when they said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires." when they said to you,This phrase refers to the apostles and early Christian leaders who warned the believers about future challenges. The use of "they" indicates a collective group of authoritative figures in the early church, such as Peter, Paul, and John, who often spoke about the coming trials and the need for vigilance. This aligns with the apostolic tradition of passing down teachings and warnings to ensure the faith's continuity and purity. 2Pe 3:2 by recalling what was foretold by the holy prophets… “In the last times The "last times" or "last days" is a term used throughout the New Testament to describe the period between Christ's first and second coming. It is a time characterized by both the spread of the Gospel and increasing opposition to it. This eschatological perspective is rooted in Jewish apocalyptic literature, which anticipated a climactic end to history. The early Christians believed they were living in these last times, as evidenced by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. 2Ti 3:1 But understand this: In the last days… there will be scoffers "Scoffers" are those who mock or ridicule the truth of the Gospel. This term is used in other New Testament passages, such as 2 Peter 3:3, to describe individuals who dismiss the promise of Christ's return. The presence of scoffers is a sign of the spiritual decay and moral decline that will characterize the last times. Their attitude reflects a broader cultural skepticism towards divine intervention and the supernatural. 2Pe 3:3 Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days… who will follow after their own ungodly desires.” This phrase highlights the moral and ethical corruption of the scoffers. "Ungodly desires" refers to actions and attitudes that are contrary to God's will and character. This behavior is often linked to a rejection of divine authority and an embrace of self-indulgence. The New Testament frequently warns against such conduct, emphasizing the need for believers to live in holiness and obedience. This warning serves as a call to discernment and perseverance for the faithful, reminding them of the importance of adhering to the teachings of Christ and the apostles. 2Pe 2:10 Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge… Persons / Places / Events 1. JudeThe author of the epistle, traditionally identified as Jude, the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus. He writes to warn believers about false teachers and to encourage them to contend for the faith. 2. Scoffers Individuals who mock or ridicule the truth of the Gospel. In the context of Jude, they are those who follow their own ungodly desires, leading others astray. 3. The Last Times A period often referred to in the New Testament, indicating the time between Christ's first and second coming. It is characterized by spiritual challenges and the presence of false teachers. Teaching Points Awareness of False TeachersBelievers must be vigilant and discerning, recognizing the presence of those who distort the truth for personal gain. Guarding Against Ungodly Desires Christians are called to live by the Spirit, resisting the temptation to follow ungodly desires that lead away from God's truth. Contending for the Faith Jude's message encourages believers to actively defend and uphold the teachings of the Gospel amidst opposition. Hope in Christ's Return Despite the challenges of the last times, believers can find hope and assurance in the promise of Christ's return and the ultimate triumph of truth. Community Accountability The church community plays a crucial role in supporting one another to remain steadfast in faith and resist the influence of scoffers. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we identify scoffers in today's context, and what characteristics should we be aware of according to Jude 1:18?2. In what ways can we guard our hearts against following ungodly desires, as warned in Jude 1:18? 3. How does the warning about scoffers in Jude 1:18 relate to the broader biblical account about the end times? 4. What practical steps can we take to contend for the faith in our daily lives, as encouraged by Jude? 5. How can we support and encourage one another in our faith communities to remain steadfast amidst the challenges of the last times? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Peter 3:3This passage also warns about scoffers in the last days, emphasizing their denial of the truth and following their own desires. It highlights the consistency of this warning across the New Testament. 1 Timothy 4:1 Paul warns Timothy about the coming of deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons in the latter times, which aligns with Jude's warning about ungodly desires. Matthew 24:11-12 Jesus warns about false prophets and the increase of wickedness in the end times, which causes the love of many to grow cold, echoing the concerns Jude raises.
People Adam, Balaam, Cain, Core, Enoch, James, Judas, Jude, Korah, MichaelPlaces Egypt, Ephesus, Gomorrah, SodomTopics Declared, Desires, Evil, Follow, Guided, Holy, Impieties, Lusts, Mockers, Obeying, Passions, Saying, Scoffers, Sport, Ungodlinesses, Ungodly, Walk, WalkingDictionary of Bible Themes Jude 1:18 8710 atheism 3278 Holy Spirit, indwelling Library The Holy Spirit and the one ChurchOur 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. The Manifestation of the Church with Christ. The Twofold Bearing of this Fact. The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Present Exaltation of Satan. Salvation. Saved by Grace; The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of the Bible Links Jude 1:18 NIVJude 1:18 NLT Jude 1:18 ESV Jude 1:18 NASB Jude 1:18 KJV Jude 1:18 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |