Ungodly Men, Crept In Unawares

Jude 1:1-4

The book of Jude was written by the apostle Jude or Judas listed in Luke 6:16. It is written to people who have been saved and set apart by God, who are preserved or kept in Jesus Christ, and called.

“Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace and love, be multiplied.” (Jude 1:1-2)

Like Peter, Paul, James, and John, Jude is concerned with unbelievers in the church leading people away from the truth. The best way to stop the influence of unbelievers is by sound doctrine. Paul stressed the need for pastors or elders who were sound in their belief of the scriptures, who could convince the false teachers by sound teaching in Titus 1:9. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” In depth study and total commitment to the scripture is required to convince those who are seeking another way.

“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.” (Jude 1:3)

Several years ago, a man attended a church Dad pastored. He was quite well educated and seemed to be very interested in what was taught. He came fairly frequently for a while and seemed to be really concerned, but never committed himself. One day, my dad was talking to him and he asked if Dad really believed what he taught. When Dad told him he did, the man stated that his father had been a pastor of a large church. One day the son had gotten concerned about his own soul and gone to his father for help. His father told him not to worry about it as there was nothing to it. He just told the people what they wanted to hear because it was his job.

At the time the son dropped his inquiry, but years later, after graduating from college and getting married, the son was still attracted to the gospel, Because of his father’s statements, however, he was hesitant to commit himself to Christ. Several months later he was transferred, without committing. Sadly, there are many men like the father, whose interest in ministry is not in the gospel. Some are like the missionary who told us, If I could make as much money at any other job, I’d quit the ministry, because I hate it.”

Others use the ministry to gain a following and establish themselves. A large proportion of country singing stars got their start by singing in churches to gain a following and get a recording made, because it was an easier market to get into. Political activists often use a religious group to build themselves a base of followers, and an established church is a ready made organization. Many cults started with an existing church that they could infiltrate and take over. A weak doctrinal stance makes the church more readily accessible.

“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 1:4)

Men like the man’s father do not believe at all and destroy the faith of many. Looking only for the money, they devote their efforts to please people, rather than to teaching the truth. Cult leaders and many political and religious activists deliberately infiltrate churches to promote their own agenda, with no concern for God.

In the process they ignore open sin, often implying that it is acceptable since God is a forgiving God. Paul addresses the issue in Romans 6:1-2. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” While we have liberty in Christ, we ought not use it as an excuse for sin. Galatians 5:13 instructs, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

It is shocking to realize how many of the “theologians” or “biblical scholars” of today do not believe in God at all. For many years, some of the best known have actively sought to destroy faith in God in the guise of biblical criticism. In the guise of revealing the truth about Jesus, they deny the virgin birth, his literal death and resurrection, and his being God in the flesh. Some have sought to disprove the very existence of God.

Because of their conformity with the world’s desire, they are usually a lot more popular than those who teach the truth. As I John 4:5 says, “They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” The church at Pergamos and the church at Thyatira had already been infiltrated in Revelation 2, leading to the warnings they received. The church at Sardis in Revelation 3, had apparently succumbed to the attacks, with only a few still clinging to the truth.