Sermon passage: Jude 5-16

Below is a sermon manuscript from August 25, 2024. Watch the sermon here.

Introduction

Yesterday, I sat on a piece of plastic, and people threw balls for me to fall off of it and into the water. Thankfully, I had one of our elders guarding the balls so that people only had three attempts, and then I fell in. The water was cold, but it wasn’t too bad. Later, my wife started to “guard” the station. She was a little more lenient. When someone missed, she let them step closer…then closer… then closer, until kids were just pressing the button. Everyone got to dunk me when she was in charge. When the elder returned to guard, he had to play defense because everyone wanted to press the button. The stakes weren’t too high. I got a little cold. But what if the platform were higher? What if there was a real risk at play? Then, I would want the button to be guarded. The higher the stakes, the more important it would be to ensure it was guarded effectively. We can’t get higher stakes than eternity – heaven and hell. And that is what we see in this passage. That’s why it is so important for those Jude is writing to, and us as well, to contend for the faith. Let’s see how our passage describes this.

Read Jude 5-16

The Ungodly Have a Shared Destiny

Jude gives reasons to contend for the faith by giving three Biblical examples of people who departed from God’s ways and faced judgment. What Jude is teaching them is not completely new information, he says, “although you once fully knew it.” This should help us understand that often what we need is not new information that we have never heard, but reminders of the truth that we have heard and have perhaps neglected.

Example 1: Unbelief meant not seeing the promised land

The first example pulls from the Exodus. It is common in the New Testament to draw parallels between the Exodus and our salvation in Christ; we see that in 1 Corinthians 10 and Hebrews 3-4. But here we see the exodus attributed to the work of Jesus. This shouldn’t surprise us. Jude has already used Jesus in the place of common references to Yahweh. Jesus saved the Israelites but later destroyed those who didn’t believe. Destroyed here refers to physical death but is a picture of greater destruction. This could reference the golden calf incident, but many scholars note the similarity with refusing to enter the Promise Land episode in Numbers 13-14. 

Matthew Harmon summarizes this example,

Jude’s point is clear: those who were delivered from Egypt were eventually judged because they did not persevere in faith in Yahweh and his promises. These events are types that instruct believers concerning how to live as God’s people.^[1]

Example 2: Rejection of proper station meant being kept in darkness

The second example is angels who left their proper dwelling. They rejected their role. This is likely a reference to Genesis 6:1-4 where the Sons of God took daughters of men. Jude may be pulling from Jewish tradition; he later quotes 1 Enoch, and in that same work, it references this incident where angels left their proper dwelling in heaven to come to earth and commit sexual immorality. They are departing from their proper place and incurring the proper judgment. Jude says that because they failed to keep their place, God has kept them in chains of darkness until the last day. Both humans and angels are subject to the punishment of God should they reject him.

Example 3: Rebelling against God’s good design meant punishment by fire

Jude uses Sodom and Gomorrah as the third example. Last week, we saw the term sensuality used to describe the false teachers. They abused God’s grace to follow after sensuality. This week, we get a further description, and it’s not without its detractors. Here we have a reference to the sin of Sodom and Gomorra. Sodom was known for its wickedness in the Old Testament and was destroyed because of it. 

The sin of Sodom is something that Biblical scholars love to discuss. Part of the reason is because it is traditionally understood to include homosexuality. In the Old Testament account of Sodom, we see two angels visiting and the men of the city clamoring to have them. Many modern scholars attempt to dismiss this by saying that the sin of Sodom was really inhospitality and gang rape. Others use this section and say the unnatural desire is not homosexuality but refers to angels and humans. But in the Biblical account the men were unaware that they were angels. Our passage in Jude refers to the surrounding cities as well. So, this one account cannot serve to overturn the traditional understanding. 

Why go into more detail here? Because it is a contested text within our culture. It’s also one that must be understood correctly in order to avoid the same error as the false teachers. It is common for the ungodly to interpret the text in a way that leads to sexual license. But, as it’s been said before, sex is like fire. In its proper place, it’s beautiful and good. But if it’s raging outside proper boundaries, it will wreak havoc. 

We also see that fire comes here as a result of their rebellion and rejection of God’s good design. Let’s remember the challenge here: It’s not limited to Sodom, but all who reject God’s good design and, instead of following him in faith, follow after their own passions, and they are destined for punishment.

The Shared Destiny Point to Future Judgment

The Old Testament examples of judgment coming upon cities and people because of their ungodliness are a type of the judgment that awaits the ungodliness of these false teachers and those who follow after them. The past temporary fires of Sodom and Gomorrah point to the eternal fires of future judgment. This is no small warning. The breaking in of Christ and the grace he provides do not mean less judgment on sin. 

