Author: drthomasclothier

Continuing our study in Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians, a new paragraph begins in Colossians 3:18-4:1. The truth of what believers “are” in Christ is to be balanced by how believers are to live for Christ. The practical truth of Jesus Christ as the only and all-sufficient Savior, and as sole source of the believers’ life, is now applied to specific groups and situations. What people groups does the Apostle Paul, and the Holy Spirit, have in mind?

Primarily, they were thinking of household groups. What we have in this extended biblical section is a kind of “catalogue of household responsibilities.” Even non-Christian moralists advocate mores of domestic, blissful behavior. Sometimes, Christians opt for secular advice rather than the word of God regarding family life. However, Paul was not adding to unbiblical opinions or philosophies. The apostle was not sugar-coating domestic relationships with a thin veneer of merely adding “in Christ”—which completely misses the point.

Between these pithy directives presented here in Colossians—also in Eph. 5:22–6:9; 1 Tim. 2:8–15; 6:1, 2; Titus 2:1–10; 1 Peter 2:12–3:7—and the maxims of the Stoics and other first century Greek moral philosophers, there is a superficial resemblance. Yet, there are at least three main differences.

First, biblical Christianity supplies the power to carry out the commands. The power being the grace of God (Titus 2:1–10, then verse 11; cf. Phil. 4:13), and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-9; I Cor. 6:919-20). All other moral philosophies, even the very best of them, are vehicles lacking these engines.  

Second, biblical Christianity also supplies a new purpose. The goal was/is not simply to try to live in harmony with Nature. Rather, believers in Christ are “to do everything to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). Or, to do all “in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him,” (Col. 3:17). The only proper way to explain Col. 3:18–4:1 is in light of Col. 3:5-17 and the emphasis on godly behavior, speech and attitudes.  

Finally, biblical Christianity supplies the only true pattern for God-glorifying behavior and conduct by the very household groups Paul discussed: wives and their husbands, children and their fathers, servants and their masters.

What are 5 dangers to avoid in managing one’s children? Pastor William Boekestein provides insight.

1. Mishandling the Rod of Discipline.

Surely the rod can be used too little. “He who spares his rod hates his child” (Prov. 13:24). Children need to be taught that sin hurts. If they don’t, they may lose interest in pursuing godliness because they don’t see the danger of sin.

But the rod can also be used too much. The Apocrypha says: “He who loves his son will whip him often… bow down his neck in his youth, and beat his sides while he is young” (Ecclus. 30:1,12). This is not Christian discipline. Sometimes a wise rebuke is better than the rod (Prov. 17:10). This is particularly so as a child moves past the early years of childhood. Matthew Henry urges parents to exercise authority not “with rigor and severity, but with kindness and gentleness.” If your children can forget that you love them, either during or immediately following discipline, you might be doing it wrong.

• Maintaining a Disorderly Home.

God is a God of order (1 Cor. 14:33). He has created us in his image to promote order and thrive in the context of order. A disorderly home can discourage children. A perpetually messy, or especially an unsanitary home can help produce poorly adjusted children. A lack of regularly scheduled meal times and bed times can frustrate children’s God-given desire for order.

• Holding Inappropriate Expectations.

Some parents expect almost nothing from their kids. In such settings, children can lose energy or passion because they are never helped to “reach forward to those things which are ahead” (Phil 3:13). In other homes too much is expected. Experience teaches that unreasonable expectations are the ideal breeding ground for discouragement. If your children regularly fail to measure up to your standards, you might be expecting too much.

• Building a Joyless Home.

In some homes children are not treated with the dignity that God requires. Some parents rarely congratulate or encourage their children, focusing instead, on their faults. Parents must never forget that their children are people created in God’s image. Children of believers are even included in God’s covenant (1 Cor. 7:14).

• Failing to Speak as “One Flesh.”

Too often, dad and mom are not operating by the same rules when it comes to interacting with their kids. One parent might be more lenient. The other might be more demanding. But such “accidental doublespeak” is dangerously confusing to our children. In irreconcilable disagreements the wife must graciously acquiesce to her husband’s leadership (Col. 3:18).

There are many more potential causes for childhood discouragement. Like good physicians, parents should evaluate the spiritual health of their children and, where applicable, diagnose the source of their children’s discouragement. Sometimes the answer will be found by looking in the mirror.

No one is a perfect wife, husband, parent or child. However, by God’s grace and His Word, we can try to improve in biblical love and godliness. May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed LORD’s Day.

Soli de Gloria!

³ Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. ⁴ For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Jude 3–4 (ESV)

The following article is by J. Ligon Duncan. Dr. Duncan is Chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary, and also a council member of the Gospel Coalition. This article is entitled Defending the Faith.

Do you think of yourself as a theologian? You are, you know. And there are only two kinds of theologians: good ones and bad ones. Jude’s writing this letter, and he makes it clear in verses 3 and 4 because he wants you, as Christians in the pew, to be good theologians. Do think of yourself that way?

