A DISCERNING AND PERSEVERING PEOPLE

1. Rejecting False Teaching (2 Peter 2:1-9) 

2. Living in Light of Christ’s Return (2 Peter 3:3-13) 

3. Contending for the Faith (Jude 1:3-4, 17-23) 

Central Truth: Christians must adhere to and defend sound doctrine. 

Focus: Recognize and reject false teaching and doctrine. 

Evangelism Emphasis: False doctrine blinds people to Scriptural truths. 

Text: “Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). 

INTRODUCTION 

Jude and 2 Peter are similar in the material they present. They are both addressing the same basic concerns in the early church and probably were combating the same false teachers. Jude quotes from and extensively parallels 2 Peter; thus it was most likely written shortly after Peter’s death, somewhere around AD 67-69. This similarity, however, does not mean Jude is a repeat of 2 Peter. The writer presents valuable information that is found nowhere else in the New Testament. There is a strong Pentecostal undertone to the letter. Its size is not indicative of its importance. 

1. REJECTING FALSE TEACHING 

A. The Deceitfulness of Heresy (2 Peter 2:1-3) 

1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 

Peter recalls Israel’s almost continual struggle with false prophets to inform the readers that there are and shall be false teachers of the same kind. False prophets and teachers presumptively speak for God when He has not spoken (Deut. 18:20). These false prophets promote rebellion against God (13:5), commit and promote spiritual adultery (Jer. 23:14), afflict the righteous through their lies (Ezek. 13:22), and build illusions and false hope (22:28). The context of their message is heresy, a word that means “choice” or “option.” It is not just the dissemination or spreading of blatantly false doctrine, though it certainly encompasses this. It is also a person choosing what he or she will believe without regard for the truth of God. It is an attitude that says, “I don’t care what the Bible says; I know what I believe!” Heresies place those who embrace them in a path that leads to eternal hell (“destruction” 2 Peter 2:1). 

One heresy in particular is highlighted by Peter: denying Jesus Christ, the “sovereign Lord” (v. 1 NIV). Jesus forewarned the apostles that this would happen and others would present themselves as the hope of the church (Matt. 24:4-5). Apparently, these false teachers had been a part of the early church, for they had been redeemed (“bought”) by the Lord. This term carries the idea of being purchased from the slave market. Their foolish renunciation of Jesus Christ results in “swift destruction,” or eternal punishment that they “bring upon themselves.” 

Their messages of deceit (Matt. 7:15) and destruction cause many to embrace a lifestyle that is enticing and gratifies the senses (see Heb. 11:25), but result in their eternal punishment. These heresies not only affect those who embrace them, but also bring a reproach upon Christ, Christianity, and the church (“the way of truth,” 2 Peter 2:2). 

The motivation of these false teachers is greed (v. 3). They approach believers with appealing but fabricated stories, and bring them into bondage so they can exploit them financially. However, God is aware of their deeds and warns in very descriptive terms that the verdict and resulting destruction will not be indefinitely prolonged. 

Demonized Deceivers 

First Timothy 4:1 warns us that in the last days deceiving spirits will teach the doctrines of demons. Today, religious cults and charlatans abound. The reason these deceivers draw many people is the power of the demonic that teaches them.—Ron Phillips 

B. The Certainty of Judgment (2 Peter 2:4-9) 

9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. 

To further emphasize the certainty of judgment, Peter uses three examples of previous judgments. First, the “angels that sinned” (v. 4) have already been cast into the abode for those who violated the will of God and now have no hope. Their abiding place is one of deep gloom and thick darkness. Their only reprieve is when they stand before God for final judgment. 

Second, the Flood (Gen. 6:5—8:19; 2 Peter 2:5) is noted as an example of judgment upon the rampant wickedness of the ancient world. Only Noah, a proclaimer of righteousness, and seven other souls escaped. Third, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes (Gen. 19:24-29; 2 Peter 2:6-7) is presented as a deterrent for those who would live apart from God. 

In these three examples, Peter also emphasizes the vindication or exoneration of the righteous. The angels who did not rebel against God, Noah and his family, and Lot and his family were vindicated though God’s judgment of those who rejected His grace. The faith of the righteous, pilgrims in the midst of a world that lives contrary to God’s Word, is vindicated (v. 8). The message is clear—God takes care of those who are His (v. 9). 

2. LIVING IN LIGHT OF CHRIST’S RETURN 

A. Scoffers as a Sign (2 Peter 3:3-4) 

3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 

False teachers have appealed to believers’ emotions and have led some astray (2:1-3). These teachers are characterized and controlled by their own illicit desires. Peter appeals to the believers’ minds and memory to help them regain their spiritual equilibrium, for emotions can deceive. Peter repeats a phrase used earlier, “knowing this first” (1:20), which serves to emphasize the importance of the information he is communicating. 

Ironically, the false teachers who mock the belief of Christ’s return are themselves a sign of the last days. The New Testament makes it clear we are living in the last days, just as the epistle’s original readers were. These last days were ushered in by the ministry of Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:2). Pentecost was a confirming sign that humanity is headed for the final hour (Acts 2:17). 