The Ungodly Have Shared Characteristics

While these ungodly men crept into the midst, they also have identifiable characteristics that Jude informs his audience about. This is important – not only for them – but for us as well. What are some things that should give us pause when listening to certain individuals? Just because someone claims they are a follower of Christ and even uses Scripture does not mean that they are worthy to be listened to; worse, they could lead astray. Here, we see many characteristics of these ungodly men, and they are used in connection with personal examples that came before. Characteristics that were shared.

The ungodly appeal to dreams, feelings, or other sources as ultimate authorities^[2]

Look at what the ungodly are doing. They are appealing to dreams as a basis for their authority. Jude doesn’t say, “You know what, I think that’s legitimate.” Instead, he dismisses their faulty grounds for authority. Where is Jude’s authority? Do you remember? He places his authority in being a servant of Jesus. One way that position is seen is in his acceptance of the message and delivery of the apostolic truth. He places himself under, not over, the Word of God. This is important. False teachers and those who seek to lead others astray will not operate from Sola Scriptura – Scripture alone as the final authority – but will place something else there. 

Today, we might hear, “God’s Word can’t say this because I feel it is wrong.” But that merely elevates our subjective feelings above the Word of God as the final authority. This is also the reasoning of the ungodly, who, as we see in verse 10, chase after their base sinful instincts instead of submitting them to God’s design.

The ungodly reject true authority

Those who are called ungodly in this passage have an identifying characteristic of rejecting authority. The reference to Korah’s rebellion further reinforces this. Korah rebelled against Moses and Aaron, accusing them of exalting themselves and lying to the people.

Many people have experienced church hurt. Maybe this is you. In many congregations, the pulpit is being perverted into a bully pulpit. But we have to be careful not to let this undermine the true authorities that God has established. 

Remember that Latin phrase we used before, abusus non tollit usum, “abuse does not take away use.” False teachers can capitalize on the abuse and promote rejecting all authority – ironically, rejecting all authority except theirs. 

We should reject abuse of authority and be discerning in who has authority over us. But we should also recognize the goodness of godly leaders even amid their brokenness. There is a difference between leaders who are limited servants of Christ and those who are servants of self.

The ungodly speak authoritatively when they should admit limitations

Jewish literature records a number of traditions concerning Michael, including the incident in which he was “contending with the devil” and “disputing about the body of Moses.” Deuteronomy 34:1–12 records the death of Moses but says nothing of the incident described here. According to Jewish tradition, the Devil argued with Michael over Moses’ body, claiming that since Moses was a murderer, his body belonged to him. In response, Michael “did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment”; in other words, he did not presumptuously assume authority of his own but merely invoked the Lord’s authority when he stated, “The Lord rebuke you.” This phrase is taken from Zechariah 3:2, where the Lord rebukes Satan for his charges against Joshua the high priest. Jude claims that Michael declared these words to the Devil instead of stating a charge of blasphemy against him. The point is not that such a charge was untrue, but rather that Michael did not presume the authority to make it.^[3]

It’s true that we can appeal to mystery too soon. This is often the result of laziness in our search for truth. However, there is an opposite error. Those who speak divine mysteries when they should acknowledge limitations. The ungodly are said to blaspheme holy ones. This is an interesting phrase. It could mean they do not acknowledge the unseen realm. It could also mean they falsely attribute things to the unseen realm when they don’t truly have that insight. Claiming God gave them the insight is one move, but it’s a dangerous one. If God hasn’t, then you are guilty of taking the Lord’s name in vain.

What’s more, the New Testament gives prescriptions for testing the Spirits. This implies that Christians depend on God’s Word to help discern. In fact, the Holy Spirit works through the Word. Be careful of those who seek to separate the Spirit from the Word of God. 

It is common for someone to attribute something to the unseen realm. But we have to be careful. Claiming a definitive attitude toward whether something is because of demons or even because of the Holy Spirit is treading on unsure ground. Even the New Testament gives instructions for discerning whether something is of the Holy Spirit or not, showing us that Scripture is needed to discern. 

The ungodly harm God’s people for profit

Another characteristic is that of Balaam. A quick reference to Balaam was a short-hand way to say prophet-for-hire. That’s what he was. Here is someone who is more concerned with filling his pockets than loving God’s people and telling the truth. What is a teacher’s aim? Are they willing to change their perspective on something or teach something contrary to God’s Word in order to gain an ear with others or make a profit. Matthew Lee Anderson, an ethicist at Baylor, once remarked how many times he was approached to use his credentials as an evangelical to slander evangelicals. He said there are countless opportunities. Now, that doesn’t mean everyone who does this is a false teacher. We should accept criticism – there are many faults within the evangelical church – but we also need to beware of those whose primary mission is to point out flaws and who greatly benefit in the process. It’s one thing to confront a congregation lovingly, it’s another to get a major book deal.

The ungodly are shameless and unrepentant

They hide among God’s people, like reefs lurking under the surface, damaging the unexpected. They have no fear, meaning they don’t have shame over their sin or the destruction it can bring to others. Instead of feeding God’s people and protecting them like the good shepherd, they are only concerned with themselves.

