Sermon Devotional: Our Enemies

Scripture:  Jude 11-16 (ESV)

“Woe to them! . . . . ‘See, the Lord is coming . . . .’” Jude 11 and 14

Jude devotes most of his words to talking to and about the Christian community—both (1) describing and critiquing the interlopers and (2) warning and exhorting his faithful but vulnerable brothers and sisters in Christ. Yet, it is important to receive Jude’s words to and about the community in relation to the ultimate point of reference, in relation to Jude’s ultimate concern: the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ultimately, Jesus is the one about whom the interlopers are spreading error. Jesus is the one whose authority they are rejecting. Jesus is the one whose will and designs they are flaunting and overturning. As we learned in verse 4, they “deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” So, in the middle of this passage (vv. 11-16) we read the words, quoted from Enoch, that constitute the reference point for all that Jude says here: “See, the Lord is coming . . .” (v. 14).

The false teachers, the interlopers, arrogantly presume to be authorities unto themselves. However, the only One who has authority in Himself—indeed, IS an authority in Himself—is the Lord Jesus. And the Lord Jesus was and is the antithesis to Jude’s description of the interlopers.

They are “shepherds who feed only themselves” (v. 12). Jesus is the Good Shepherd who powerfully feeds and cares for His flock (Jn 10:11-18). They are “clouds without rain” (v. 12). Jesus is Living Water (Jn 7:37-38). They are trees that are barren, “without fruit” (v. 12). Jesus is the Vine, giving life to the branches (Jn 15:1-8).

Clearly, Jude is concerned about and devotes many words—honest, pointed words—to describing the false teachers. Yet they are not his primary audience. His letter is not written to them. It is written to his fellow Christ-followers, whom he addresses as “Dear friends” (v. 3). The primary reason for his extended description of and harsh words about the interlopers is to undergird his exhortation to “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (v. 3). And that “faith” is about and in Jesus. Divine judgment will come upon the “ungodly” interlopers because of, among other wrongdoing, “all the defiant words [they] have spoken against him” (v. 15).

Integral to “contend[ing] for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” is keeping our eyes and ears focused on Jesus. Does the teaching we find so appealing correspond to the teaching of Jesus? Does the teacher with whom we are enamored remind us, in at least some ways, of Jesus? (No one is precisely like Jesus, but teachers ought to reflect and direct our attention to Him.)

Thank the Lord for His Son, Jesus. Listen to Him and follow Him. (To which Jude would say, “Amen!”)

Consider –
╬   Any one of us, no matter how sincere and earnest, is capable of unwittingly embracing beliefs that are not consistent with the teachings of Jesus. Are there any beliefs of your own or beliefs that you observe being promoted “in the name of Christ” about which you have doubts? If so, invite a trusted Christian friend or pastor to discuss these with you and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in “the faith once delivered.”        
 
╬   Thank you, Father, for sending your Son, Jesus. By your Holy Spirit, enable us to cut through the distractions and deceptions that surround us, and guide us to follow Jesus in thought, word, and deed. In His name we pray. Amen.