Calendar

THE CHARACTER OF APOSTASY (XII)
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
Jude 16
1 Corinthians 10:1-10
 
“… we should not lust
after evil things …”
 
THE CHARACTER OF APOSTASY (XII)
 
Jude now turns to a final series of descriptions, from verses 16 to 19. These are more direct descriptions, and it is here especially where we ought to examine ourselves, to see if we possess or display any of these dangerous characteristics.
 
We see here, in the first place, the seriousness of murmuring and complaining. This is something to which we are all prone! Yet the characterisation of these apostates as “murmurers” and “complainers,” ought to spur us away from leniency in mortifying our own discontentment. Such discontentment with God’s provision, God’s appointment, and God’s law, is already a rebellion against His authority. It leads one to the end exemplified by the Israelites, the fallen angels, and the lawless inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrha (cf. Jude 5-7). It is the first step on the road to apostasy.
 
The second step, as it were, is described by Jude as “walking after” one’s own lusts. This follows on the heels of discontent, for having quenched the influence of God’s Spirit, we are eager to submit ourselves to the direction of our own lusts. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other” (Gal 5:17). Once we begin to indulge the flesh by the expression of discontentment, the lusts of the flesh will quickly begin to drown out the convicting work of the Spirit. We may find ourselves on a dangerous path leading us outside the bounds God has placed on our desires.
 
The third and final stage in this apparent progression laid out by Jude is the outspoken attempt by these apostates to promote self and to gather a following. They speak “great swelling words” about themselves, seeking to attract disciples by their proud boasting. They have “men’s persons in admiration,” that is, they flatter and charm, in order to gain “advantage” in terms of favour with others. They play the political game that if by any means they may increase their own popularity. Dear reader, let us not think ourselves immune to this slippery slope, but “watch and pray” (Matt 26:41), lest we fall into temptation.
 
THOUGHT: Are these characteristics of the apostates found in me?
PRAYER: Preserve me from discontentment, from lust, and from pride.

Search