Verse 4 of the lesson text is a direct citation of the false teachers’ views. Their language is that of taunting and mockery, something God’s people have endured in history (see Ps. 42:3; Jer. 17:15). In today’s “civilized” world, the taunting might be less direct, but just as offensive. Christians are often depicted in the media as inept and ignorant buffoons who are committed more to a radical political ideology than their morals. We are in a hostile world and we must be careful of the image of Christ that we project. The false teachers’ logic is, Since Christ has not yet returned, He is not coming; things will continue as they have. 

Broken Barometer? 

In 1938 a man with a home on the south shore of Long Island ordered a barometer from a sporting goods store. It arrived on the morning of September 21, and the owner hung it on the back porch. Half an hour later he peeked at this high-priced toy only to find the needle stuck at “Hurricane.” 

Quickly he wrote a letter demanding a new barometer. When he returned home from the post office from mailing the letter, both barometer and house were missing. September 21, 1938, it turned out, was the day of the worst hurricane to ever hit Long Island.—Bits & Pieces 

B. Certain Judgment (2 Peter 3:5-8) 

7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 

The false teachers’ Stoic philosophy (common in the first century) of God’s inability or lack of desire to intervene in the world order (v. 4) is one of willful ignorance of the fact that God spoke the universe into existence (v. 5). Peter draws from the Creation account. Out of the midst of watery chaos, God brought order (Gen. 1:2, 6-7). When that world was disobedient, He brought judgment through the Flood (2 Peter 3:6). Through the sustaining Word of God, the world is reserved for judgment because of ungodliness. Peter’s message can be summarized as such: If you want to know what God is going to do in the future, look at what He has done in the past. He has been active in the world, fulfilling His promises, redeeming His people, and judging the disobedient. He has not stopped just because the teachers do not understand His timing. 

To help his readers understand the timing of the Second Coming from God’s perspective, Peter draws from Old Testament teaching, “For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night” (Ps. 90:4 NKJV). It reemphasizes what he has told them about learning from the prophets. As well, it provides a proper perspective from which to understand God’s seeming delay and serves to warn that when Jesus returns, it will be suddenly, as humanity’s understanding of time and God’s eternal perspective do not usually coincide. Thus, the problem of time is a human one, not God’s. 

• What do scoffers not know (or disbelieve) about the past? About the future? 

C. Delay or Mercy? (2 Peter 3:9-10) 

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 

Peter reveals the false teachers were ignorant of God’s character. A perceived delay in the return of the Lord actually points to God’s mercy and patience—characteristics seen in the Old Testament (Ex. 34:6; Jonah 4:2). Judgment and wrath are subject to God’s ultimate desire to see repentance by those who are not in a proper relationship with Him. As noted, mercy always precedes judgment. God is not a tyrant who desires to punish people. Punishment is always His last resort and is not designed to be retributive or harmful, but to bring the person back to Him. God’s desire is that absolutely no one spend eternity in hell, but that everyone find life in Christ. The language indicates He will do everything He can to accomplish this goal, except violate a person’s will. 

Verse 10 of the text shows the opportunity for repentance will only last for the period of time prescribed by the sovereignty of God. “The day of the Lord will come” quickly and unexpectedly (see also Matt. 24:42-43; 1 Thess. 5:2). This phrase is drawn from the Old Testament and includes, but is more comprehensive than, the appearance of Jesus Christ for His church. It encompasses all of the climactic end-time events, but particularly emphasizes the outpouring of God’s wrath on evil (Obad. 15). It signifies the end of this age and the preparation for the transformation of all things, including heaven and earth. Sin’s presence and effects will be removed by fervent heat from earth (because of humanity’s sin) and the heavens, presumably because of Satan’s rebellion and dominion therein (Eph. 6:12). Creation will be returned to its original sin-free state. 

Trust the Promise 

Why predict what Christ has already promised? If you trust the promise of His return, you won’t be tempted to chase predictions [of His return].—David C. Cooper 

D. Belief and Behavior (2 Peter 3:11-13) 

13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 

In light of the awesomeness of this day, a day in which everything will be subject to God, the apostle asks his readers a pointed question: “What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” (v. 11 NKJV). Peter understands that a belief affects behavior. In fact, one could say behavior is a true indicator of belief. If a person believes in the soon return of the Lord, it will be evident in behavior that reflects the holiness and character of God. 

In a shift of focus (“nevertheless,” v. 13) and a pastoral tone, Peter reminds them that on the basis of God’s promise, they await the revelation of new heavens and a new earth (see Isa. 65:17; Rev. 21:1). The implication is that they will be the residents of the new world if they stand on the true foundation they have received and are not deceived by the false teachers’ heresies. 

• What will characterize the “new heavens” and “new earth” (v. 13)? 

3. CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH 

A. Spiritual Warfare (Jude 3-4) 

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Jude originally intended to write a letter concerning our “common salvation.” He does not use “common” in the sense of that which is ordinary, but rather, that which is mutually shared. Like Peter (2 Peter 1:1), he understands and wants to communicate that their salvation is no different than his. 

Instead, the crisis demanded that Jude encourage them to “contend for the faith” (v. 3). This statement is a call to spiritual warfare that includes: (1) making every effort necessary to remain dedicated and consecrated in the faith (a preventative measure); (2) struggling, if necessary, to bring those deceived by the false teachers back to a correct relationship with God (a defensive effort); and (3) confronting the false teachers about their heretical doctrine (an offensive attack). “The faith” encompasses the body of beliefs given to the Church. 

An intentional contrast emerges between the “saints” (v. 3), who are the rightful heirs of the heritage of the faith, and the “certain men” (v. 4) who have deceptively sneaked into the midst of the church. There is a disdainful tone to Jude’s calling them “certain men.” They are hindering the work of God, afflicting the saints, and deceiving the weak; they are not instruments of God, but “ungodly” instruments of the Enemy. These have previously been marked out for judgment (“ordained to this condemnation”). Posing as agents of God’s grace, they promote flagrant immorality and deny the lordship of Jesus Christ. 

Satanic Strategy 

The devil is very active in supplying false Christs, as well as false prophets, false angels, false doctrine, false miracles—total false religion. Satan’s strategy is to “flood the market” with the false, and thereby neutralize the true.—Charles W. Conn 

B. End-Time Mockers (Jude 17-19) 

Jude addresses the recipients again as “beloved” (v. 17), a term of endearment. It is a gentle reassurance that they are not the enemy. He then echoes the words of Peter (2 Peter 3:2-3). The apostles, under the direction of Jesus (Matt. 24:4-5, 24-25), warned the early church of “mockers,” directed by ungodly, unrestrained illicit desires (Jude 18). These individuals actively destroy unity and promote discord (“separate themselves”), operate according to the whims of the unspiritual flesh (“sensual”), and are devoid of the Spirit of God (v. 19). They are apostates who have no right influencing those directed buy the Spirit. Jude advises his readers to “remember . . . the words” of warning (v. 17). 

• How can we recognize religious people who “do not have God’s Spirit” (v. 19 NLT)?  

C. Remaining in Christ (Jude 20-23) 

20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 

23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 

Jude admonishes the “beloved” to strengthen themselves through four exhortations: (1) They are to continue building on the strong foundation of the faith that endures. It is the faith that has sustained them, not the false doctrine. And the faith will not allow them to grow even stronger. They are to do this themselves, which suggests they are to encourage themselves in the Lord (see 1 Sam. 30:6), and they are to edify, or build up, one another. (2) They are to continue praying in the Holy Spirit. Praying in the Spirit edifies. The Spirit comes alongside of us and walks with us, assisting and providing for us in our spiritual journey (John 16:13). (3) Jude commands them to guard themselves “in the love of God” (v. 21). They are to stay within the realm of the love of God. This can be a reference to either God’s love for them (1 John 4:10) or their love for God (Matt. 22:37). It is taken as both. As they seek to understand more of God’s love for them, it will cause their love for Him to increase (1 John 4:19). (4) They are to continue looking for the mercy of the Lord, accepting His loving-kindness. 

Jude correctly teaches that the focus cannot be entirely inward, if they want to properly build up themselves in the faith. They must reach out to others. Since they are receiving loving-kindness (“mercy”), they are to reach out with compassion to others who may be struggling, especially those who are doubting because of the false teachers’ ability to persuade. 

However, our compassion should not remain in the house of the Lord. In descriptive language, Jude provides an image of those caught in the depths of sin (v. 23). It is a vivid reminder that if the church does not evangelize, lost souls are going to spend eternity in hell—a place to be feared. We must hate the sin (“garment spotted by the flesh”), but love the sinner enough to do whatever it takes to bring them to salvation. 

• Describe two ways God calls us to minister to different people. Why are different approaches necessary? 

DISCERN THE TRUTH 

All Christians need to be able to discern truth from myth, and righteousness from ungodliness (John 8:32). We do that by becoming so familiar with the truth that any deviation becomes obvious to the mind and checked in the spirit. This is not just being uncomfortable with possible changes in the status quo, but certain knowledge that what we are hearing is contrary to God and His Word. The longer our journey with Christ and the deeper we go in the Word and the Spirit, the easier this becomes. It is a process that enhances our walk with the Lord and His church, matures our faith, enriches the Kingdom, and protects us from doctrinal error. 

Daily Devotions  

M.  Men of Truth (Exodus 18:13-26) 

T.  Paths of Truth (Psalm 25:4-10) 

W.  Truthful Lips (Proverbs 12:15-22) 

T.  The Spirit of Truth (John 14:15-18) 

F.  Belief in the Truth (2 Thessalonians 2:9-17) 

S.  Walking in Truth (2 John 1:1-8) 

Adopted from the Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary 2020-2021.

Photo by Nilina from Pexels.