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THE CHARACTER OF APOSTASY (IV)
MONDAY, APRIL 13
Jude 8-10
2 Peter 2:9-12
 
“… they are not afraid to
speak evil of dignities.”
 
THE CHARACTER OF APOSTASY (IV)
 
Not only do these apostate false teachers, in their own lives and in their teaching, “defile the flesh” and “despise dominion,” they are outspoken in their blasphemy against spiritual “dignities” (Jude 8) or majesties. The word in this context refers to the powers of the spiritual realm, the “principalities” and “powers” and “rulers of the darkness of this world” (Eph 6:12). Against these spiritual powers Christians engage in legitimate conflict; we “wrestle” with them. But the apostates of whom Jude warns, appear to go further in their spiritual conflict with the powers of darkness.
 
It has become increasingly common to hear so-called Christian preachers insult the devil, calling him “foul spirit” and commanding him to depart, belittling him as an enemy, and speaking as though they have power over him. Now all this may seem impressive, especially to those who are young and immature in the faith. The reality that Jude seeks to press home, however, is that those who behave in this way are in fact blaspheming the one true “dignity,” the divine majesty of God Himself, because they presume (without warrant) to speak on His behalf, and to wield authority over the spiritual realm in His name.
 
This is something even “Michael the archangel” (Jude 9) would not do. Michael, in his high office, did not dare to “bring against him [the devil] a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee,” not because he feared the devil, but because he feared God. Even the archangel did not presume to rebuke the devil in his own name, for that would be to usurp God’s authority. Instead he appealed to God’s authority, as he himself is subordinate to it. The hypocrisy of the false teachers is thus exposed. They “speak evil of those things which they know not” ‒ and yet, for all their grandiose claims of spiritual power, in their lives of carnal indulgence they show themselves to be still in bondage to sin; “brute beasts” who, even as they rebuke the devil, dance to his tune.
 
The prevalence and popularity of these apostates is a sober reminder of our need of discernment in these last days. Do not be taken in by impressive spiritual claims, but check them against scripture! 
 
THOUGHT: True spirituality is proved by obedience to God’s Word.
PRAYER: Father, keep me humble even as I serve Thee.

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