October 7, 2014

BE CAUTIOUS OF FALSE PROPHETS AND OF BECOMING ONE YOURSELF

Jude 1–13

Gaby Duke
Tuesday's Devo

October 7, 2014

Tuesday's Devo

October 7, 2014

Central Truth

The book of Jude makes the very clear point that in this world there are false prophets. It is important to know that the people and things we listen to matter and that we must be careful to distinguish between what is true and what is false. The truth is, we need God.

Key Verse | Jude 4

For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:4)

Jude 1–13

Greeting

Jude, a servant 1 1:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface of Jesus Christ and brother of James,

To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for 2 1:1 Or by Jesus Christ:

May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

Judgment on False Teachers

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved 3 1:5 Some manuscripts although you fully knew it, that the Lord who once saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, 4 1:7 Greek different flesh serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.

Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” 10 But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. 11 Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam's error and perished in Korah's rebellion. 12 These are hidden reefs 5 1:12 Or are blemishes at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.

Footnotes

[1] 1:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface
[2] 1:1 Or by
[3] 1:5 Some manuscripts although you fully knew it, that the Lord who once saved
[4] 1:7 Greek different flesh
[5] 1:12 Or are blemishes

Dive Deeper | Jude 1–13

When I first got married, anxiety was an alarming part of my life because before marriage I never struggled with it. I associated my anxiety with my husband, and when I confided in someone about how I felt, she told me to get a divorce. She said there was no way my marriage would survive if I felt the way that I did. This person claimed to be a believer, yet I found myself getting inaccurate information.

Jude 1:1-13 is a warning to everyone. False teachers exist, and it is important to avoid them or risk becoming like them. Living in a sinful world is so hard. There are constant challenges that we face, struggles we would rather not have, and battles we sometimes don't feel like we have the heart to fight. It is so easy during these times to turn to just anyone for guidance. Sometimes, we even turn to people who will just tell us what we want to hear, which can be misleading. What is important to remember is that we must turn to the Lord's truth (the Bible) for guidance and wisdom, as well as to pray for it. False prophets will lead us away from God and what His Word says, which in the end leads us to destructive living (see verses 10-11).

Living a life of destruction is not what the Lord wants for us. Our God is a patient and loving God. He desires to have an intimate relationship with us and keep us from stumbling. We just have to allow Him to work in our lives. Being in community with others who are pursuing the Lord is such a great way to continually be spurred on toward the cross. The Lord has done amazing things in my marriage; it has been changed like I never thought possible. He DOES transform lives! I'm so thankful that I did not listen to that woman!

Discussion Questions

1. Can you identify someone who has been a false prophet in your life? What happened when you turned to the Lord instead?

2. What steps can you take to avoid becoming a false prophet?

3. How can you pray for those who are not pursuing the Lord?