Or do you think that’s something better left to the professionals? Do you care greatly about the purity of biblical teaching in the church? Jude just puts it in black-and-white: He wants you to. He’s writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit telling you what God wants, and God is telling you in Jude 3 and 4 that He wants you to be greatly concerned about the purity of biblical teaching in the church.

Do you see it as your personal responsibility to uphold historic, biblical, Christian doctrine? Jude says it is. He’s not just writing to the elders–we’d understand if he was saying to the elders, ‘You’ve got to uphold the faith once for all delivered.’ We’d understand that. But he doesn’t just say it to the elders; he says it to the congregation, ‘You’ve got to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered.’

You twelve- or thirteen-year-olds who’ve just joined as communing members this fellowship…You were covenant children, members by the grace of God signified in baptism. You’ve professed faith now; you’re communing members of the church. Do you realize it’s your responsibility to contend earnestly for the faith? High school students, college students, graduate school students, young folks who have just started out in your careers, grandparents, great-grandparents–it’s your job if you are a part of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ to care about pure, biblical teaching. Jude says so.

Are you wide-eyed to the false teaching in the Church today? Are you aware of the false teaching that even goes on in the evangelical churches today? Well, everything that Jude says in this letter presupposes that it is every Christian’s important duty to know the truth of the faith, to care about it, and to protect it in the congregation.

There are two parts to this passage that I want you to see today. First, Jude’s exhortation to you that you care about truth…or we might even say that you care about the truth. You see that in verse 3. And then, secondly, Jude’s exhortation that we would be aware of the continuing threat against the truth that comes…not from out there, but from within the Church. So, first, to care about the truth, and secondly, to be aware of the continuing threat against the truth.

Let me show you those three things. First of all, notice how Jude speaks to this congregation. What does he call them? “Beloved.” Now I know that that’s part of standard greetings in the Greco-Roman world of the time, but when Jude uses this phrase it is shot through with Christian significance. He is manifesting a real pastoral love and concern for this flock, for this congregation. He is a loving and concerned pastor and he wants them to embrace the truth and to hang onto it and to contend for it because he cares about their lives. “Beloved,” he says. No harsh words from Jude–tender, affectionate words from a wizened, mature, balanced Christian pastor.

Secondly, notice that Jude says, ‘I would rather not have to talk about this.’ Jude is not by temperament inclined to fix on anything that is a matter of controversy and focus on that. He doesn’t just like to find out only the areas where you disagree with him and talk about that the whole time. He says, ‘I would rather talk with you about the common faith that we share, but necessity is laid upon me. I’ve got to talk about this.’ “I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith.”

Thirdly, notice that the reason why he is motivated for them to engage in this discussion about the truth is that they would grasp the faith–not something peripheral and minute, but that they would grasp the main thing, the central thing, the faith which has been handed down: “That you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.” He wants to talk to them about the prime things, the essential things, the foundational things of faith. No, no, Jude is ready to engage in controversy. He’s ready to get into theological argument. He’s ready to ask this congregation to be good, faithful theologians with their eyes wide opened to falsehood around them. But he’s not temperamentally a nitpicker or a hack. He’s a wise, loving pastor who cares about their souls. And what he says is that he wants them to contend for the faith.

And then he tells you why. Look at verse 4. He says, ‘This is why you need to care about the truth, because there is a present reality that you are facing, and that present reality is false teachers in the church.’ “For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Jude is saying, ‘Here’s why I’m writing to you. There are people in your own congregation,’ he says, ‘who have the name Christian, who say that their teaching is Christian, but they’re leading you astray. They’re teaching you false things. They’re teaching cheap grace. They’re denying Jesus Christ.’ And, of course, that fulfills what Jesus Himself said to His disciples. When you look around and see false teachers in the church today, rejoice! Cheer up! It’s a proof that Jesus is divine. Jesus told His disciples that there would be false prophets in their own midst. 

Paul told the elders in Ephesus that wolves, ravenous wolves would come up even from their own number who would hairy the people of God. And so, Jude reminds us of this. He says, ‘Look, there are godless persons already among you. They’re subtle, so be on the lookout. And these godless persons,’ he says, ‘they’re pre-condemned. God’s already passed His verdict on them long ago. So, you look at them from God’s perspective. Yes, they’ll say that what they’re teaching is true and good and helpful, but it’s not in accord with the apostles’ teaching. It’s not in accord with Scripture, so you be on the watch. And you assign God’s verdict to them, not their own verdict to themselves.’

And notice two things that he says that they’re teaching. “[They] turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord.” They do two things: they use grace as an excuse to live a life of indifference and sin, and they deny Christ, what the Bible teaches about His person and work. They say, ‘Oh, it doesn’t matter how you live as long as you’re sincere. It doesn’t matter what your life is like. You’ve signed a card, prayed a prayer, made a decision. It doesn’t matter what you believe about Jesus as long as you’re sincere.’ That’s what they say. And Jude says, ‘Both of those are practical denials of Jesus Christ.’ One denies the result of His grace; one denies His person which is absolutely essential for grace. And Jude urges us here to contend for the faith and to beware of false teachers who make grace into licentiousness and who deny the Lord Jesus Christ, and he’s just reminding us that there are always false teachers amongst the church.

