How can we recognize "scoffers" as described in Jude 1:18 in today's world? Setting the Stage: Jude’s Urgent Warning “‘In the last time there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.’ ” (Jude 1:18) Jude, half-brother of Jesus, writes a short but fiery letter urging believers to contend for “the faith once for all entrusted to the saints” (v. 3). His warning about scoffers is not theoretical; it is a present danger. Who Are the Scoffers? Biblical Portrait •The Greek word empaiktēs describes one who laughs at, ridicules, or makes a sport of holy things. •They are not merely doubters; they are active mockers, undermining faith by contempt. •Their lifestyle is shaped by “ungodly desires,” indicating the problem is moral as much as intellectual (v. 18). Core Traits to Watch For Today 1.Mockery of Scripture – “Where is the promise of His coming?” (2 Peter 3:3-4). – Publicly deride miracles, inspiration, or moral commands of the Bible. 2.Self-Serving Morality – “Following after their own ungodly desires” (Jude 1:18). – Promote lifestyles Scripture calls sin, insisting God has “evolved.” 3.Divider of Fellowship – “These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit” (Jude 1:19). – Stir controversy, pit believer against believer, often over secondary issues. 4.Intellectual Pride – “Ever learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7). – Flaunt credentials, dismiss faith as anti-science or childish. 5.Denial of Judgment and Christ’s Return – “They deliberately overlook … the world at that time perished by the flood” (2 Peter 3:5-6). – Laugh at any mention of future accountability. 6.Relativistic Language – “Everyone does what is right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). – Label biblical absolutes as “hate speech” or “outdated.” Cross-Reference Spotlight •Proverbs 1:22 – “How long will mockers delight in their mocking?” •Psalm 1:1 – Blessing comes by avoiding “the seat of scoffers.” •2 Timothy 3:1-5 – Last-days people “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” •1 John 2:18-19 – Many antichrists arise, proving a last-hour atmosphere. •1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Bad company corrupts good character.” Modern-Day Settings Where Scoffers Appear •Social media threads riddled with sarcasm toward faith. •Entertainment that caricatures believers as naïve or bigoted. •Classrooms or lecture halls where biblical ethics are framed as oppressive. •Religious platforms where self-styled “progressive” teachers revise core doctrines. •Political and activist arenas that push freedom from any transcendent moral restraint. Discerning Without Despair: Practical Steps for Believers •Saturate your mind with Scripture; truth exposes parody. •Seek the Spirit’s discernment (1 John 2:20,27). •Stay in godly community where accountability thrives (Hebrews 10:24-25). •Guard speech and media intake; scoffing can be contagious (Proverbs 14:7). •Speak truth in love, remembering God “is patient, not wanting any to perish” (2 Peter 3:9). •Focus on the blessed hope of Christ’s return (Titus 2:13). Encouraging Closing Thoughts Scoffers shout loudly, but their time is limited. Stand firm, anchored to the unchanging Word, confident that “the Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19). |
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