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 22,23).
Although his
audience is not identified, these friends are dear to Jude, the half-brother of
Jesus. He exhorts them to contend for the faith (v. 3) and not fall prey to those who deny
Christ and persuade others to deny him too.
Jude says these
apostates have infiltrated the church and use God’s grace as an excuse for
immorality. Not content with satisfying their own lust, they draw others into
their web of sexual depravity. He compares them to three earlier apostates.
Cain was jealous of Abel’s acceptance by the Lord; Balaam enticed the
Israelites into sexual immorality; and Korah urged others to join him in his
rebellion against Moses. Likewise these traitors against God will be destroyed
as are all God’s enemies.
But Jude
differentiates between instigators and those who are led astray because their
faith is weak. These they are urged to rescue if they can (vv. 22,23).
He closes with one
of the most beautiful doxologies in the New Testament: To him who is
able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence
without fault and 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 (vv. 24,25).
TODAY’S MEDITATION
How can you protect
yourself from ungodly influences?
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