Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah's rebellion. Woe to them!The word "woe" is a strong expression of grief or denunciation. In the Greek, "ouai" is an exclamation that conveys a sense of impending doom or judgment. This word is often used in prophetic literature to signal divine displeasure and the certainty of coming judgment. In the context of Jude, it serves as a warning to those who have strayed from the truth and are leading others astray. The use of "woe" here is reminiscent of the Old Testament prophets who pronounced judgment on Israel and the nations for their rebellion against God. They have traveled the way of Cain
The phrase "the way of Cain" refers to the path of jealousy, hatred, and ultimately murder, as seen in the account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4. Cain's way was one of self-centeredness and rejection of God's righteous standards. In the Greek, "hodon" (way) implies a journey or course of conduct. Jude uses this historical example to illustrate the destructive path of those who reject God's authority and pursue their own desires, leading to spiritual ruin. they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam for profit
The "error of Balaam" refers to the prophet Balaam's willingness to compromise his integrity for financial gain, as recounted in Numbers 22-24. The Greek word "plano" (error) suggests a wandering or straying from the truth. Balaam's account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the temptation to use one's spiritual gifts for personal gain. Jude warns that such behavior leads to spiritual destruction, as it prioritizes material wealth over obedience to God. they have perished in the rebellion of Korah
The "rebellion of Korah" is a reference to the insurrection led by Korah against Moses and Aaron in Numbers 16. The Greek word "antilogia" (rebellion) denotes opposition or contradiction. Korah's rebellion was an act of defiance against God's appointed leaders, resulting in divine judgment. Jude uses this example to highlight the consequences of rejecting God's established order and authority. It serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of rebellion against God and His chosen representatives. Persons / Places / Events 1. CainThe firstborn son of Adam and Eve, known for committing the first murder by killing his brother Abel out of jealousy and anger. His actions represent a path of disobedience and lack of faith in God. 2. BalaamA prophet who was enticed by the promise of wealth to curse the Israelites. His account illustrates the danger of greed and the temptation to compromise one's integrity for personal gain. 3. KorahA Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their God-given authority. His rebellion resulted in divine judgment, serving as a warning against pride and insubordination. Teaching Points The Danger of Jealousy and AngerLike Cain, harboring jealousy and anger can lead to destructive actions. Believers are called to guard their hearts and seek reconciliation. The Temptation of GreedBalaam's account warns against allowing material desires to compromise our faith. Christians should prioritize spiritual integrity over worldly gain. The Consequences of RebellionKorah's rebellion serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of respecting God-ordained authority and the dangers of prideful insubordination. The Path of RighteousnessJude 1:11 contrasts the paths of Cain, Balaam, and Korah with the path of righteousness. Believers are encouraged to follow Christ's example of humility, obedience, and faithfulness. The Call to DiscernmentThis verse challenges Christians to discern the motivations behind their actions and to align themselves with God's will rather than personal ambition or desire. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Cain illustrate the consequences of unchecked emotions like jealousy and anger in our lives today? 2. In what ways can the temptation of greed, as seen in Balaam's account, manifest in modern Christian life, and how can we guard against it? 3. What lessons can we learn from Korah's rebellion about the importance of respecting spiritual authority and maintaining humility? 4. How can we apply the warnings in Jude 1:11 to ensure we are walking on the path of righteousness rather than following the examples of Cain, Balaam, and Korah? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a choice between personal gain and spiritual integrity. How did you respond, and what biblical principles guided your decision? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 4The account of Cain and Abel, highlighting the consequences of sin and the importance of offering sincere worship to God. Numbers 22-24The account of Balaam, emphasizing the conflict between divine will and human greed. Numbers 16The rebellion of Korah, illustrating the dangers of challenging God's appointed leaders and the severe consequences of rebellion. People Adam, Balaam, Cain, Core, Enoch, James, Judas, Jude, Korah, MichaelPlaces Egypt, Ephesus, Gomorrah, SodomTopics Abandon, Alas, Balaam, Balaam's, Cain, Core, Curse, Deceit, Destroyed, Destruction, Error, Evil, Followed, Gain, Gainsaying, Greedily, Headlong, Hire, Korah, Korah's, Pay, Perish, Perished, Profit, Ran, Rebellion, Reward, Riotously, Run, Running, Rush, Rushed, Sake, Saying, Steps, Themselves, Uncontrolled, Walk, Wo, WoeDictionary of Bible Themes Jude 1:11 5337 hiring
5465 profit
5857 fame
6221 rebellion Jude 1:3-23 6169 godlessness Jude 1:4-19 5714 men Jude 1:8-16 8706 apostasy, warnings Jude 1:10-12 6241 seduction Library The Holy Spirit and the one Church
Our text suggests to us three things: first, an inquiry--Have we the Spirit? secondly, a caution--if we have not the spirit we are sensual; thirdly, a suspicion--there are many persons that separate themselves. Our suspicion concerning them is, that notwithstanding their extra-superfine profession, they are sensual, not having the Spirit; for our text says, "These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit." I. First, then, our text suggests AN INQUIRY--Have we the Spirit? This …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858Persevering Grace. Jude 1:24,25.