The ungodly keep up appearances but lack fruit

They have the right appearance but lack the proper content, like waterless clouds or fruitless trees. God’s grace gives living water and fruit, but they lack this evidence of true grace.

Though these characteristics can be seen in Christians, they are not the dominant and enduring refrain

Maybe you hear these descriptions, look inward, and think, “Is this me?” Do I belong to the ungodly? If you have not repented of your sins and placed your trust in the finished work of Christ for you, then yes. That is you. These are manifestations of unbelief. They are evidence of rebellion against the God who made you and knows what’s best for you. Turn from your sin and trust in the free gift of salvation provided by Jesus’ death on the cross for you. 

Many of us came to Christ by praying to God to save us from our sins. But that prayer is merely an outward confession of something that took place in our hearts. A heart that was changed by the power of the gospel. If your heart hasn’t been changed, then you will not see God’s way as beautiful and good. But if you have, you delight in following the Lord. 

As Kevin DeYoung has written. “The grace which leads us to say yes to our great God and Savior Jesus Christ also demands that we say no to ungodliness and wordly passions.”^[4]

But there will be times when it’s hard. We can be desensitized to the leading of the Spirit. 

The Ungodly Have Certain Judgment

Jude appears to expand this condemnation that awaits not only these men but also all the ungodly. His definition of ungodly here is those who persist in unbelief and exhibit the corresponding characteristics. He is not referring to the Christian who struggles with sin—that is, all Christians—but instead to those who stubbornly persist in unbelief and ungodliness. Those who do will face certain judgment. The examples of the past, earthly temporal judgment, point forward to the eternal judgment that awaits all who continue in ungodliness.

The ungodly will face condemnation and eternal conscious punishment

Jude quotes from 1 Enoch to show the destruction that awaits the ungodly. There is much debate over Jude’s use of 1 Enoch. It may be that Jude is using it because his audience finds it authoritative. He may use it because of the wording of ungodly and finds it useful and true of false teachers. What’s clear is that it doesn’t use certain terminology that other places in the New Testament use when it’s introduced. Whatever the grounds for the use, we can see Jude’s point. It uses the common language of 10,000s of angels – something we see at Sinai in Deut 33:2 and Daniel 7:10, which describes a judgment scene around God’s throne room with 10,000 around him.

The Lord coming with holy ones refers to coming judgment. It refers to the future judgment on the last day when all will give account to the Lord. Convicting all the ungodly is used in a judicial sense. 

He sees this as evidence for their future doom. It is certain. It is certain not for a portion but for all the ungodly. They will be convicted of their acts, which are turned away from God in unbelief, and they will be convicted of the words they have spoken against God. One day, they will recognize the folly of their rebellion, though still hardened in it.

All who believe will experience eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord

Future judgment doesn’t only await the ungodly. Those who are in Christ will also face judgment. I love the end of our statement of faith it says it this way, 

We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace. Amen.^[5]

Conclusion

Who is Jesus to you? Is he Lord and Master? Is he merely a guru who gives some decent advice that you can take or leave? Maybe that is where you are, maybe you are incorporating all this Jesus stuff into your already decent life. You combine a few things you like here with things you already like in your life. But the gospel is not good advice it’s good news. It’s the good news that Jesus Christ came to make all things new. He died for sinners and was resurrected to new life. It’s the good news that we can be saved from our sins by trusting in him and in doing so are made new creations and indwelt with the Holy Spirit. We are now part of the new creation that is breaking in. Jesus’s resurrection began the new age that is to come, and Christians right now participate in that new age. If you are still in your sin, apart from Christ, you belong to the age that is going away on this earth and one that ends in separation from the loving presence of God and the just judgment for sin. But if you belong to Christ, even now, you are being made new, being prepared for the day when we will dwell with God in a new heavens and earth. 

⁹ Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, ¹⁰ nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. ¹¹ And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.^[6]

Is this you? Listen, if not, there is hope for all who repent and believe. Christians are not better than others. We do not earn our salvation. Instead, we trust in the One who provided the way, and by his grace, he inwardly transforms us. Trust in him today. Do not delay!

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^[1] Matthew S. Harmon, “Jude,” in Hebrews–Revelation, ed. Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., and Jay Sklar, vol. XII, ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018), 511.

^[2] I greatly benefitted from the insights of Jim Samra, James, 1 & 2 Peter, and Jude, ed. Mark L. Strauss and John H. Walton, Teach the Text Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2016), 255–256.

^[3] Matthew S. Harmon, “Jude,” in Hebrews–Revelation, ed. Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., and Jay Sklar, vol. XII, ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018), 513.

^[4] Kevin DeYoung, What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality? (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 2015), 118.

^[5] “Statement of Faith — Evangelical Free Church of America,” accessed August 26, 2024, https://www.efca.org/sof.

^[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Co 6:9–11.