Welcome back to the continuation of our study in the Book of Jude. As we saw in Part 1, Jude, a servant of the Lord, warned God’s people to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). These warnings were not given to everyone (both the righteous and the wicked), but specifically to the people of God—the called ones (Christians). Keep that in mind as we continue with the following verses:
Jude 1:7–13
“As Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries.
Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’
But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves.
Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.
These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots;
raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.”
Jude describes these false teachers as rebellious and spiritually defiled—people who reject authority, follow the desires of the flesh, and blaspheme heavenly beings. He compares them to wandering stars, destined for the blackness of darkness forever. He identifies them with Cain, Balaam, and Korah, three figures whose paths reveal the nature of apostasy.
The Way of Cain
Cain was not part of the holy lineage. From the beginning, his actions reflected rebellion. While Abel, the true son of Adam, offered an acceptable sacrifice by faith (Genesis 4:4; Hebrews 11:4), Cain’s sacrifice was rejected, and in his jealousy, he murdered his brother (Genesis 4:5–8). His descendants carried on his legacy of violence and disobedience. Lamech, one of Cain’s descendants, boasted:
“If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.” (Genesis 4:23)
The lineage of Cain became known as the “sons of men,” while the descendants of Seth (Adam’s other son) were known as the “sons of God” (Genesis 4:25–26; 6:2). The “sons of God” fell into sin when they intermarried with the daughters of men, corrupting the godly line and provoking God to bring the flood (Genesis 6:1–7). This was not angels marrying humans, as some claim, because Jesus said angels do not marry (Matthew 22:30). The sin was the intermingling of the holy lineage with the ungodly, leading to widespread corruption.
Even today, Satan uses “the way of Cain” to lead believers astray. He promotes compromise through false religious leaders who twist Scripture, normalize sin, and entice Christians to adopt worldly practices—just as Solomon was led astray by foreign women (1 Kings 11:1–4). Teachings that say, “God only looks at the heart, not outward appearance,” are used to justify immodesty and sinful lifestyles. But as Peter warns, “Like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your behavior” (1 Peter 1:15–16).
The Error of Balaam
Balaam was a prophet (Numbers 22–24), yet he loved the wages of unrighteousness (2 Peter 2:15). Though he initially obeyed God’s command not to curse Israel, his greed drove him to seek another way to bring Israel down. He advised Balak, king of Moab, to seduce Israel with Moabite women, leading them into idolatry and immorality. As a result, 24,000 Israelites died under God’s judgment (Numbers 25:1–9; Revelation 2:14).
Balaam represents false prophets who mix true prophetic gifts with corrupt motives. They may perform miracles and deliver accurate prophecies, but their hearts are not loyal to God. They lure God’s people into spiritual adultery—mixing the worship of the true God with idolatrous practices. Many modern teachers promise material blessings while leading believers away from holiness, making them friends with the world (James 4:4).
Jesus warned the church at Pergamum about such teachings:
“But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam… to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.” (Revelation 2:14–16)
The Rebellion of Korah
Korah, a Levite, led a rebellion against Moses, claiming that all the people were holy and that Moses had no right to lead them (Numbers 16:1–3). He rejected God’s appointed authority and sought to establish his own leadership. As judgment, the earth opened and swallowed Korah and his followers alive (Numbers 16:31–33).
Korah symbolizes religious leaders who reject God’s authority and distort His Word for personal gain. They deny the way of the cross, replacing it with messages of comfort and material prosperity. Like Korah, they tell people, “You’re already holy—no need to repent or carry your cross.” Yet Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)
A Call to Watchfulness
Jude’s warning echoes Peter’s:
2 Peter 2:1–3
“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies… And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words…”
The church today faces the same dangers. False teachers are “clouds without water” and “trees without fruit,” offering no life or nourishment. They promise freedom but are themselves slaves of corruption (2 Peter 2:19). Believers must remain vigilant, holding fast to the faith delivered once for all.
“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure; for if you do these things you will never stumble.” (2 Peter 1:10)
Have you secured your calling and election? Are you contending for the faith? If not, repent and return to the Lord today.
God bless you.
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