Read II John 1 -- Jude 1

In Today's Reading:

The commandment to love; warning against deceivers; Diotrephes rebuked; judgment on false teachers

In his brief but very important letter to all believers, Jude wrote: It was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort (urge) you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares . . . ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . Woe unto them! (Jude 1:3-4,11). To earnestly contend for the faith implies not only the necessity of believing that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God but that it alone is the final Word on all doctrine (II Timothy 3:16).

Today there is a superficial and deceptive unity being promoted by some who have joined hands with religions that reject Jesus of Nazareth as The Only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 1:4).

Jude warns that such deceivers will be judged, even as Sodom and Gomorrha . . . are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. . . . these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. . . . they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! (1:7-8,10-11).

Having been enlightened by God's Word to recognize false doctrine, we can add a resounding "Praise the Lord" to Jude's statement.

Other religions deny either the total deity or the total humanity of Jesus. Some assume there is only One God but that He is called by various names. They ignorantly conclude that as long as you are sincere, it doesn't matter what you believe. But Jesus said: I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6). And Peter proclaimed: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless . . . To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever (forever). Amen (Jude 1:24-25).

Cross References:

For Jude 1:5: See Numbers 14:28-35. Jude 1:7: See Genesis 19:24.Jude 1:11: See Genesis 4:3-8, Numbers 16:1-3,31-35; 31:8-16. Jude 1:23: See Zechariah 3:2.

Word Studies:

III John 1:10 prating against =b> falsely accusing; Jude 1:4 turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness =b> using God's grace as an excuse to justify sinful living.

Bible Pathways

Read I John 4 -- 5

In Today's Reading:

How to test the spirits; an appeal for brotherly love; the witness of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit directed the Apostle John to write: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (I John 4:1). Doctrinal deception is widespread and often difficult to discern. Jesus warned: Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven (Matthew 7:21).

Jesus also warned that many who believe they are the children of the Kingdom shall be cast . . . into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (8:12). The consequence of deception is horrifying. Just think! The majority of "religious" people will be cast . . . into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth (13:42). Nothing could be of more importance than to remove all doubt that we are included with the few there be that find it (eternal life) (7:14). Since it determines our destiny for eternity, we are told: Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith (II Corinthians 13:5). Jesus warned: Take heed that ye be not deceived (Luke 21:8). We are also warned: Seducers (imposters) shall wax worse and worse (progress from bad to worse), deceiving, and being deceived (II Timothy 3:13). John said: This is the love of God, that we keep His Commandments. . . . For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (I John 5:3-5).

Being born of God is far more than just becoming a member of a church or believing certain doctrinal facts about Jesus Christ. It affects the whole life -- the heart as well as the head. It molds character and guides conduct. If we have genuinely put our faith in Jesus as the Son of God (4:15), we will have a desire to be obedient to His Commandments (5:2).

Jesus said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me (Luke 9:23).

Word Studies:

5:18 he that is begotten of God keepeth himself =b> he that is saved will not become involved in sinful activities.