Jude 1:16
These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.
These men are discontented grumblers
This phrase refers to individuals within the early Christian community who were causing division and unrest. The term "grumblers" echoes the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:2-3), who complained against God despite His provision. This behavior reflects a lack of faith and gratitude, which is condemned throughout Scripture. The discontentment suggests a deeper spiritual issue, as contentment is often associated with trust in God's sovereignty (Philippians 4:11-13).

following after their own lusts
This indicates a self-centered lifestyle driven by personal desires rather than God's will. The phrase aligns with warnings against living according to the flesh (Galatians 5:16-21). Such behavior is often linked to moral decay and spiritual blindness, as seen in the days of Noah (Genesis 6:5) and Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19). It highlights the danger of prioritizing earthly pleasures over spiritual truths.

their mouths spew arrogance
Arrogance in speech reveals a heart condition that is prideful and rebellious against God. This is reminiscent of the Pharisees, whom Jesus rebuked for their self-righteousness (Matthew 23:12). The Bible consistently warns against pride (Proverbs 16:18), emphasizing humility as a virtue (James 4:6). Arrogant speech can lead to division and is contrary to the edifying communication encouraged in Ephesians 4:29.

they flatter others for their own advantage
Flattery is insincere praise used to manipulate others for personal gain. This behavior is condemned in Scripture as deceitful and harmful (Proverbs 26:28). It contrasts with the biblical call to love and serve others selflessly (Philippians 2:3-4). The use of flattery for advantage reflects a lack of integrity and a focus on self-promotion, which is antithetical to the teachings of Christ, who exemplified humility and service (Mark 10:45).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jude
The author of the epistle, traditionally understood to be Jude, the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus. He writes to warn believers about false teachers infiltrating the church.

2. False Teachers
The primary focus of Jude's warning. These individuals are characterized by their immoral behavior and deceptive practices.

3. The Early Church
The audience of Jude's letter, facing challenges from within due to the presence of false teachers.
Teaching Points
Guard Against Grumbling
Grumbling reflects a heart of discontent and can lead to division within the church. Believers are called to cultivate gratitude and contentment.

Beware of Selfish Desires
Following one's own lusts leads to moral compromise. Christians are encouraged to pursue holiness and align their desires with God's will.

Recognize and Resist Flattery
Flattery is often used manipulatively. Believers should seek genuine relationships built on truth and integrity.

Speak with Humility
Arrogant words are a sign of pride. Christians are called to speak with humility, reflecting the character of Christ.

Discernment in Leadership
The church must be vigilant in identifying and addressing false teachings. Leaders should be chosen based on their faithfulness to Scripture and godly character.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we identify grumbling in our own lives, and what steps can we take to cultivate a spirit of gratitude instead?

2. In what ways might we be tempted to follow our own desires rather than God's will, and how can we guard against this?

3. How can we discern when someone is using flattery for personal gain, and what should our response be?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our words reflect humility and truth?

5. How can we support our church leaders in maintaining doctrinal purity and resisting the influence of false teachings?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Peter 2:10-19
This passage parallels Jude's description of false teachers, highlighting their arrogance and sensuality.

Philippians 2:14-15
Paul encourages believers to do everything without grumbling, contrasting the behavior of the faithful with that of the false teachers Jude describes.

Proverbs 26:28
This verse speaks to the destructive nature of flattery, which aligns with Jude's warning about those who flatter for personal gain.
Church DisturbersT. Davies, M. A.Jude 1:16
The Cynical and Dissatisfied Temper of These Self-Indulgent FlatteriesT. Croskery Jude 1:16
The LetterR. Finlayson Jude 1:1-25
Reasons for Resisting Evil MenJ.S. Bright Jude 1:5-16
People
Adam, Balaam, Cain, Core, Enoch, James, Judas, Jude, Korah, Michael
Places
Egypt, Ephesus, Gomorrah, Sodom
Topics
Admiration, Admiring, Advantage, Arrogantly, Bemoaning, Big, Boast, Boasters, Boastful, Change, Complainers, Desires, Desiring, Evil, Fault, Faultfinders, Finding, Flatter, Flattering, Follow, Full, Gain, Gaining, Giving, Grumblers, Guided, High-sounding, Hope, Individual, Lot, Loud-mouthed, Lusts, Malcontents, Men's, Mouth, Mouths, Murmurers, Passions, Persons, Pleasures, Position, Profit, Proud, Repiners, Respect, Respecting, Reverence, Reward, Sake, Showing, Speak, Speaketh, Speaks, Swelling, Swellings, Themselves, Treat, Trouble, Using, Walking, Words
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jude 1:16

     5265   complaints
     5804   charm
     5928   resentment, against God
     5961   superiority
     6022   sin, causes of
     6121   boasting
     6163   faults
     8402   claims
     8767   hypocrisy

Jude 1:3-23

     6169   godlessness

Jude 1:4-19

     5714   men

Jude 1:8-16

     8706   apostasy, warnings

Jude 1:14-16

     1025   God, anger of

Jude 1:16-18

     5832   desire

Jude 1:16-19

     5863   flattery

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: 1858

Persevering 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

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