REJECT DECEIVERS AND DEMONIC DOCTRINES 

1.  Destructive Doctrines (1 Timothy 4:1-5; 2 Peter 2:1-3) 

     A. Hypocrites and Liars (1 Timothy 4:1-5) 

     B. False Prophets and False Teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3) 

2.  Depravity of False Teachers (Jude 8-16, 19) 

     A. Self-Absorbed Rebels (Jude 8-11) 

     B. Clouds Without Rain (Jude 12-16) 

     C. Creating Divisions (Jude 19) 

3.  Contend for the Faith (Jude 3-4, 20-25) 

     A. A Shared Salvation (Jude 3-4) 

     B. Praying and Waiting (Jude 20-21) 

     C. Practicing Mercy (Jude 22-23) 

     D. Giving Glory to God (Jude 24-25) 

Central Truth: Christians are to contend for the Faith through God’s Word in the power of Jesus Christ. 

Focus:  Discern and reject false teaching through the power of Jesus Christ. 

Evangelism Emphasis: Jesus Christ is the Truth that sets the captive free. 

Text: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). 

INTRODUCTION 

After three years of fruitful ministry in the city of Ephesus, Paul decided to travel to Jerusalem. In his farewell message he warned, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock. . . . For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:28-30 NKJV). 

The Gospels tell us that within the inner circle of Jesus’ followers, Satan was at work. Jesus warned Peter, “Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31 NASB). Also, Luke tells us “Satan entered into Judas” (v. 3), who later betrayed Jesus with a kiss (v. 47 NASB). After the Day of Pentecost, a prominent member of the Jerusalem church, Ananias, was rebuked by Peter: “Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?” (Acts 5:3 NASB). Demonic spirits never cease their attempts to destroy the church, but they have a lot of help. Although our warfare is against “the spiritual forces of wickedness” (Eph. 6:12 NASB), we must be willing to confront those “flesh and blood” human beings who collude with evil spirits to betray the mission of the kingdom of God (1 Tim. 1:20). 

1. DESTRUCTIVE DOCTRINES 

A. Hypocrites and Liars (1 Timothy 4:1-5) 

1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 

Timothy was Paul’s spiritual son and longtime missionary companion. In one of their journeys, as they were passing through Ephesus, Paul asked Timothy to stay in order to challenge false teachers who were threatening the stability of the Ephesian church (v. 3). Paul’s primary concern in writing this letter was to promote a sincere faith and sound doctrine (vv. 5, 10). To oppose the false teachers was to “wage the good warfare” (1:18 ESV). 

As Paul was writing, the Spirit spoke (4:1). The Holy Spirit speaks to the church through words of knowledge, words of wisdom, prophetic words, and the interpretation of tongues (1 Cor. 12:8-10). Timothy was well acquainted with the voice of the Spirit because his ministry had been commissioned by prophetic utterances (1 Tim. 1:18). Paul’s words, “the Spirit speaketh,” are the equivalent of “Thus saith the Lord,” first used by Moses in Exodus 4:22 and used 419 times by the Old Testament prophets. Paul’s words have the same prophetic weight as those spoken by Moses and all the prophets. 

The Spirit spoke to Paul about “the latter times” (1 Tim. 4:1). This does not mean the Spirit was speaking about something that would occur in the future, for false teaching was happening during the period of time in which Paul was writing. Two leaders of the Ephesian church, Hymenaeus and Alexander, had been expelled by Paul because they failed to keep the Faith (1:19-20). Prophetic utterances often speak of “the latter times” or “the last days” as imminent so the hearer will understand that the matter is urgent (see Matt. 3:2; Mark 1:15). 

The urgent matter was that many believers were falling away from the Faith because they were “paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Tim. 4:1 NASB). The Greek word apostasia (“falling away”) means believers were apostatizing, rebelling against “sound doctrine” (1:10). Paul presented an early creed, a statement of essential Christian belief, in 1 Timothy 3:16: “He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory” (NASB). A creed represents “the standard of sound words” (2 Tim. 1:13 NASB). 

Paul insisted the glorious Gospel is inspired by the Holy Spirit; and those who teach contrary to sound doctrine are demonically inspired. Many Ephesian believers rejected the sound doctrine of Paul and Timothy in favor of the “doctrines of devils” inspired by “seducing spirits” (1 Tim. 4:1). The false teachers interpreted the Law (the Old Testament) in ways that challenged sound doctrine. Paul affirmed the veracity of the Law, but rebuked those who use the Law to promote strange doctrines (1:6-8). The false teachers exploited two issues: marriage and food. 

The false teachers were prohibiting marriage (4:3); in other words, they were prohibiting sexual relations. Several Jewish and Greek sects insisted that all sexual relations contaminated the human spirit because all matter, including the human body, was evil. The Christian faith prohibited sexual immorality—fornication, adultery, incest, and homosexuality (Acts 15:20, 29; 1 Cor. 6:9, 13, 18)—and even encouraged celibacy in certain circumstances (Matt. 19:11-12; 1 Cor. 7:26). But the male/female sexual relationship within marriage was encouraged (1 Cor. 7:1-5; Heb. 13:4). 

The false teachers were also forbidding certain foods (1 Tim. 4:3). Dietary restrictions were a contentious issue in the apostolic church (Acts 10:9-16; 1 Cor. 10:23-33). Many insisted that Gentile converts must abide by Jewish dietary regulations. But the teaching of Jesus (Mark 7:18-19) and the judgment of the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:19-20) insisted all foods were acceptable, with the exception of foods used in idol worship. Paul declared “every creature of God is good” for human nourishment (1 Tim. 4:4). 

Why do these issues matter? Food restrictions close the gospel of Christ to the Gentiles. Sexual morality matters because our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16-17). Missional and moral integrity are essential to the Gospel. 

These false teachers were lying hypocrites with seared consciences (1 Tim. 4:2). The Greek word translated as “seared” is a medical term that refers to the cauterization of an organ, rendering it insensitive to pain (Philip H. Towner, The Letters to Timothy and Titus). Paul accused the false teachers of not practicing their own prohibitions because they had no moral sensitivity. The false teachers had become so hard-hearted and dull-minded that they were unaware they had become the human agents of demonic deceit (Eph. 4:18-19). 

• Name false teachings that are common today. 
• How can Christians overcome “seducing spirits”? 

B. False Prophets and False Teachers (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. 

False prophets are those who claim to speak with the authority of the Holy Spirit but, in fact, are inspired by a different spirit, a deceiving spirit (Ezek. 13:3, 8-9; 2 Cor. 11:4). They are notorious for manipulating their audiences with flattering words (1 Thess. 5:1-3; cf. Jer. 6:14; Ezek. 13:10). False teachers are those who distort the inspired Word in order to disturb the people of God (Acts 15:24; Titus 1:11). False prophets and false teachers share common motives: they “are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth” (Rom. 2:8 NASB). 

The Apostle Peter can be credited with the first Christian creed: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16). This is the foundation of the Church (v. 18). In his second letter, Peter was alarmed by false prophets who were “denying the Lord” (2:1). The apostles’ doctrine about Jesus Christ declares He is eternally one with the Father; He became flesh; He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary; He lived in perfect obedience to the Father; He suffered death on the cross; He was buried; on the third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, where He sits at the right hand of the Father; with the Father, He poured forth the Holy Spirit on the Church; and Jesus will return from Heaven to judge all people. 

During the ministry of Jesus, there were many who made false accusations about His identity and teaching (Matt. 9:34; 12:24). After the Resurrection, false teachings about Jesus’ identity multiplied. False teachers denied the Resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12ff); denied that Jesus is God (1 John 2:22-23); denied Jesus is human (4:2-3); and denied Jesus is coming again (2 Peter 3:4). Peter referred to these false teachings as “damnable heresies” (2:1). The Greek word heresy refers to teachings that deviate from the common confession of the Faith and threaten the unity of the Church. Heresies are destructive lies that distort the Gospel, slander the Lord Jesus, and cause the Christian faith to be blasphemed by unbelievers. 