And so, here’s Jude speaking to a group of Christians who lived in a pluralistic society, a relativistic culture that followed after many gods and many truths and many fashions and fads and saying, ‘Contend for the truth.’ And, lo and behold, here we are 2,000 years later in a culture that’s very relativistic and pluralistic following after many fads and many fashions and many gods. And Jude is saying to us again, ‘Care about the truth. Cling to the truth. Believe the truth. Be savvy enough about the truth that you can tell a false teacher from a faithful prophet. Stick close to the Bible. Stick close to God’s word. Stick close to Jesus Christ.’ He’s saying all those things to us. And that word is just as fresh today as when he spoke it. Let’s pray.

Our Lord and our God, help us to know and appreciate and cling to truth unchanged, unchanging. We ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Soli deo Gloria!

^“Therefore, be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:31-32)

Jude was not the only one concerned about apostasy within the church. Several years before Jude’s epistle, the Apostle Paul expressed his concerns about false teachers to the Ephesian church elders. We take a final opportunity to examine this record from the Book of Acts in order to more completely understand the Epistle of Jude. 

Following his directive to the Ephesian church elders to pay careful attention (Acts 20:28), the Apostle Paul now commands them to be alert. To be alert (γρηγορέω; gregoreo) is a present, active imperative verb. It means to always be vigilant, awake and watchful regarding false teachers.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “The apostle’s warning concerns false teachers. Like foolish sheep, the believers will give heed to popular newcomers on the Christian scene, itinerant teachers with new and exciting (thought unorthodox) messages. They will be quick to divide in factions as some in their own ranks depart from the truth and seek to pull others along with them.”

Not if, but when, this occurs, and even prior to it occurring, faithful church elders are to constantly be on the alert for false teaching by false teachers. There can be no excuses for letting one’s guard down. The well-being of the church is a stake.

Paul used himself as an example to the church elders. Paul gave his all in admonishing the believers in the truth. Dr. Simon Kistemaker states, “Implicitly, Paul is exhorting the elders to follow his example as they assume the responsibility of caring for the church of God.”

Sometimes when Paul warned and instructed the believers in Ephesus, he did so with great intensity and emotion. He was passionate about God’s truth. Paul could be ruthless when it concerned confronting false teaching and false teachers.

The Church at Antioch commended the Apostle Paul to “the grace of God” when he and Barnabas were set to embark on their first missionary journey (Acts 14:26). Later on, Paul and Barnabas did the same thing to the newly established churches and their elders (Acts 14:23).

As Paul is set to conclude his encouraging words to the Ephesian church elders, he likewise commends them. The word “commend” (παρατίθημι; paratithemai) means to entrust and to show something, or someone, to be true. Paul’s entrusting of the Ephesian church to the elders in question was an ongoing commendation: not only to God but also the word of his grace.

God himself, and the word of his grace, are the instruments to build biblical church leaders. These means God gives to strengthen leaders as they face the difficulties of leading a local church in the midst of a fallen world, sinful temptations and the devil himself.

Not only did Paul say that God would build the elders up and strengthen them, but He would also give them an inheritance. Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Though trust in God is essential, it must be accompanied by obedience to His Word. This will lead to edification (it will build you up) and to an inheritance among all those who are sanctified (cf. 26:18; Eph. 1:18; Col. 1:12; 1 Peter 1:4).

To be sanctified means to be made holy. Like all who live by the Word of God, and as a result grow in holiness, God promises an eternal inheritance. This inheritance is not based on the believer’s personal holiness, but rather the believer’s personal holiness is the evidence of eternal life, God’s inheritance, which the believer has by faith, and will in heaven possess by sight and in its fullness.

God’s Word enables human leaders to be bold watchmen for God on behalf of the church, God’s flock. Take the opportunity today to pray for your church’s elders and pastors. May each of us pray for our church elders and other church leaders. May each of them know the Word of God and possess the strength and courage to defend the truth.

Soli deo Gloria!

^25 “And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. ²⁶ Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, ²⁷ for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. ^29 “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; ³⁰ and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.” (Acts 20:25-30)

Jude was not the only one concerned about apostasy within the church. Several years before Jude’s epistle, the Apostle Paul expressed his concerns about false teachers to the Ephesian church elders. We take time to examine this record from the Book of Acts in order to more completely understand the Epistle of Jude.  

Final words. If you knew you were saying goodbye to someone and would probably never see them again, this side of heaven, what would be your final words to them? Perhaps it might be, “Take care of yourself,” “be well and be safe,” “until we meet again,” or as Rick Blaine said to Ilsa Lund at the Casablanca airport, “Here’s looking at you kid.”

More than likely, if we had any affection for the individual in question, we would say “I love you.” We can be quite certain the Apostle Paul possessed deep affection for the Ephesian believers in general, and the Ephesian church elders in particular.

