Jude, Day 3
Jude 12 – 16
Shady Shepherds Fleecing the Flock
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15).
There are many disturbing trends that have infiltrated the church in recent decades. One is subtle and the other is more blatant.
As a Biblicist and web designer for ministries, when I see a church website, the first thing I look for is a doctrinal statement. If it is absent or vague, I judge that church “book” by that “cover.” I’ve heard the old cliché, “Doctrine doesn’t matter. Do you love Jesus?” That represents a loosing of the church’s ties to the mooring of Scripture, allowing the congregation to drift with “every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).
The more blatant trend is the promotion of the “prosperity gospel” — that God wants you to be healthy and wealthy and enjoy “your best life now.” Closer examination of that doctrine reveals that the river of prosperity flows toward the preacher, not the pews.
If you think the above sentiments are harsh, wait until you hear what the half-brother of the meek and mild Jesus has to say!
In Verse 3, he tells his readers to contend for the faith that includes the body of doctrine contained in the Bible. Apparently, perhaps due to a lack of doctrinal diligence or discernment, no one noticed that a pack of wolves entered the sheepfold (Jude 4). Sad.
In Jude 12 – 16, Jude unleashes a scribal paroxysm of analogies to describe the dangers of false teachers who have infiltrated the church.
Jude reveals three characteristics of false teachers. First, they are unfruitful hypocrites (Jude 12 – 13). Verse 12 is sometimes translated as “blemishes,” and sometimes “hidden reefs.” As blemishes in at love feasts, they’re like finding a spot of mold on your roll. If they are hidden reefs, they make smooth sailing difficult. They take in nourishment and promise prosperity without delivering. They are as unstable as shooting stars, flaming out in an instant. Like wandering stars, their teaching is not worthy to navigate life by.
Next, false teachers are ungodly, a point that Jude hammers home multiple times (Jude 13c – 15). They are the opposite of God, opposed to His truth and character.
Finally, the wolves in sheep’s clothing are unsatisfied (Jude 16). They moan and groan about everything (except themselves) while nosing up to the gullible sheep, especially the wealthy ones, so they can fleece them.
To earnestly contend for the faith and enjoy our common salvation, we must study the doctrines of the faith and watch our wallets.
Keeping on the alert,
Alan Allegra