12 These are hidden reefs 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.
14 It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 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.” 16 These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.
17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Jude continues his description of the false teachers and now uses six illustrations to describe their lack of integrity.
They are like hidden reefs, waiting just below the surface, an unseen danger ready to wreck a ship or in the case of these believers, make a wreckage of their faith. They attended the church’s fellowship meals without love but also without fear of consequence.
They are shepherds feeding themselves, looking after themselves rather than having any concern for others.
They are like waterless clouds that look like they are useful but produce nothing useful. Their teaching doesn’t provide anything for thirsty souls.
They are like trees that should have produced fruit but should be pulled out making it twice dead. They have no spiritual fruit and are spiritually useless to others.
They are like wild waves on the sea, unrestrained and causing destruction. They cast up foam bringing rubbish onto the shore. Their sinful actions pollute the church.
Finally, they are like wandering stars. Unlike the fixed stars of the constellations which can be used to navigate with. Following these false teachers would only lead one astray.
Jude refers to Enoch’s prophecy that when Jesus returns, he will judge all unbelievers, including these false teachers whom Jude repeatedly refers to as ungodly.
As believers, we must remember the prediction (and warning) of the apostles (2 Pet 3:3) that in the last days there will be those who mock others, follow their own ungodly passions and cause divisions in the church. We must be on guard and ensure that we are not caught up in their deception. The only way to recognise their falsehood is to know the truth better. How well do you know your Bible?
No one wants to be like the ungodly-we should be reading our bible daily and sharing it with others giving them Gods solid truth.
I was shocked by the way they describe false prophets. We all think that false prophets are evil, really wicked people but I noticed that sometimes I behave in some of the ways that are listed as ways false prophets act.
Something I thought of was that even though in the world it is like the worldy standards to have a lot of money and things, it’s not what actually matters after you die. When the people on earth have money and fame they do things God doesn’t want and they think it is fine