See Part I for the first part of this sequence of articles.
Jude warned centuries ago that disrespect for authority marks a false teacher, an often overlooked characteristic in our day.
The False Prophets: Deficiency of Knowledge
Jude identified another trait of faulty leadership, a deficiency of knowledge. He explained it this way,
“But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.” (9)
They never learned the truths of God, so they tried to explain Scripture without knowledge. Jude called them brute beasts. They followed their natural instincts and behaved in ways that seemed normal and natural to their humanness in the same way that animals live in accordance with their natures.
Therefore, they spoke falsely. Not knowing God, they spoke evil of things that they did not understand. They did not see things from God’s perspective nor understand His will and ways.
The Church experiences a dearth of leaders who know God. You cannot know God by osmosis. You cannot know God unless you spend time with Him in study of His word and in prayer, conversing with Him.
Praise God, there are a few people in positions of leadership who know God and spend time with Him. They stand in stark contrast to the many who try to represent the God they do not know.
Jude gave a warning. He said these men creep in unawares. Do not follow them or listen to them. They talk about things they do not really understand, because they do not know God. They call good evil and evil good, because they really do not know the truth. (10)
We need leaders who take time to know God and to study His word. They do not give a brief lecture on the goodness of man or a few steps on how to cure emotional ills. They tell you something about God and what they have come to know about Him by experience. They encourage their listeners to pursue after God in intimate fellowship with Him.
The False Prophets: Destitute of Character
In a series of pictures, Jude described the false prophets as destitute of character. He gave a lengthy list of characteristics to illustrate their destitution. These vivid descriptions explain their lack of character.
“Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.” (11)
Jude identified three men in the Bible who carried out notorious acts.
Cain killed his brother.
Balaam attempted to prophesy against the Israelites as they traversed the wilderness toward the Promised Land. He gave counsel to Israel’s enemies on how to lead God's people into immorality, which succeeded.
Korah (Core) attempted to overthrow Moses, God's chosen leader of Israel. God judged him by causing the earth to open up and swallow alive Korah and his followers.
Jude urged his fellow Christ followers to reject false prophets who commit dishonorable acts against God's law and government.
“These [people] are spots in your feasts of charity.” (12)
The false prophets came to Israel’s feasts, boldly acting like Godly men. The literal meaning of this verse portrays them like rocks hidden under the water. They posed a danger to God's people, because, without shame, these hypocrites waited for the opportunity to cause believers to slip as if on rocks hidden under water.
“…clouds they are without water.” (13)
What good is a cloud without life-giving, refreshing water? It is worthless. That explains the true worth of false prophets. He also depicted their worthless character by calling them trees without fruit. (14) Obviously, a fruit tree without fruit is valueless and succumbs to the axe.
“…raging waves of the sea.” (15)
The waves of the sea move in response to the wind. They move in whatever direction that the wind blows. The strength and direction of the wind determines the ferocity of the waves.
The false prophets formed their messages and direction upon the whims of man, fluctuating like the wind, which drove them like wild wind-driven sea breakers.
“…wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.” (16)
Stars have a fixed path. Here, Jude made use of a Biblical type of using stars for leaders. However, these stars wandered, following no fixed path.
Thus, God's people could not follow them, because the leaders did not know their direction, leading the flock one way this time and different way another time. Jude’s friends could not rely upon their leadership.
“…murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage…mockers walking after their own ungodly lusts…not having the Spirit.” (17)
Jude categorized the false prophets of his day as hypocrites, worthless, and ungodly. His lengthy list of the poverty of character of these corrupt leaders describes their sinful practices.
Today, the professing Church elevates to positions of authority and responsibility men and women who fit these same descriptions.
The False Prophets: Summary
Thousands of years ago, Jude gave his warning out of love and concern for his friends and for God's honor. As he exhorted his fellow Christ followers, I, too, urge you with this same caution.
Do not follow those whose character and practices coincide with these warnings.
Do not listen to them.
Do not buy their books.
Do not watch them on television.
Do not subscribe to their magazines and newsletters.
They will not lead you to God, because they do not honor and exalt the Lord Jesus in their own lives.
I pray that the Spirit of God will open your eyes to see the truth of God’s Word as revealed in Jude’s warning to his friends. God has provided it for your protection, too. He loves His own, those who know God and have trusted Christ Who cares for them like a shepherd cares for his sheep.
Heed these warnings from Scripture on false prophets. Listen to the Spirit of God Who will instruct you to see and to identify the false and to follow the true. I pray the Spirit of God will do that for you and lead you to fullness of joy, the rightful possession of the children of God.
Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your great love for us, which You have demonstrated in so many ways. You have preserved this letter from Jude to his friends warning them of false prophets and urging them not to follow them, with clear descriptions of what they would look like and how they would act.
Father, that description fits our day as well. I ask You to send forth Your Holy Spirit to us to open our eyes to identify false prophets, to turn from them, and to seek after that which is true. Help us to recognize the true messengers whom You have sent so that we might learn from them; come to know and trust You more fully, and to experience that joy and peace that is ours in Christ because we are Your children. We will give You thanks, praise, and honor, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for what You accomplish. Amen.
The Ryrie Study Bible. Ryrie, Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Th.D, Ph.D., editor. “Introduction To The Letter Of Jude.” Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL. 1976, 1978. p. 1890.
Jude v. 4.
Ibid.
Jude v. 7-8.
2 Corinthians 5.17.
Matthew 16.24-25.
Jude v. 8.
Jude v. 10.
Jude v. 11.
Ibid.
Jude v. 12.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Jude v. 13.
Ibid.
Jude v. 16-19.
Questions For Review
Is it possible for a person to believe (s)he is Christian, when (s)he is not? If so, how does this happen?
How can these people be identified and helped?
Do these people fulfill church needs such as Sunday School teachers, worship leaders, youth leaders, deacons and/or elders? Why or why not?
What does it mean to be “free in Christ?” How can misuse of this truth become dangerous?
Why is it necessary for church leaders to submit to authority? In the local church, how can “authority” be provided through the congregation?
How does a church leader learn the truths of knowing Christ?
List some activities in which false prophets demonstrate dishonorable acts against God's law and government.
When someone and/or the church congregation identifies a false prophet, what responsibility do(es) (s)he and/or they have?
Personal Information: Thomas P. Hill, M. A. in Ministry, Luther Rice Seminary; author of 3 books: Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing; Homosexuality, Christians, and the Church; and Keys To A Revolutionary Life (all available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Tom’s web site). To invite Tom to speak at your college, church, or group, contact him by email at hill_tom@att.net.
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