Jude 1:16-19
Jude 1:16 These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage. 17 But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ 18 when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.
V16 “These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.” Another character trait of these false teachers is they are discontented, whether it be money, power, living conditions, popularity, etc. They grumble and complain. What is their motive? It is lust, evil desires, to enrich themselves. They are also arrogant and show it in what they say, as, “Look at how God has blessed me. Look at my beautiful wife and children, my 10,000 square foot house, 6 cars, airplane, 8 satellite campuses, 2 best selling books, blah, blah, blah.” The only thank you they give is to flatter. If someone is acting this way, and you have a gut feeling that something is not right, avoid them. It is grooming at its worst.
V17 “But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ…” Jesus is a prophet. Jesus didn’t decree everything and render it certain, for He genuinely has foreknowledge (foresight, prescience). These prophecies were passed on to new believers. Why limit God’s power.?
V18 “…when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.” One of these prophecies is about scoffers in the last days. There are two characteristics of these fake teachers: 1) scoffing and 2) ungodly desires. Ungodly desires are those which would break God’s laws especially the 10 Commandments.
V19 “These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.” What is the effect of these false teachers? It is divisions (church splits, etc.), worldliness, and no evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in their life.
We learn:
- More character traits of false teachers
- Some effects resulting from their evil