The False Teachers Are Blasphemers (Jude Vs. 8-10)

Verse 8: These people: This refers to the false teachers mentioned above.

Relying on their dreams—These false teachers are relying on their dreams and experiences rather than seeking a “thus saith the Lord.” They are disobeying God’s written Word and encouraging others to do the same. The Psalmist said, “Forever, O, Lord, Your Word is settled in Heaven.”

Following their dreams, they are sexually immoral, and blaspheme Glorious ones (probably angels). Dignitaries (NKJV); Angelic Majesties (NASV).

Verse 9: “They Speak Evil of Dignitaries.” Aubrey Johnson writes, “The third charge brought against these false teachers was that they ‘speak evil of dignitaries.’ Dignitaries are persons (heavenly or earthly) who deserve to be highly regarded because of their station. It is not uncommon for the ungodly to speak contemptuously of leaders who resist their worldliness.”

Here is another account that you will not find written on the pages of the Old Testament. This event is discussed in a non-inspired book called ‘The Assumption of Moses.” Elsewhere in the New Testament writers quote uninspired sources to make a point (see notes on Acts 17:28; Titus 1:12)

Most versions use the word “Archangel.” He is the only archangel mentioned by name in Scripture, although there may have been another one, i.e., “Lucifer,” who we know today as Satan.

Verse 10 The HCSB notes give the following about verse 10: “Jude described the false teachers as slandering what they did not understand. He compared them to unreasoning animals that would destroy themselves by the things they instinctively pursued.”

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The Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

3. Verse 7: The Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 18 & 19)

The ESV Study Bible notes: “As with the unfaithful Israelites and the rebellious angels (vs. 5-6), so also the people of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19) received the judgment of eternal fire….Pursued unnatural desire refers to the homosexual activity of Sodom…The Greek is literally ‘went after other flesh,’ meaning ‘other’ or ‘different’ from the sensual immorality with women Jude has just mentioned.”

Sodom and Gomorrah stand as an example of God’s judgment also; their sin (homosexuality conspicuously, but others also) necessitated God’s judgment of fire.

Something we may not know about Sodom and Gomorrah: they were situated in an area very blessed by God. It was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord.

Gen. 13:10 “And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar.”

Despite their great blessing from God and material prosperity, they were judged for their sin.

What are some applications for us today in light of these 3 examples?

  1. To overcome unbelief, let’s remember this. Heb. 11:6 “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
  2. To overcome the prideful heart, let’s remember this.Prov. 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.  To overcome immoral thoughts, let’s remember this.

Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.

 

 

 

 

 

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Old and New Apostates (Part 3) -Fallen Angels

Note:  this is a section that has  different  interpretations– you will have top come to your  own based on the Word of God.  Don’t take anything I or  others say but be like the Bereans in Acts 17. But, remember, this is not a place  to divide over though. (LM)

Fallen Angels. Jude here refers to “the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode.”

Jude speaks of angels who sinned, and who are now imprisoned in the abyss awaiting a future day of judgment.

The sinning of angels can be thought of in this way:

  • In the original rebellion of some angels against God;

Chuck Smith writes about this passage: “We are told in Ezekiel that Satan was creates by God and that he was an anointed cherub who was perfect until iniquity was found in him (Ezek, 28:12-15). In Isaiah 14 we see the fall of Satan, as he was caught up in pride and cast down from the heavens (Is. 14;12-15). In Rev. 12:4, John refers to the angels who fell with Satan–apparently a third of the angels sided with him. They didn’t stay where they belonged, which was in heaven serving the Lord and glorifying Him. And now they wait eternal judgment.”

Aubrey Johnson writes, “Jude’s second illustration of the certainty of judgment came from the shocking story of the fallen angels. Apparently these heavenly messengers were dissatisfied with their positions as servants of God. Instead of keeping their rightful place of humble submission, they chose to rebel against the Lord’s sovereignty. The mutiny against their Maker ended in disaster. Like dishonored angels, people who seem closest to God may actually be farthest from Him in their hearts.”

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