The false prophets and false teachers were known by their “pernicious ways” (v. 2) and “covetousness” (v. 3). The Greek word aselgeiai (“pernicious ways”) is a strong word for reckless and hardened sexual immorality (Michael Green, 2 Peter and Jude). Just as the fruit of sound doctrine is righteousness, so the consequence of heresy is immorality. Furthermore, Peter warned that immoral teachers were motivated by greed and used “feigned words” (flattery) to “make merchandise” of people (v. 3). The phrase “make merchandise” means “to exploit,” suggesting these greedy preachers were trying to turn the Church into a marketplace to enrich themselves (1 Tim. 6:5; Jude 16). Peter likely remembered the words of Jesus: “Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” (John 2:16 NLT). The Jewish leaders had turned the Temple of God into a “den of thieves” (Matt. 21:13). 

Peter had experience with religious bandits. Simon Magus was a notorious Samaritan magician who became a believer in Jesus Christ (Acts 8:9, 13). Because of his experience in the magical arts, he was amazed and intrigued by the signs and wonders taking place through the apostles. He was seduced by power and offered money for the gift of the Holy Spirit (vv. 18-19). Peter’s rebuke was harsh: “May your silver perish with you!” (v. 20 ESV). Simon was then urged to repent so he might escape eternal damnation (vv. 22-24). Like Simon, today there are false teachers who have an authentic conversion, but fall away because of their love of money, sex, and power. Peter declared that God’s judgment upon false prophets, false teachers, and their followers is certain and will be swift (2 Peter 2:3). 

Spirit of Error 

The spirit of antichrist is at work in our nation. This spirit denies the deity of Christ and stands against everything we believe in. It breeds lawlessness and the breakdown of society. Secular humanism is the polite name we give to this spirit of error.—Ron Phillips 

2. DEPRAVITY OF FALSE TEACHERS 

A. Self-Absorbed Rebels (Jude 8-11) 

8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 

10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. 

Jude was the half-brother (or stepbrother) of the Lord Jesus. Like most of his family, he initially considered the claims of Jesus to border on insanity (Mark 3:21; John 7:5). But after Jesus’ resurrection, Jude became a believer. As an apostle of the Gospel, Jude was incensed with false teachers who were denying the Lord (Jude 4). He considered them to be just as corrupt as the fallen angels and the people of Sodom and Gomorrah (vv. 6-7). 

Jude condemned the false teachers on four points (v. 8). First, they are “filthy dreamers.” The Old Testament declared false prophets are inspired by false dreams (Deut. 13:1-6; Jer. 23:25, 32). Second, these false dreamers “defile the flesh.” The earlier reference to Sodom and Gomorrah hints Jude may be speaking specifically about homosexuality. Even so, the apostles declared that any type of sexual immorality, homosexual or heterosexual, is a defilement of the body (1 Cor. 6:13, 18; Eph. 5:3). Third, the false dreamers “despise dominion.” Specifically, they reject the authority of the apostles and elders of the Church, just as Korah rejected the authority of Moses (Jude 11; cf. Num. 16:1-3). Fourth, the false dreamers “speak evil of dignities”; that is, they “revile angelic majesties” (Jude 8 NASB). Angels were the guardians of the Law of Moses (Acts 7:38; Heb. 2:2). The false dreamers were rejecting the authority of the angels as the messengers of God’s revelation (Richard J. Bauckham, Word Biblical Commentary). In fact, they spoke against angels in a manner that exceeded Michael’s rebuke of the devil (Jude 9). 

A common thread unites each of Jude’s accusations against the false teachers—their false dreams. They were an authority unto themselves; they were above the Law. In their arrogance, false teachers often exalted themselves above the faithful servants of God. But in fact, they did not understand spiritual things. They followed after their sinful passions without giving thought to the consequences. They were as ignorant of the ways of God as “brute beasts” (v. 10). Like Cain, they harbored anger which leads to violence; they were as greedy as Balaam; they were as rebellious as Korah (v. 11; cf. Gen. 4:8; Num. 31:14-16).

