On My Mind...
The older I get the more I understand the need for balance (not just that I’m getting old and feeble and thus worry about breaking a hip) but balance of perspective socially, politically and theologically. Yes, I have a certain political perspective. I’m of a conservative persuasion but I’m not in lock step with conservatives on every issue. I’m reformed in my understanding of Scripture and how I approach give texts but again, I’m not in lockstep with reformed folks on every issue. I’m convinced I have much to learn from those who differ with me. In my younger days I was quick to equate balance with “fence sitting.” I would often urge people to “get off the fence” and take a stand. Now, I can see they weren’t avoiding a stance it is just that they were far more balanced than I. I bring this up because when dealing with error in doctrine or practice, balance is crucial. Yes, when there is error in a central doctrine of the church we must speak. When confronted with an error that leads someone away from the saving gospel we cannot be silent. And yes, when we address error it should be with passion, conviction and great boldness after all we are contending for the faith once and for all delivered to the saints. But, at the same time there must be compassion and understanding when dealing with those who have fallen victim to false teaching. There must be an awareness of our own faults and failings and an acknowledgement that the offense is not mine but my king’s. I’m not the one wronged, He is!
Jude has been confronting the false teachers, those who crept in unnoticed. Those ungodly people who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. Then he says, “But you beloved…” “But you” signals a contrast. You who have the Spirit, who have been born again, who are walking by the power of the Spirit of God, your life should be different. Your life should stand in contrast to theirs. Don’t let these things be said about you. In four short verses (20-23) Jude gives some practical advice for true believers within the church. The heart of which is don’t be carried away into error yourselves, take some precautions.
Jude urges believers to practice “self-care” in verses 20 and 21. Believers must build themselves up in the faith. Exercise the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study and worship. Gaining and applying the wisdom of God to their daily lives. He then urges them, having gained such wisdom, to apply that wisdom with reasonable and restrained compassion in dealing with error (22-23). They should be merciful to those who doubt (22). They are to snatch from the fire those who are in grave danger (23). Strong, dramatic language for those who are on the path of destruction because of false teaching. Folks who have bought the lie and unless they are turned, they will be destroyed. Finally, they are to show mercy to the false teachers, the ungodly, mixed with fear (23). This is not an open-armed, “it doesn’t matter,” acceptance. It is pity, compassion and grief over their lostness. Jude’s message is that when we separate from error, it is not a complete separation, as in never having anything to do with them. Otherwise, how could you ever minister to them? It’s about keeping a safe, healthy distance. If you see a person falling off a cliff you rush to help but you don’t go off the cliff yourself – that doesn’t do wither of you any good! Balance, as we respond to error means that we look inward and outward. We practice appropriate self-care while demonstrating a reasonable, restrained compassion.
Have a blessed week, and I will see you Sunday!
Rod
Jude has been confronting the false teachers, those who crept in unnoticed. Those ungodly people who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. Then he says, “But you beloved…” “But you” signals a contrast. You who have the Spirit, who have been born again, who are walking by the power of the Spirit of God, your life should be different. Your life should stand in contrast to theirs. Don’t let these things be said about you. In four short verses (20-23) Jude gives some practical advice for true believers within the church. The heart of which is don’t be carried away into error yourselves, take some precautions.
Jude urges believers to practice “self-care” in verses 20 and 21. Believers must build themselves up in the faith. Exercise the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study and worship. Gaining and applying the wisdom of God to their daily lives. He then urges them, having gained such wisdom, to apply that wisdom with reasonable and restrained compassion in dealing with error (22-23). They should be merciful to those who doubt (22). They are to snatch from the fire those who are in grave danger (23). Strong, dramatic language for those who are on the path of destruction because of false teaching. Folks who have bought the lie and unless they are turned, they will be destroyed. Finally, they are to show mercy to the false teachers, the ungodly, mixed with fear (23). This is not an open-armed, “it doesn’t matter,” acceptance. It is pity, compassion and grief over their lostness. Jude’s message is that when we separate from error, it is not a complete separation, as in never having anything to do with them. Otherwise, how could you ever minister to them? It’s about keeping a safe, healthy distance. If you see a person falling off a cliff you rush to help but you don’t go off the cliff yourself – that doesn’t do wither of you any good! Balance, as we respond to error means that we look inward and outward. We practice appropriate self-care while demonstrating a reasonable, restrained compassion.
Have a blessed week, and I will see you Sunday!
Rod