Introduction
This past Sunday at Calvary Monterey we studied Jude 11-16 - Rebels: A Description. The apostates Jude had in mind had removed themselves from the place of God’s love, so Jude sets out to describe their attributes. These attributes instruct us in a two-fold manner.
Signs to watch out for in others.
Sins to watch out for in ourselves.
Jude mentions at least 9 attributes of these men in this passage. Our desire is to be the absolute opposite so that we can, with effectiveness, remain where God’s love is.
Scriptural Examples (Jude 11)
Jude’s first method in describing these men is to point out three scriptural examples. He had already done this (Jude 5-7), but those were examples of judgment. Jude’s point there was that these men would be judged. His point here is that they had committed sins similiar to this group of three Old Testament characters.
Cain
Cain was many things. He murdered and hated. He was a jealous man. He refused to come to God by faith, but by works, making him very prideful. While the rebels may have been guilty of every attribute, I believe Jude’s focus was on the hatred and murderous spirit found within Cain. We must be loving, rather than hateful.
Balaam
Balaam was a man of incredible spiritual potential. He spoke some of the most amazing Old Testament blessings and prophecies, but had to ultimately be killed by the Israelites for his sin (Numbers 31:8). He perverted his religion for cash. God was not good enough for this man. We must be satisfied with God, rather than greedy and discontent.
Korah
Korah was a rebellious Levite who despised Aaron’s household for their position as the line of the high priests. He wasn’t happy with his role as a tabernacle worker, he instead wanted the title of “priest” and Moses knew it (Numbers 16:10). He led a rebellion and ended up swallowed into the earth. It’s the pits not to accept your domain. We must accept God’s call for our lives, rather than strive for what it not ours to have.
Natural Examples (Jude 12-13)
Jude then abandons his method of triad after triad and runs down a long list of attributes these men possess. In artistic fashion, he uses nature to drive home his point.
Hidden Reefs: Like hidden rocks under the surface, these men were an unseen danger to the church. Far from selfless, these men were selfish.
Waterless Clouds: Like dissapointing clouds with no water, these men looked promising but were empty. Far from genuine, these men were hypocritical.
Fruitless/Rootless Trees: Like dead trees, these men had no root and no ability to bear any real fruit. Far from fruitful, these men were dead.
Raging Waves: Like wild waves, these men were all-natural and wild - sensual in every way. Far from spiritual, these men were all-natural and fleshy.
Shooting Stars: Like brilliant shooting stars, these men had a moment of glory but not real lasting or enduring purpose or glory. Far from eternal in purpose, these men were a mere flash in the pan.
Prophetic Examples (14-16)
Enoch had spoken of these men ages ago. His main description of these men? Ungodly. There was a lack of reverence or fear of God in these men. They lived and behaved as if they weren’t under His watchful eye. They despised Him and His correction, even speaking harsh things against Him (Jude 15-16). Full rebels in every way.
In review, let us be the opposite of these men:
- Loving.
- Satisfied with God.
- Content with God’s plan.
- Selfless.
- Genuine.
- Rooted/Fruitful.
- Spiritual/Spirit-led.
- Eternal in purpose.
- Godly.
By God’s grace.
Agape!
