“In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them.
Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.
These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.”
When we read Jude 1:7-13, we see a certain type of person. Leaning to their own understanding and giving themselves over to gossip and malicious talk, as well as ungratefulness, and just plain meanness.
Contrast this with how we should be living and who we should be watching for. If there is no thought about the Lord returning, or our own mortality as a time for us to face Jesus, then we have no fear or respect of God.
We simply live our lives as though there is no recompense for our actions and the future life God has for us.
Jude reminds of what the apostles said. He reminds us that they said in the last days there would be scoffers whose whole purpose is to satisfy their own desires.
They are the people creating divisions and causing us to question each other.
But we, as contrast, build each other up, praying in the power of the Holy Spirit, and longing for the return of the Lord Jesus to come and get us and bring His kingdom with Him.
It’s always sobering to know we have been left a job to do that has a time limit. Whether it’s our own death or His return, our job has a due date. How do you want to be remembered? As a faithful servant praying for the saints or a selfish hireling, only thinking of the wantonness of your desires?
Jude lays it out. The contrast is obvious.
Pastor Brent