesus given to His disciples about His return: stay awake, be ready. Luke wrote,
Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth.
Luke 21:34-35
Jude 14-19 sends a similar message describing the ‘ungodly’ or ‘those people’ he mentioned earlier. Interestingly, there was an apocalyptic or end-times Book of Enoch being circulated, an ancient Hebrew writing about demons, giants, and angels that influenced Jude. He referred to these writings confirming what he’d undoubtedly heard Jesus teach: there’s a final judgment of evil coming called That Day. Does a believer have to worry or be fearful about what happens on That Day? No. Jesus took our punishment on Himself so we have only reward in our future. Who gets judged? Those people, those who have stood in rebellion and refused to acknowledge their sin before God. Someone must be punished for your sin, either Jesus or you take it on yourself. It’s a no-brainer for me, but not for everyone.
The Book of Enoch wasn’t included in the Bible due to some of it’s content, however, Jude recognized the value of some of it (vs. 14-15) as he records a courtroom scene for us to imagine. The Lord comes with thousands of angels to convict and execute judgment on all the ungodly sinners. He wouldn’t be a ‘just God’ if He let some off the hook; all must stand before Him as He calls to account their words and deeds against Him. Maybe it doesn’t seem fair to you,
… but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God.
Romans 5:8-9
It is fair.
As you read the descriptions of those people in verses 10-16, grumblers, complainers, following sinful desires, and using flattery to get what you want, ungodly behavior, it helps us remember how a Christian does NOT behave. We must take these warnings of the apostles to heart remembering that in the last days, now, my friends, the culture will mock our faith calling evil good without the Holy Spirit. Our responsibility is to guard our hearts from the ‘influencers’ and make a stand for what’s right with the Holy Spirit.
… I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:21
Being forewarned is being forearmed.
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