The authorship of the Letter of Jude is traditionally credited to Judas, the brother of Jesus. However, it is possible that it was written by a later author who was an associate of James. The letter is addressed to predominantly Jewish members of the early Church, as evidenced by the references to the lesser-known Book of Enoch.
Although Judah had initially intended to write about their shared salvation, he hastily shifted focus upon learning that false teachers had infiltrated the congregation, introducing corrupt practices as the new norm. He warns his audience of these wolves in sheep’s clothing and urges them to persevere, remaining steadfast in their faith and trusting in the One who is able to keep them from stumbling.
How often do we find ourselves compelled to address the immediate needs of the church rather than focusing on truly building people in Christ? It is easy to become preoccupied with maintaining the outward functions of the church—organizing events, resolving conflicts, and addressing surface-level concerns—while neglecting the deeper spiritual growth of individuals. In doing so, we may unintentionally prioritize short-term solutions over long-term transformation.
Often, we are more concerned about the salvation of others than our own. When we see someone we know heading down the wrong path, we feel an urgent need to intervene. We quickly step in, believing it is our responsibility to correct their course. This immediate response gives us a sense of achievement, as if we have contributed something valuable to the Christian community. We may even convince ourselves that such actions are a service to God.
Moreover, when others recognize our efforts, we gain social validation. People speak well of us, and we feel reassured that we are making a difference. However, this approach often follows the path of least resistance. It is far easier to apply quick fixes than to commit to the slow, challenging work of building true spiritual foundations. People, too, are often more receptive to immediate solutions rather than undergoing the deep and sometimes painful process of real change. True discipleship requires patience, persistence, and a commitment to transformation that goes beyond surface-level corrections.
Reminding God’s Wrath
For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. – Jude 1:4 (NIV)
Judah warns his readers not to forget the fate of those who fell into corruption. He reminds them that God, who lovingly delivered Israel from Egypt, later destroyed those who rebelled. Likewise, the angels who abandoned their rightful place are bound for judgment, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah serve as a lasting example of the consequences of immorality, suffering the punishment of eternal fire. In the same way, ungodly people who defile themselves, reject authority, and slander what they do not understand. Their actions, driven by instinct like irrational animals, will ultimately lead to their destruction.
They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. – Jude 1:7 (NIV)
Judah reminds his audience of the punishment faced by the Israelites and the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah to serve as a stark warning. These historical examples illustrate the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God. By recalling these events, Judah emphasizes the severity of God’s judgment, urging his listeners to remain faithful and avoid the mistakes of the past. This reminder reinforces the idea that God’s justice is real and that sin has consequences, creating a sense of urgency in maintaining righteousness.
The fear of the Lord is often seen as an easier path to obedience than developing a deep love for Him. Many believe that people need strict boundaries to stay on the right path, leading churches to enforce rules and regulations as a way to maintain order. Fear becomes a tool to keep people in line, as it demands immediate compliance, whereas love requires a personal relationship with God that takes time to nurture.
People often prefer to instill fear of God in others as a way to draw them closer to Him because fear is an immediate motivator. Just as children are sometimes told scary stories about monsters to ensure they follow rules, some believe that reciting fearful stories of God’s wrath will keep people disciplined. Their concern is that if people fully embrace the idea that God loves them unconditionally, they may take advantage of His grace and become complacent in their faith.
However, mixed messages from churches can create confusion and internal struggles for believers. While scripture teaches that God is loving and merciful, many modern-day Christian communities seem to emphasize fear as a stronger motivator. It appears that, for some, the motto has become: “Fear can move mountains.” Yet, true transformation comes not from fear alone but from a genuine understanding of God’s love and grace, which inspires a lasting and willing commitment to Him.
Repeating Patterns of Sin
Judah highlights the repeating pattern of sin seen in the actions of the present disruptors, showing they acted no differently than the old destructive figures—Cain, Balaam, and Korah. He warns that these people follow the same destructive paths: Cain, driven by jealousy and anger, murdered his brother Abel; Balaam, enticed by greed, opposed God’s will and led others astray for personal gain; and Korah, who rebelled against Moses and God’s authority, leading to his destruction and that of his followers.
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. – Jude 1:12 (NIV)
Like clouds without rain, which serve no purpose and only block the sun’s rays from reaching the earth, false teachers similarly obstruct God’s glory and the truth of His revelation from reaching the people. They promise teachings or “rain,” but in reality, their words are empty, merely repeating familiar rhetoric designed to stir up the crowd without offering any true nourishment. They are like selfish shepherds who feed only themselves, neglecting the flock they’re meant to care for. They are also like fruitless trees, barren and dead, incapable of producing anything of value, and destined for destruction.
These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. – Jude 1:16 (NIV)
Perseverance in the Face of Adversity
Judah urges his audience to stay steadfast amidst the distractions and deceit of false teachers. He reminds them that the apostles foretold that in the last days, scoffers would arise, driven by their own ungodly desires, causing division and following natural instincts instead of the Spirit. In contrast, Judah encourages his readers to strengthen their faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and remain in God’s love while awaiting the mercy of Jesus Christ, which will bring them to eternal life.
Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. – Jude 1:22-23 (NIV)
Judah urges his readers to be merciful to those who are doubting, reminding them to approach such individuals with compassion rather than frustration. It is natural to feel concerned when we see someone struggling in their faith, but rather than responding with anger or impatience, we must remember that God has His own ways of guiding them. Our role is not to force belief upon them but to extend kindness and support as they navigate their spiritual journey.
Doubt and stumbling should not be seen as failures but as signs that someone is at least making an effort to walk on the path of God. Struggles and uncertainties are part of growth, and rather than condemning those who waver, we should recognize their journey with understanding. True faith is often strengthened through challenges, and God’s grace is always at work, even when we cannot see it.
Ultimately, we must learn to let go and trust that God is watching over them, regardless of our intervention. Our attempts to control or “fix” their faith may not always be necessary or helpful. Instead, we should rest in the assurance that God’s love and guidance extend far beyond our efforts. By showing mercy and leaving room for God to work in their lives, we allow them to experience His grace in a way that leads to genuine and lasting faith.
To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. – Jude 1:24-25 (NIV)
Only Jesus can keep us from stumbling. The world and its leaders will constantly try to lead us astray from the path that leads to God, but we must remember that Jesus is always by our side—not just rooting for us but actively helping us walk that path in whatever way we need His assistance. The call to persevere in the face of adversity might sometimes feel unfounded, baseless, or even hypocritical, but instead of being cynical, let’s hold onto the hand of the One who is reaching out to lift us up and bring us to the top of the mountain of God.
Discussion Questions
- How often are we compelled to focus on addressing the immediate needs of the church instead of truly building people in Christ?
- Why is Judah reminding his audience of the punishment faced by the Israelites and the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah?
- Why do people prefer to instill a fear of God in others as a way to draw them closer to Him?
- Why does Judah ask us to be merciful to those who doubt?
The Jordan Valley 
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