## The Epistle of Jude

## Jude 8-16, 19

* So far in this epistle, we have noticed that Jude has...

a. Exhorted his readers to "contend earnestly for the faith" - v 3

b. Made mention of "ungodly men" who have "crept in unnoticed" Ju 4

1) Men who "turn the grace of our God into lasciviousness"

2) And who "deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ"

c. Reminded them of examples of God's righteous condemnation in the past -v 5-7

1) The nation of Israel in the wilderness

2) The angels who sinned

3) The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah

In tonight's study we want to consider Jude's description of these "filthy dreamers".

I. They "Speak evil" (8-11)

A. "Of Dignitaries" (8-9)

1. The word "dignitaries" can refer to angelic beings, or those in positions of authority.

2. In either case, these men would not hesitate to speak evil.

3. To illustrate the folly of their behavior, the dispute over the body of Moses is given:

a. Michael, the archangel, dared not bring a railing accusation against the devil.

b. Saying only "The Lord rebuke you"

c. How foolish, then, for these "dreamers" to speak evil of those in authority

B. "Of those things which they know not" (10- 11)

1. Unafraid to speak evil of dignitaries, they do not hesitate to speak evil of things they know nothing about!

2. And what they know naturally, in that they corrupt themselves!

“But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;” (2 Pet 2:12)

3. In conducting themselves in this manner.

a. They have gone in the way of Cain

1) Whose works were evil - 1Jn 3:12

2) Who did not act out of faith - Heb. 11:4

b. They have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit

1) Who loved the wages of unright- eousness - 2 Pe 2:15-16

2) Who put a stumblingblock before the children of Israel cf Re 2:14

c. They have perished in the rebellion of Korah

1) A rebellion that was openly against Moses and Aaron. cf Num 16:1-45

2) But was really against the Lord Himself - cf. Num 26:9

II. They "Defile the Flesh" (12-15,19)

A. They were "spots" in the love feasts. v12

1. Feasting "without fear, serving only themselves"; they were also "sensual persons"

2. They took advantage of brethren's hospitality to engage in their lustful thoughts.

3. They were 'sensual' as opposed to being spiritual.

B. Their depravity is illustrated. (12-13)

1. "Clouds without water, carried about by the winds"

a. Offering promise of blessing

b. But not leaving any

2. "Trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots"

a. Barren when fruit should be expected

b. But even worse, beyond fruit-bearing because they are dead and cut off from any source of nourishment

3. "Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame"

a. Like the flotsam and jetsam spewed by the waves

b. So their shame comes forth by their words and behavior

4. "Wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever"

a. Shining for a moment

b. But without direction or orbit, they will eventually be gone forever!

C. Their condemnation was prophesied long ago. (14-15)

1. By Enoch, the man "who walked with God; and he was not, because God took him" - cf. Gen 5:24

2. Enoch prophesied of the Lord's Coming...

a. Coming with ten thousands of His saints - cf. 1 Th 3:13; 2 Th 1:7

b. Coming to execute judgment on all - cf. 2 Th 1:8-9

c. Coming to convict all who are ungodly.

1) Of their ungodly deeds committed in an ungodly way

2) Of things spoken against the Lord by ungodly sinners

III. They "despise dominion" (authority) (16,19)

A. Evidenced by the way they speak.

1. We have seen that they were quick to speak evil, contrary to apostolic teaching

2. Jude's description of them as "murmurers, complainers" also shows a lack of respect for apostolic authority - cf. 1 Co 10:10; Ph 2:14

3. Their use of flattery likewise was condemned by the apostles cf. Ro 16:17-18

B. Evidenced by the way they walk.

1. "Walking after their own lusts", as "sensual persons", clearly this was a rejection of apostolic authority and teaching - cf. 1 Pe 2:11; 1:14

2. The same was true in "causing divisions" Ro 16:17-18

The last phrase of v 19 truly sums up the condition of these "filthy dreamers": "... having not the Spirit". They "defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil..." - Ju 8 They demonstrate that they are walking "after the lusts of the flesh", not "according to the Spirit" - cf Ga 5:16-23

The end of these "ungodly dreamers" is clearly stated in the Scriptures... As emphasized by the apostle Paul: "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" - Ga 5:21 As stated by Peter: "...to whom the gloom of darkness is reserved forever." - 2 Pe 2:17 As stated by Jude: "...for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever" - Ju 15