As today’s text indicated, Paul was sure that he would never see these elders again. One commentator writes, “He (Paul) isn’t necessarily expecting to die soon, he knows he will pass through Jerusalem alive an eventually visit Rome. But he cannot guess how long these events might take, and there are other fields beyond that he wishes to visit, especially Spain (Romans 15:23-29).”

What Paul does tell them is that he had done his duty. He has declared to them, and to the church at large, the whole counsel of God. Therefore, the duty to watch and warn people, respectively the converted along with the unconverted, is now theirs.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “A grave responsibility is placed upon the Ephesian elders. But modern elders bear the same responsibility – to watch over the souls of their people. Do all that you can to encourage your elders. Invite them to your home for a meal, praise them and thank them frequently, and pray fervently for them. Seek to make their service a joy.”

He commands and instructs them to pay careful attention. This is a present active imperative verb. It is a command by which the Ephesian elders are to pattern their lives and ministry each and every day. To pay attention is to be on the lookout or to carefully consider.

What the apostle wants the elders to pay attention to, to be on the lookout for, and to carefully consider is not only their own lives, but also the lives of their church flock. The reason for this careful consideration is because the Holy Spirit has set them apart as overseers for the church in Ephesus. An overseer (ἐπίσκοπος; episkopos) is a guardian or church leader.

This guardianship involves caring for the church which ultimately belongs to God. It is not their church but rather God’s. He created it, He owns it and He will sustain it. However, He has chosen these elders to care for it as faithful stewards of God’s grace (I Corinthians 4:1-2).

The church is so important to God because it was obtained by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The believers are valuable. All believes in Christ are valuable.

One commentator writes, “The picture here is of loving leaders manifesting a deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the people under their care. They are to be closely involved in the lives of Christians and able to teach, counsel, instruct and guide.”

Paul, like us today, could not be certain of everything that could happen in his life, and the life of the church. However, he knew this for certain. After he would leave the Ephesian church, fierce wolves would come into the church and settle among the believers.

The adjective fierce (βαρύς; barys) means vicious and cruel. In other words, savage. The noun wolves (λύκος; lykos) is used here figuratively referring to unbelieving individuals who are also false teachers. These fierce, false teachers will not remain outside of the church but rather come in among the congregation.

The intention is to destroy the flock of God. The wolves will personally and consistently make trouble in the church. They will be the cause of all types of difficulty.

Additionally, Paul said that there would arise from within the congregation men who would speak twisted things (διαστρέφω; diastrepho). This means to lead astray, to pervert, and to turn people away from the truth. The intended victims are those who are true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, ¹⁵ “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. ¹⁶ You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 7:15–19)

2 Peter 2:1-2 says, “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. ² And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.”

1 John 4:1–2 says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. ² By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.”

Jude 3–4 says, “³ Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. ⁴ For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Take the opportunity today to encourage your pastor and church elders. Let them know that you are thankful for them as they protect the church flock. Let them know that you praying for them as they serve. Amen! Have a blessed day and may each of us be a blessing to our church elders.

Soli deo Gloria!

^22 “And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, ²³ except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. ²⁴ But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:22–24)

Jude was not the only one concerned about apostasy within the church. Several years before Jude’s epistle, the Apostle Paul expressed his concerns about false teachers to the Ephesian church elders. We take time to examine this record from the Book of Acts in order to more completely understand the Epistle of Jude.  

Paul was speaking to the Ephesian church elders and charged them to take on the full measure of leadership of the congregation. In yesterday’s passage (Acts 20:17-21), he referred to himself as a worthy example, having selflessly served the Lord as a bond slave.

What is a legacy? Some assign it the meaning of a financial inheritance. A legacy is what the deceased left in his/her will and bequeathed to those who are living relatives and friends.

However, a legacy is more than money. It is a heritage. It is what an individual is known for and for what he/she will be remembered. What accomplishments did they achieve? What was their character? What was their reputation?

What was the Apostle Paul’s legacy? He states what it was in today’s text. It was the foremost characteristic for which he wished to be known. Paul’s legacy was “to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

Paul shared with the Ephesian church elders that he was going to Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit was compelling him, even though he did not know exactly what would happen upon his arrival. However, Paul did know that imprisonment and afflictions were waiting for him.

But it did not matter to Paul. He said, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus.”  What was the course and the ministry for which Paul sought to finish? It was “to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Paul wished to not only leave, but to live to the fullest, the legacy the Lord gave him.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Nevertheless, even the gloomy prospect of imprisonment and abuse cannot sway him (Paul) from obedience. In fact, he is ready to suffer much more if God so commands, even the loss of his life. His only goal is to know the joy of being a faithful bondservant, a trusty slave of Christ, to the end of his days. He wants to carry out the mission given to him by Christ: to be a witness to the Gospel of grace (Acts 9:15).”

What is the legacy you are leaving behind to your family, friends and acquaintances? What will they remember about you? What will you be known for after you have died and gone home to be with the Lord? May each of us mirror the words of the apostle in being a witness to the gospel of the grace of God. This is not only a legacy to leave, but to live.

Soli deo Gloria!     