• How are false teachers like “unreasoning animals” (v. 10 NASB)? 

B. Clouds Without Rain (Jude 12-16) 

12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. 

16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. 

The first-century church practiced a custom known as “love feast”—fellowship meals held in conjunction with the Lord’s Supper. Jews and Gentiles, male and female, slave and free, were all welcome at the Lord’s Table. However, the presence of the false teachers at the love feast was a “spot”—a stain—on the event (v. 12). The Greek word spilas (“spot” or “stain”) has reference to  underwater “hidden reefs” (ESV), or rocks that endanger ships. Just as a ship’s captain might shout out, “Watch that spot!”, Jude warned his readers that the false teachers at the love feast endangered the church (cf. 2 John 9-11). The arrogance and ignorance of the false teachers is demonstrated in their coming to the Lord’s Table “without fear, caring for themselves” (Jude 12 NASB). They were self-centered and had no reverence for the holy meal (1 Cor. 11:27ff). 

Jude further explained the spiritual ignorance of the false teachers in a series of metaphors. Like “clouds . . . without water” (v. 12), they would blow through, but offer no refreshing words (Prov. 25:14). Like dead trees with withered fruit, they provided no nourishment and would be “hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Matt. 7:19). Like the “raging waves of the sea” (Jude 13) which “cast up mire and dirt” (Isa. 57:20), they churned out shameless deeds. Like “wandering stars” (Jude 13)— fallen angels who “abandoned their proper abode” and are “kept in eternal bonds under darkness” (v. 6 NASB)—the false teachers had left the Christian faith and were doomed to wander in “the blackness of darkness for ever” (v. 13; cf. 2 Peter 2:4). 

Jude 14 and 15 further emphasizes that the Lord will judge false spiritual leaders. They will be condemned for their actions (“ungodly deeds”), the motives behind these deeds (“ungodly committed”), and their blasphemous words (“spoken against”) God. They will be righteously judged for all of their unrighteousness. 

• According to verse 16, how can we recognize false teachers?   

C. Creating Divisions (Jude 19) 

19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 

The false teachers “separate themselves.” The Greek word here translated as “separate” is used only here in the Bible. Jude wants to emphasize the issue. Those who seek to cause divisions among Christians are “worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit” (NASB). The way of the world is to separate people according to tribe and language, culture and ethnicity, rich and poor. The way of the Holy Spirit is to bring all peoples to the Table of the Lord in eternal fellowship. False teachers separate themselves because they believe they are intellectually and spiritually superior. However, those who separate themselves from the people of God are separated from God (Michael Green, 2 Peter and Jude). 

Dishonest or Confused 

Those who claim to be doing miracles by the power of the Spirit but who exhibit no fruit of the Spirit in their lives are either lying or confused.—Charles Stanley 

3. CONTEND FOR THE FAITH  

A. A Shared Salvation (Jude 3-4) 

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 encouraged his readers to “earnestly contend for the faith” (v. 3). Here the word “contend” signifies a continuous and agonizing struggle. All believers share a common faith that “was once delivered unto the saints,” which means the apostles’ teaching about Jesus Christ is “once for all” and cannot be changed (Heb. 9:26-28; 10:10; 1 Peter 3:18). 

However, the false teachers had “distort[ed] the grace of our God into decadence and immoral freedom [viewing it as an opportunity to do whatever they want]” (Jude 4 Amp.). While it is true that God is gracious to forgive sinners, it is also true that those who persist in flagrant and shameless sin should never presume upon God’s grace (Rom. 6:1-2). To persist in immoral living is to “deny and disown our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 4 Amp.). 

The Nicene Creed 

In AD 325, the bishops of the Church gathered in Nicaea to discuss a controversial teaching about Jesus. Arius, a deacon in the church at Alexandria, Egypt, taught that Christ was not eternal with the Father, but created by the Father. As Arius was explaining his doctrine, one bishop, Nicholas of Myra, became so incensed that he accosted and even slapped Arius. Nicholas was jailed overnight and forced to publicly apologize. The bishops condemned the teaching of Arius and formulated the Nicene Creed, which stated the teaching of the Church since the days of the apostles. 

B.  Praying and Waiting (Jude 20-21) 

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. 

Jude encouraged his readers to build themselves up in the “most holy faith.” The false teachers had tried to confuse their faith, dampen the fervor of their love, and deny their hope. The doctrines of the false teachers were unholy, worldly, and inspired by demons. But the faith proclaimed by the apostles is holy, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and effects holiness in believers. 

As believers, we are encouraged to offer prayers that are inspired by the Spirit. When we do not know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us and through us. This can be manifested in speaking in tongues (Rom. 8:26-27; 1 Cor. 14:15-16). It is the proper devotion to the apostles’ teaching with fervent prayer that keeps us secure in the love of God. Otherwise, we will be tempted to lose our first love (Rev. 2:4). Also, Jude 21 encourages us to anticipate the return of the Lord. It is this hope that encourages holiness (1 John 3:3). 

• How can we as believers remain strong and properly focused? 

C.  Practicing Mercy (Jude 22-23) 

22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 

In Jude’s day, false teachers have caused many to doubt the true faith and fall into immorality. Christian love requires mercy toward sinners. As believers, we must practice a bold love that confronts sin in ways that heal the sinner. For those who doubt the faith, we must be patient and willing to reason with them (Acts 17:17). Those who have fallen into sexual immorality may need a stern rebuke (1 Cor. 5:1ff; James 5:20). 

Then, there were the most obstinate sinners—maybe even the false teachers themselves. Their garments were “spotted by the flesh” (Jude 23), which means they had vomited, or defecated, on themselves (Bauckham). Jude used this as a metaphor for their filthy teachings. We must practice mercy in trying to bring such individuals back into the faith, but we must exercise great caution, lest our faith be contaminated by their deceit. 

• In these two verses, what are Christians called to do? 

D. Giving Glory to God (Jude 24-25) 

24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. 

The false teachers tried to turn God’s grace into a license, or excuse, for immorality. Jude insists God’s grace does more than forgive sin; it heals the sinner. God’s grace is able to “keep you from falling” (v. 24). Even in our greatest temptations, God gives us strength and wisdom to overcome (1 Cor. 10:13; 1 John 4:4). Because of God’s grace on the day of judgment, believers will stand “faultless” (Jude 24), “holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:27). Jude began his letter with a charge to “contend for the faith” (v. 3). The mission of God will be hazardous. The enemies of God will be deceitful. But Jude reminds his readers that if they trust in God’s grace, they will persevere. 

The ancient world in which Jude lived was filled with great temples to the Greco-Roman gods. Many false prophets claimed to speak for the gods. In his final words, Jude offered praise to the only God who alone rules the world. God does not share the divine glory or majesty with any other. Only the Christian God is all-powerful and can save lost people. 

• What is God’s ultimate purpose for His children? 

ONE VOICE 

Throughout the New Testament, the apostles share a common concern about the proliferation of false teachers and false prophets. These deceivers are not brothers and sisters in the Faith; nor are they colleagues in ministry. They are opponents of the mission of God. 

Many of these false teachers may appear to have the anointing of the Holy Spirit, but their teachings are not faithful to the Scriptures. Some of these false teachers speak with authority, but they are living lives of greed and sexual immorality. They speak soothing words that corrupt the souls of those who hear. They talk about grace in ways that promote sin. 

Paul, Peter, and Jude speak with one voice. The Gospel must be proclaimed to the world and defended in the Church. 

Daily Devotions  

M. Purge the Evil Among You (Deuteronomy 13:1-5) 

T. Divine Punishment on False Prophets (Jeremiah 14:14-16) 

W. Spiritual Darkness of False Prophets (Micah 3:5-7) 

T. Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing (Matthew 7:15-20) 

F. Ignorance of False Teachers (1 Timothy 1:3-7) 

S. Corruption of False Teachers (Titus 1:10-16) 

Adopted from the Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary 2021-2022.