What actions are described as "ungodly deeds" in Jude 1:15? Setting the Scene in Jude Jude writes to expose infiltrators who claim to be believers yet live in open rebellion. Verse 15 pinpoints two broad categories of ungodliness: (1) acts done “in an ungodly way” and (2) “harsh words” spoken against the Lord. The surrounding verses supply concrete examples of each. The Phrase “Ungodly Deeds” Explained “Ungodly deeds” (Greek: asebeia) highlights behavior that refuses God’s rightful rule. It is not mere irreligion; it is active, willful disregard for divine authority. Specific Actions Jude Tags as Ungodly Drawing from the immediate context of Jude, the “ungodly deeds” include: • Turning “the grace of our God into sensuality” (v. 4) • Denying “our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (v. 4) • Indulging in sexual immorality and defiling the flesh (v. 7, 8) • Rejecting authority—civil, ecclesiastical, and angelic (v. 8) • Slandering “glorious beings” (v. 8) • Following “the way of Cain” (violent jealousy), “Balaam’s error” (greedy exploitation), and “Korah’s rebellion” (insurrection against God-appointed leaders) (v. 11) • Feeding themselves without regard for others, disrupting fellowship meals (v. 12) • Living as “waterless clouds” and “fruitless trees,” promising much yet producing nothing (v. 12) • Engaging in shameless self-promotion—“wild waves” casting up their own shame (v. 13) • Grumbling, finding fault, chasing “their own evil desires” (v. 16) • Uttering “arrogant words” and manipulating others through flattery (v. 16) Summarized, their deeds embrace rebellion, immorality, greed, divisiveness, blasphemy, and manipulative speech. Harsh Words Against the Lord Jude singles out one deed for special mention: “all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against Him” (v. 15). These words include: • Blasphemy—open disrespect for God’s character (cf. Matthew 12:36–37) • Slander of spiritual realities they do not understand (v. 10) • Arrogant boasts meant to elevate self above Christ (v. 16) Echoes from Elsewhere in Scripture • 2 Peter 2 mirrors Jude—false teachers “indulge the flesh,” “despise authority,” and are “springs without water.” • Romans 1:29-32 catalogs similar ungodliness: envy, murder, strife, deceit, insolence, disobedience to parents. • Psalm 1 contrasts the “ungodly” with the righteous, underscoring that refusal to delight in God’s law leads to instability and eventual judgment. Living Alert in Light of Jude’s Warning Jude’s catalog is not remote history; it is a mirror. Any pattern of life that distorts grace, denies Christ’s lordship, or tears down others with arrogant or blasphemous speech belongs to the same category—“ungodly deeds.” Holding fast to sound doctrine and cultivating obedience from the heart keeps believers from drifting into those destructive patterns. |
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