^17 “Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. ¹⁸ And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, ¹⁹ serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; ²⁰ how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, ²¹ testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:17–21)

Jude was not the only one concerned about apostasy within the church. Several years before Jude’s epistle, the Apostle Paul expressed his concerns about false teachers to the Ephesian church elders. We take time to examine this record from the Book of Acts in order to more completely understand the Epistle of Jude.  

Acts 20:17 begins a wonderful passage of Scripture depicting the heart of a pastor for the health and wellbeing of a congregation and its elders. The pastor in question is the Apostle Paul. The elders and congregation are the church at Ephesus. The time and culture could be our very own for opposition to the Gospel, and attacks from within and from outside the church remain a clear and present danger.

Paul avoided stopping in Ephesus as he journeyed to Jerusalem. However, while in Miletus he sent for the Ephesian church elders to come and join him. The elders were the ordained representatives of the Ephesian congregation. God called them to overseers and shepherds of the church of God (20:28; I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).

Paul had some important things to say, which the elders needed to hear. The elders complied with Paul’s request and soon joined him at Miletus.

Paul began his pastoral counsel and encouragement to the Ephesian church elders by reviewing his two-three-year ministry with them at Ephesus (Acts 19:10; 20:31). He shared that he had lived among them, and not detached from them. In other words, Paul knew what kind of church they were and they knew what kind of pastor he was.

He explained that he served the Lord there with humility, tears and trials because of the adversarial plots by the unbelieving Jews in Ephesus. However, even during those difficult days Paul never shirked from his God ordained responsibility of declaring to the elders, and the congregation, the profitable Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). He taught them both in public settings, and also in private visits at people’s homes.

Finally, he related the Gospel of God, which included repentance of sin towards God and also faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Even today, both Jews and Gentiles must come to God in repentance of sin (Acts 26:20) and trust in, commitment to, dependence upon and worship of Jesus Christ.

If you are a pastor, continue your God ordained responsibilities (2 Timothy 4:1-5). If you are a member of a local congregation, take time today to encourage your pastor(s) for the work God does through them.

Soli deo Gloria!

“For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Jude 4 (ESV)

Jude’s exhortation to the church to contend for the truth (vs. 3) is coupled with becoming aware of individuals within the church who oppose the truth. The struggle for biblical truth was/is not just a philosophical concept but a practical reality. The church not only battles pernicious lies from the outside worldly culture (Eph. 2:1-3; I John 2:15-17), but also battles lies within the confines of the local church. Paul and Peter cautioned church leaders this struggle was coming (Acts 20:17-35; 2 Peter 2:1-3). Jude informed church leaders this struggle had arrived.

Jude stated, “Certain people have crept in unnoticed.” Particular individuals have become part of the church. They “crept in unnoticed” (παρεισέδυσαν; pareisedysan). This occurred at a particular point in time in the past. They did so actively. They did so stealthily and secretly.

“These were infiltrating, false teachers pretending to be true, who on the surface looked like the real thing, but whose intentions were to lead God’s people astray (cf. Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:29; Gal. 2:4–5; 1 Tim. 4:1–2; 2 Pet. 2:1, 20; 1 John 2:18–23). These apostates were Satan’s counterfeits, most likely posing as itinerant teachers (cf. 2 Cor. 11:13–15; 2 Pet. 2:1–2; 2 John 7–11). Their stealth made them dangerous,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

Every church leader and church member must be on their guard against false teachers. They appear to be genuine believers in Christ, but inwardly they are false shepherds (Matt. 7:15). They can be identified by the lack of godly fruit in their lives (Matt. 7:16). They manifest wickedness because this is what they are inwardly (2 Peter 2:12-22).

However, the Lord is keenly aware of them. He has already condemned these false teachers. “Who long ago were designated for this condemnation.” The phrase “long ago” (πάλαι; palai) refers to the distant past. In the past, the Lord “designated” (προγεγραμμένοι; progegrammenoi) or proclaimed them to be “condemned” (κρίμα; krima) or judged.

“Apostasy and apostates in general were written about and condemned many centuries before, such as illustrated in Jude 5–7 and spoken of as Enoch did in vv. 14–16. Cf. Isa. 8:19–21; 47:9–15; Hos. 9:9; Zeph. 3:1–8. Their doom was “pre-written” in Scripture as a warning to all who would come later. Jesus had warned about them in Matt. 7:15–20 (cf. Acts 20:29). The most recent warning had been 2 Pet. 2:3, 17; 3:7. This condemnation refers to the judgment spoken of by others “long ago.” Jude’s present exposé of apostates placed them in the path of the very judgment of God, written of previously,” continues Dr. MacArthur.

Jude describes them in his familiar triad writing style. These apostates or defectors of the true faith.

First, they were “ungodly people” (ἀσεβεῖς; asebeis). They were impious, wicked, profane and without reverence for the one, true God (cf. Rom. 4:5; 5:6, 1 Tim. 1:9, 1 Peter 4:18, 2 Peter 2:5, 6; 3:7).

