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Jude’s Antidote For False Teachers
Jude’s Antidote For False Teachers
God has called us unto discipleship and salvation. He has revealed his will for us. Yet, from the beginning, mankind has been confronted with ‘alternative truth’ (which is not truth at all). Therefore, Jude lists examples of false teachers and their ultimate outcomes: Israel in the desert, angels who sinned, Sodom and Gomorrah, Cain, Balaam, Korah. ALL ended with condemnation and judgment by God. This leads to his admonition on how to remain true to our calling (vs. 20-24).
Build yourself up on your most holy faith: In the face of such false teaching and deception, we need to take care of our faith. Your faith is not ‘static’ but can grow OR become weak and be overthrown. We need to guard our faith, feed our faith, and exercise our faith. We need to know WHO we trust, WHAT we believe, and WHY we believe it.
Praying in the Holy Spirit: Pray, knowing what the Spirit has promised us. Pray with confidence that our Father hears us. Cast you cares upon Him for he cares for you. Pray each other, pray for your enemy, pray for the rules of our country and world, pray for the leaders and teachers of your congregation. Pray without ceasing.
Keep yourself in the love of God: Jesus set the example for accomplishing this: "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love” (John 15:9-10). Jesus exhorted His disciples: “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him" (John 14:21). That is what He said, blessed are those who do so.
Wait for the Lord: The ability to wait comes from the ability to trust. God doesn’t work according to our timetable, but His. Rest assured, He is faithful to His promises. What He has promised, He will accomplish. WAIT!
Trust that God is on our side and works for us as we walk with Him. “He is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy” (vs. 24).
Examine yourself! How is your faith?
Hugh DeLong
