Jude 12-25

Jude 12-25
vv. 12-13 provide a harsh look at false teachers. Jude is pretty blunt when he calls them dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you, or shameless shepherds who care only for themselves, or clouds blowing over without giving rain, or trees that are doubly dead, or wild waves of the sea or wandering stars doomed forever to blackest darkness! There's nothing attractive about any of those! Such people were prophesied in ancient times, and God has promised judgement on them. vv. 14-15
We can find more unflattering description in v. 16--they are "grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want."

Then in vv. 17-23, Jude speaks directly to us as believers. He reminds us that the apostles told us that "in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires." They cause divisions in the church because they do not have God's Spirit in them. As we watch out for these dividers, we must build each other up in God's holy faith, praying in the power of the Holy Spirit and awaiting the mercy of Jesus Christ who will bring us eternal life. Remember that we ARE safe in God's love! I can't emphasize enough how important it is for us to be encouragers! The world is full of discouragers, and it takes real faith in the Lord and effort on our part to remain positive and to lift others up. "And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering." v. 22 We must not write people off when they are struggling.

"Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives." v. 23 We can do this by showing people the way to Christ. We should be kind and compassionate, but we are to hate sin. Some whom we try to bring to Christ will reject Him, but really, we don't know which ones will accept and which will reject. And so our job is to do our best to go and tell.

Jude closes this letter with beautiful words of praise! "Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen!"

Now that just about covers it, doesn't it? vv. 24 and 25 are great words of praise to pray right back to the Lord.