Second, they “pervert the grace of our God into sensuality.” To pervert (μετατιθέντες; metatithentes) is a present, active participle. These individuals presently and actively imposed a change or a transferal of God’s grace (χάριτα; charita), or His unmerited favor towards sinners, into sensuality (ἀσέλγειαν; aselgeian). This refers to licentiousness or excessive sin and rebellion. It is unrestrained vice or gross immorality.

Third, they “deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” The reject the exclusivity of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone.

 “Two Greek words for Jesus are used here. The apostates disowned Christ as sovereign Lord (despotes) and disdained any recognition of Christ as honorable Lord (kurios) by their wicked behavior. The better NT manuscripts omit God in the text, placing the emphasis clearly on one person, the Lord Jesus Christ, and emphasizing that apostates deny him. Cf. Matt. 10:33; 2 Tim. 2:12; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:22–23. It is always true of apostates, false teachers, and false religions that they pervert what Scripture declares is true about the Lord Jesus Christ,” concludes Dr. MacArthur.

“We make two observations: Jude does not indicate whether these godless men at one time belonged to the Christian community; and these infiltrators are dishonest in their relations with the believers, for they furtively slip into the church,” states Dr. Simon Kistemaker.

“By their secrecy, they reveal their motives. Probably, they are itinerant teachers who were bent on destroying the church of Jesus Christ. The New Testament presents numerous warnings to the believers to avoid strange teachings from false teachers (cf. Phil. 3:2; Col. 2:8; 2 Tim. 3:6; I John 3:7; 4:1; 3 John 7).”

In vs. 4. Jude explains what these apostate and false teachers do. In the remainder of the epistle, he explains what these individuals are.

May we consistently be aware of false teachers. How they live and behave reveals what they believe and teach. May the Lord’s grace and truth be found here.  

Soli deo Gloria!

Continuing our study in Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians, a new paragraph begins in Colossians 3:18-4:1. The truth of what believers “are” in Christ is to be balanced by how believers are to live for Christ. The practical truth of Jesus Christ as the only and all-sufficient Savior, and as sole source of the believers’ life, is now applied to specific groups and situations. What people groups does the Apostle Paul, and the Holy Spirit, have in mind?

Primarily, they were thinking of household groups. What we have in this extended biblical section is a kind of “catalogue of household responsibilities.” Even non-Christian moralists advocate mores of domestic, blissful behavior. Sometimes, Christians opt for secular advice rather than the word of God regarding family life. However, Paul was not adding to unbiblical opinions or philosophies. The apostle was not sugar-coating domestic relationships with a thin veneer of merely adding “in Christ”—which completely misses the point.

Between these pithy directives presented here in Colossians—also in Eph. 5:22–6:9; 1 Tim. 2:8–15; 6:1, 2; Titus 2:1–10; 1 Peter 2:12–3:7—and the maxims of the Stoics and other first century Greek moral philosophers, there is a superficial resemblance. Yet, there are at least three main differences.

First, biblical Christianity supplies the power to carry out the commands. The power being the grace of God (Titus 2:1–10, then verse 11; cf. Phil. 4:13), and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-9; I Cor. 6:919-20). All other moral philosophies, even the very best of them, are vehicles lacking these engines.  

Second, biblical Christianity also supplies a new purpose. The goal was/is not simply to try to live in harmony with Nature. Rather, believers in Christ are “to do everything to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). Or, to do all “in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him,” (Col. 3:17). The only proper way to explain Col. 3:18–4:1 is in light of Col. 3:5-17 and the emphasis on godly behavior, speech and attitudes.  

Finally, biblical Christianity supplies the only true pattern for God-glorifying behavior and conduct by the very household groups Paul discussed: wives and their husbands, children and their fathers, servants and their masters. “Christ himself, as the bridegroom, in his matchless love for the church, his bride, furnished the standard for the love of Christian marriage (Eph. 5:22-33),” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

Let’s begin with the wife. “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” A wife (γυναῖκες (gynaikes) is to submit to her husband. To submit (ὑποτάσσεσθε (hypotassesthe) means a wife is to presently, personally, and obediently have a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden in their marriage.  Submission means being responsible to and responsible for one’s own husband.

Ephesians 5:22–24 (ESV) – “²² Wives, submit to your own husbands,as to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. ²⁴ Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.”

The biblical text continues to say this is fitting (ἀνῆκεν (aneken), The wife’s submission in her marriage is to continually, actively and personally do what is proper, right, and correct in the Lord’s perspective.

What about husbands? “Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”  To love (ἀγαπᾶτε (agapate) means to presently, actively and obediently display concern and a self-sacrificial love of the will. This sacrificial spirit goes beyond the emotions of the moment. Rather, it is a resolution of the will for a lifetime.

To not be harsh (Πικραίνεσθε (pikrainesthe) means to presently and obediently not make one’s wife bitter, resentful and hateful towards you. Harshness is the spirit the husband is “not” to create within his wife. The fruit of the Spirit should dominate the husband in this relationship (Gal: 5:22-23).

Then we have the children. “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”  Children (tέκνα; tekna) are their parent’s offspring. To obey (ὑπακούετε (hypakouete) means to presently, actively and obediently pay attention to, comply and submit to mom and dad. Parents (γονεῦσιν (goneusin) are biological or legal guardians.

This spirit of obedience is to be in everything (Iάντα; panta). This refers to every kind of situation and circumstance, which coincides with godly behavior. The reason for obedience to this command is because it pleases (εὐάρεστόν; euareston) or is acceptable before the Lord.  

What is the parent’s responsibility with their children? ^“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” Fathers (Πατέρες ;pateres) are the leaders of the family (Eph. 6:1-2). To not provoke (ἐρεθίζετε; erethizete) means to presently, actively and obediently not make children bitter or resentful. In other words, to not provoke them to wrath or resentment. Otherwise, children may become discouraged (ἀθυμῶσιν; athymosin) or actively disheartened. The word literally means to lose energy or passion. Discouraged children lose hope, stop trying, and give up. They don’t care.

“It is tempting to blame children for our family problems. But Scripture does not allow us to do this. Children bear the responsibility to obey their parents. But God commands parents to raise their children with godly nurture, being careful not to frustrate them. Inestimable damage is done by parents who provoke their children, and cause them to become discouraged,” explains Pastor William Boekestein.

“While specifically addressing fathers in Colossians 3:21, God is speaking to both parents. The word translated; “fathers” is elsewhere used to mean “parents” (Heb. 11:23). Additionally, fathers are spoken to as covenant heads of the families. Fathers are to see that neither parent provokes the children. Fathers cannot stand idly by if their children are being provoked by their mothers.”

Pray for your family and the relationships therein. May the Lord bless the obedience of all family members: young and older, wives and husbands, parents and children. May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

^“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3 (ESV)

“The book is a solemn warning to Christians everywhere, since all are subject to the same doctrinal and practical errors. Though its theme regarding apostasy was specifically directed to first-century Jewish Christians, its message is applicable to all Christians. All believers need to avoid the pitfalls of denying Christ’s lordship, promiscuously following the fleshly desires, rejecting authority, being divisive, and living for self.” – Dr. Edward C. Pentecost

Have your prepared plans ever been interrupted by an unexpected event or set of circumstances? Perhaps a scheduled vacation or activity is delayed by an illness, accident and/or death in the family.  

I will always remember Christmas morning of 2002. As always, there was the anticipation of opening presents and enjoying a relaxing day with family and friends; near or far, in person or by text or phone call.

Snow began falling late Christmas Eve and by 4:00 am Christmas Day, Northeast Indiana was a scenic winter wonderland. Six inches of snow lay on the ground and more was expected. I did not have to dream about a White Christmas that year because it was a reality.

I was abruptly awakened by the phone. As a pastor., 4:00 am phone calls are seldom good news. A family in our congregation called to say they were on their way to the Fort Wayne Airport. While in route, their mini-van broke down leaving them stranded at a nearby gas station convenient store parking lot. They needed someone who had a van, who could drive them to the still open airport, and who wouldn’t be angry about being asked to do so. I fit all of the above qualifications.

I drove my friends to the airport that snowy, Christmas morning and cut a trail over unplowed roads and an interstate highway. The only other vehicles I remember seeing were occasional state police and county sheriff cars and SUV’s. Amazingly, they did not stop us.

Once I delivered my previous cargo to the airport, I returned alone to my home listening to Christmas music on the van’s CD player. My wife and two kids were anxiously awaiting my arrival so we could enjoy our Christmas morning. An unexpected phone call, and a particular need of a family, resulted in a Christmas memory I’ll always cherish.

What does my personal recollection have to do with the Epistle of Jude? Jude had intended to write a letter of encouragement to fellow believers in Christ. “^“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation,”

The phrase “I was very eager” (σπουδὴν; spouden) refers to diligence, to work hard and to do one’s best. Jude eagerly wanted to write to these believers. It was not something he dreaded. Jude possessed an intense motivation and enthusiastic desire.

“In a few words Jude reveals the reason for the composition of his letter: He wants to encourage the readers to affirm their faith. Jude addresses his readers with a common greeting of that day: “dear friends” (also see vv. 17, 20). Literally translated the term means “beloved.” He puts this greeting in the context of the address (“to those … who are loved by God,” v. 1) and the blessing (“mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance,” v. 2),” explains Dr. Simon Kistemaker.

Then, rather unexpectedly, he discovered a greater need existed. It was the need for a solemn warning of danger. “I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”

This is what is upon my heart. To share the wonderful truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To dwell upon the blessings of our common salvation is an indescribable joy. It brings such a sense of God’s pleasure to focus on what He has given us in Christ. However, as now there are times when rather than communicate the blessings of God to the flock God has given me to shepherd, I am compelled by Him to preach about the burden of contending for truth in a world and culture living on lies. It is this culture of lies which threatens every local church; past, present, and future.

Jude appealed (παρακαλῶν; parakalon) or implored his readers to contend for the faith. What does it mean to contend for the faith? To contend (ἐπαγωνίζεσθαι; epagonizesthai) is a present, middle infinitive verb referring to an ongoing, personal action of struggling on behalf of someone or something. The faith (πίστει; pistei) is not one’s personal trust in Christ but rather the content or doctrine to trust in, commit to, depend upon and for which we honor and worship the Lord.

It was this doctrine and teachings, through the prophets and apostles, which the Lord delivered to the believers in Christ (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). The Scriptures calls them saints or the called-out ones (ἁγίοις; hagiois). God calls believers saints on the basis of grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone.

“Wishing to write of the more pleasant theme of salvation, Jude was forced by his concern to write on an urgent and abhorrent theme. Circumstances had arisen that demanded immediate action, thus presenting an emergency situation. Jude addressed himself to a recognized problem, and exhorted the believers to respond with positive determination,” states Dr. Pentecost.

“As a pastor, Jude clearly distinguishes between the recipients of his letter and the false teachers. He expresses his love to the readers, but also tells them to be aware of the pernicious teachings of these heretics. The term beloved demonstrates his affection for the members of the Christian church, who through Jesus Christ experience the love of God the Father,” concludes Dr. Kistemaker.

Who were these individuals of whom Jude would warn his fellow believers in Christ? This is the subject of the next blog. I encourage you to read Jude 4.

Soli deo Gloria!

^“May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.” (Jude 2 (ESV)

Jude began his epistle by immediately identifying who he was and to whom he was writing (vs.1). He called himself by name, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. He referred to his readers those who God the Father called, loved and kept.

Jude continued by invoking a common Jewish blessing, or greeting of God’s favor, found in all of the Apostle Paul’s epistles. Employing his characteristic triad, Jude used three nouns in his blessing: mercy, peace and love. What do these three words mean?

Mercy (ἔλεος; eleos) refers to pity and compassion. It also means to show kindness to someone in serious need. Regarding salvation, mercy is God “not” giving what sinners deserve; His wrath and judgment for their sin. Mercy compliments the biblical doctrine of God’s grace, which is God giving what the sinner “does not” deserve; salvation.

Mercy is the need on the part of him who receives it and the resources necessarily adequate to meet the need on the part of God who shows it. Mercy is the sovereign act of God wherein He does not give us what we deserve but rather what we do not deserve; salvation. But here in the context, not just salvation, for they are already saved, but rather mercy displayed towards others as a Christian virtue. Since believers have received mercy from God, they are to exercise mercy in relation to their fellow human beings. It is tolerance when justice demands punishment.

Peace (εἰρήνη; eirene) means tranquility and freedom from worry on the basis of favorable circumstances. Peace also refers to the tranquility and harmony existing between two parties.

There is peace with God (Rom. 5:1). There is also peace with fellow believers in Christ (Rom. 15:13) and in the midst of the circumstances of life (Phil.4:6-7). Peace is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit’s work in our souls (Gal. 5:22-23).  

Love (ἀγάπη; agape) refers to self-sacrificial love of the will. Is a love of the will which regards the recipient of such love as valuable and precious. Such love is to be the hallmark of each believer in Christ (I Cor. 13; I John 4:7-11). This is because God so loved us (Jude 1).

Jude in effect prays God will multiply all three Christlike characteristics within the lives of each believer to whom he is writing. Multiply (πληθυνθείη; plethyntheie) means to greatly increase. In addition to God’s mercy, peace and love establishing our position before Him in Christ, we are also to display such mercy, peace and love to fellow believers in Christ.

The Apostle Paul expressed this to the Ephesian Church. Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”  

“Jude says, “May mercy and peace and love” – not be yours but “be” – what? – “multiplied to you.” May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you because you’re the called and the loved and the kept. The verb here, plēthunō, means to be increased. May you just have a constantly increasing amount of this. It’s like Peter said, 1 Peter 1:2, “May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure.” Or 2 Peter 1:2, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you.” It’s the same thing,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

“The divine provisions of mercy, peace, and love included in Jude’s greeting are needed by Christians living in the licentious atmosphere of apostate teaching. God’s mercy can sustain them in times of difficulty (Heb. 4:16); His peace can give a subtle calmness when evil abounds (Rom. 15:13; Phil. 4:7); and His love can protect and assure believers in the face of peril (Rom. 5:5; 1 John 4:12, 15–16),” states Dr. Edward C. Pentecost.

“The nature of the salutation reflects the writer’s attitude. Jude’s choice of words introduces his deep-seated compassion and heartfelt concern for his readers. He longed for them to know in the fullest measure God’s “mercy, peace, and love.” Jude overflowed with love for the believers while warning them about those who were making their way into the church to destroy it, those who knew nothing of God’s mercy, peace, or love.”

How may believers in Christ display God’s mercy, peace and love towards fellow believers, and also non-believers? We truly evidence the Lord’s mercy, peace and love He gave us when we give it to others; even when it is not easy and also when we do not feel like doing it.  I encourage you to meditate upon I Corinthians 13:1-8 and I John 4:7-12 today.

May the Lord’s mercy, peace and love be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!