Persevering grace. Jude 1:24,25. To God the only wise, Our Savior and our King, Let all the saints below the skies Their humble praises bring. 'Tis his almighty love, His counsel, and' his care, Preserves us safe from sin and death, And every hurtful snare. He will present our souls, Unblemished and complete, Before the glory of his face, With joys divinely great. Then all the chosen seed Shall meet around the throne, Shall bless the conduct of his grace, And make his wonders known. To our Redeemer, …
Isaac Watts—The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts The Manifestation of the Church with Christ.
The last time the world saw the Lord Jesus He was alone--all alone in death. But when He returns to this earth He will not be alone. His saints will accompany Him. He is the "Firstborn among many brethren" (Rom. 8:29), and when He appears again they will be with Him. "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again, bringing His sheaves with Him" (Ps. 126:6). Yes, that blessed One who humbled Himself to become the Sower shall return with "His sheaves"--"Behold, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return The Twofold Bearing of this Fact.
We come now to a point concerning which it behooves believers, particularly young believers and beginners in the study of prophecy, to be quite clear upon. Like the other two great Facts which we have reviewed--the First Advent of our Lord to this earth and His going away, and the presence now of the Holy Spirit upon this earth--this third great fact of the Redeemer's Return also has a double bearing, a bearing upon the Church and a bearing upon the world. The Second Coming of Christ will occur in …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Present Exaltation of Satan.
One of the greatest mysteries in all God's creation is the Devil. For any reliable information concerning him we are shut up to the Holy Scriptures. It is in God's Word alone that we can learn anything about his origin, his personality, his fall, his sphere of operations, and his approaching doom. One thing which is there taught us about the great Adversary of God and man, and which observation and experience fully confirms, is, that he is a being possessing mighty power. It would appear, from a …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return Salvation.
Salvation is the song that was to be sung by the redeemed in that day. "Behold now is the day." Our salvation has come. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men." Salvation means deliverance. A prophecy concerning the Christ--our salvation--says: "He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." Isa. 61:1. Christ our Savior came to deliver us from the prison-house of sin. In the …
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day Saved by Grace;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE GRACE OF GOD: SHOWING-- I. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED. II. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED BY GRACE. III. WHO THEY AEE THAT ABE SAVED BY GRACE. IV. HOW IT APPEARS THAT THEY ARE SAVED BY GRACE. V. WHAT SHOULD BE THE REASON THAT GOD SHOULD CHOOSE TO SAVE SINNERS BY GRACE RATHER THAN BY ANY OTHER MEANS. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS admirable Treatise upon the most important of all subjects, that of the soul's salvation, was first published in a pocket volume, in the year 1675. This has …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of the Bible
Take its teachings about God Himself. What does the Bible teach us about God? It declares that He is Eternal: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou are God" (Ps. 90:2). It reveals the fact that He is Infinite: "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee" (I Kings 8:27). Vast as we know the universe to be, it has its bounds; but we must go beyond …
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible Links Jude 1:11 NIVJude 1:11 NLTJude 1:11 ESVJude 1:11 NASBJude 1:11 KJV
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