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THE ENEMY WITHIN
LORD’S DAY, APRIL 5
Jude 4
1 John 2:18-19
 
“… there are certain men
crept in unawares …”
 
THE ENEMY WITHIN
 
In verse 4, Jude explains the particular motivation behind his urgent exhortation to “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 3). There are adversaries of the truth, enemies of the faith, and they have “crept in unawares” (Jude 4). They are not only without the church, attacking her doctrine and practice; they are within.
 
Note the description of these men. They are “ungodly men” (Jude 4), that is, they do not truly know God, and have no true relationship with Him. Whatever their claims, no matter the superficial piety of their walk, or the apparent spirituality of their talk, they cannot lead anyone to God. In the last day, the Lord will say to them, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt 7:23).
 
Yet, in their ungodliness, these men are far more than merely ignorant. They actively pervert the grace of God, set forth in the gospel, “turning [it] … into lasciviousness” (Jude 4), a license to indulge in sinful lusts. These are they whose twisted argument is roundly refuted by the apostle Paul: “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid” (Rom 6:1-2a). But they have thrown off all shackles (so-called) of submission to God. They deny God as their sole sovereign Lord, and elevate themselves in His stead. They deny “our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4), and therefore ought to have no part with us. Indeed, they will have no part in that heavenly company, for the Lord Jesus has said, “Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” (Matt 10:33).
 
The situation is serious. These men, in all their wickedness, now appear and act as a canker or rot attacking the visible church from within. Such heretics and false teachers will surely face judgment ‒ their condemnation has been “before of old ordained” (Jude 4). But remember, God’s decree does not negate our responsibility. We cannot simply sit back and wait for these enemies of the faith to be judged! We must act now, to defend the faith. Dear reader, beware of such ungodly men. Beware of following their pernicious ways. Beware also of sitting idly by while they lead others to destruction.
 
THOUGHT: An enemy within is more harmful than an enemy without.
PRAYER: Thy people are in danger, O Lord, protect Thy flock!

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