“These men are those who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves;… Jude 12
We continue our discussion of Jude’s false teachers:
7. Jude says these false teachers are deadly like hidden reefs in the sea that sink ships drowning the occupants. They are merchants of death while they partake of the Lord’s Supper with the unsuspecting children of God, giving the impression they are servants of God. Instead they are satan’s ambassadors bent on destroying the church of the living God.
They appear to have spiritual gifts but actually are like clouds without water, and autumn trees without fruit. They seemly offer something spiritual and good, but in reality do not have anything from the Lord.
8. “…and perished in the rebellion of Koran.” (Verse 11) – they reject the God given authority like Koran did Moses.
9. “…grumblers, finding fault,…” (verse 16) – they discontentedly complain about God but not in a loud, outspoken manner; instead in a muttering undertone lest they become obvious.
While visiting a church decades ago, as we were preparing to leave at the end of the service, an acquaintance took me by the arm and whispered in my ear, “Do these guys (the preacher and staff) really believe God is going to put all these people (lost sinners) in hell?” That was all he said and walked into the exiting crowd. I was shocked by the question and what it exposed about him. He had been deceived by a co-worker who was a false teacher who taught everyone gets to heaven in the end, even the devil.
This guy was a hidden reef, in rebellion like Koran, and a grumbler.
This concludes our discussion of the false teachers in Jude. There are no doubt false teachers are in the visible church today. I hope this gives you some insight into what to watch out for in your and your descendants Christian experience.
Our next post will look at what the Risen Lord Jesus said and did about this.
May your love abound for the brethren and all men,
Carl
Psalm 119: 38 