Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ forever and ever.
Welcome to today’s study of God’s Word as we continue with the final section of the book of Jude.
Jude 1:14–15
“Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His holy ones, to execute judgment on all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.’”
These verses remind us that final judgment is certain. Enoch, long before the flood, foresaw the return of Christ with His saints to judge the ungodly (cf. Matthew 16:27, 2 Thessalonians 1:7–9, Revelation 19:11–16).
Jude 1:16–21 warns about false believers and scoffers:
“These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage. But you, beloved, remember the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.’ It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”
Jude exhorts believers to remain steadfast in the faith through prayer, perseverance, and anticipation of Christ’s mercy.
The Three Types of False Teachers
Earlier, we learned about three categories of false workers that Satan has planted in God’s church—those compared to “wandering stars” destined for eternal darkness, “fruitless trees twice dead,” and “dangerous hidden reefs” (Jude 1:12–13). These are likened to “weeds among the wheat” (Matthew 13:24–30).
Jude 1:11 names them:
“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.”
-
Cain represents jealousy, hatred, and self-righteousness (1 John 3:12).
-
Balaam symbolizes greed and corrupt teaching for personal profit (2 Peter 2:15, Revelation 2:14).
-
Korah stands for rebellion against God’s appointed leadership (Numbers 16:1–35).
These influences still operate in churches today, deceiving many. False teachers are often difficult to detect because they mix truth with error (2 Corinthians 11:13–15).
Scoffers in the Last Days
Jude warns that in the last days there will be scoffers who mock God’s promises. The Apostle Peter confirms this:
2 Peter 3:3–4
“Scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, ‘Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.’”
Just as Korah and his followers mocked God’s plan during Israel’s wilderness journey, many professing Christians today deride the promise of Christ’s return, forgetting that God’s timing is perfect (2 Peter 3:8–9). His delay reflects His mercy, giving people time to repent.
But judgment will come suddenly:
2 Peter 3:10 – “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.”
A Call to Stand Firm
Jude urges believers to make their calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). Many start their faith journey well—praying, fasting, showing compassion, walking humbly, and fearing God’s Word—but drift away after embracing false teachings. Spiritual fervor fades, and Christ becomes secondary in their lives. Such individuals must urgently return to “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3).
Satan’s throne is at the heart of these deceptions (Revelation 2:13–14). Therefore, believers must cultivate a personal relationship with God, grounded in Scripture, and persevere in faith.
Jude 1:24–25 offers a prayer of assurance:
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
Key Takeaways
-
Stay vigilant against false teachers and teachings.
-
Build your faith through prayer in the Holy Spirit.
-
Remain in God’s love as you wait for Christ’s return.
-
Encourage the doubting, rescue those in danger, and maintain holiness (Jude 1:22–23).
This is the hour to “fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). Christ is coming soon to judge the ungodly and reward the faithful (Revelation 22:12).
May the Lord keep us steadfast until that day. Amen.