Know your enemy

11 Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, have plunged into Balaam’s error for profit, and have perished in Korah’s rebellion.

12 These people are dangerous reefs at your love feasts as they eat with you without reverence. They are shepherds who only look after themselves. They are waterless clouds carried along by winds; trees in late autumn – fruitless, twice dead and uprooted. 13 They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shameful deeds; wandering stars for whom the blackness of darkness is reserved for ever.

14 It was about these that Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied: ‘Look! The Lord comes with tens of thousands of his holy ones 15 to execute judgement on all and to convict all the ungodly concerning all the ungodly acts that they have done in an ungodly way, and concerning all the harsh things ungodly sinners have said against him.’ 16 These people are discontented grumblers, living according to their desires; their mouths utter arrogant words, flattering people for their own advantage.

Jude 11-16

Introduction

About once a year I read the ancient Chinese military treatise The Art of War attributed to the military strategist Sun Tzu, or Master Sun. It was written in roughly the 5th century before Christ. It’s not a long book, 13 short chapters. Each chapter covers a set of skills or arts related to warfare. Such as: Laying Plans, Waging War, Strategy, Tactics, Spies and so on. It’s an interesting read. And even 2500 years later remains the most influential strategy text in East Asian warfare and has influenced both Eastern and Western military thinking, business tactics, legal strategy, lifestyles and beyond. Sun Tzu introduced the phrase know your enemy to me.

Here is except, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

This morning we’re talking about enemies, enemies in the camp. As part of the call to contend for the faith, to fight for the faith, Jude wants us to run some counter intelligence. We need to know our enemy. We need to be able to identify their characteristics and conduct.

12 characteristics and conduct of false teachers: 3 Examples (11). 6 Pictures (12-13). The Repetitions (14-16).

Bible stories show enemies of the Faith are doomed

11 Woe to them! For

The word woe in Greek sounds like a cry. False teachers are in imminent danger. About to experience terrible distress. Will soon plunge headlong into horror. The first 3 characteristics of enemies of faith related to their doom:

they have gone the way of Cain,

Enemies of the Faith are unbelievers: Cain’s woeful story is in Ge 4. Unlike his brother Able (He 12:4) unbelieving Cain withheld the first fruits of his crop. What is the difference between unbelief and disbelief? Disbelief refuses to accept God’s existence. Unbelief refuses to take Him at His Word. Cain was a covetous, envious, murderer who acted in unbelief towards God. And so God cursed him. False teachers today go the way of Cain in unbelief. They deny the authority of Scripture. Unbelievers are enemies of the Faith.
and have plunged into Balaam’s error for profit,

Enemies of the Faith are greedy: Balaam’s woeful story is in Nu 22-25 and 31. Before Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Leon Du Preez, Mboro and Bushiri, Balaam was the poster child of a prophet for profit. He was offered money to curse the Children of Israel. But Balaam couldn’t. But for reward, he taught the enemy of God to seduce and corrupt the children of God. The Israelites fell into Baal worship and fornicated with Midianite women. False teachers today plunge into the error of Balaam when they fleece God’s people. Whether they wear Versace, or drive a Maserati, God’s judgment is coming for them. Greedy men are enemies of the Faith.

and have perished in Korah’s rebellion.

Enemies of the Faith are grumblers: Korah’s woeful story is in Nu 16. He was a Levite. A grandson of Kohath. The Kohathites were responsible for transporting the tabernacle items. Korah’s lust for power stirred dissatisfaction in him. He argued with Moses and Aaron that the entire community had an equal right to the priesthood. On the outside Korah rebelled against spiritual leadership. But his rebellion was against God Himself. With Korah’s family and co-conspirators he was swallowed alive into the earth. False teachers today have perished in Korah’s rebellion. Judgment is certain. Their fate sealed. Those who usurp leadership in Christ’s Church will soon face the Head of the Church. Grumblers are enemies of the Faith.

Enemies of the Faith are: 1.) Unbelievers – they don’t take God at His Word. 2.) Greedy – they sell fake faith for the love of money. 3.) Grumblers – they are dissatisfied with the position God’s given them.

6 pictures show enemies of the Faith are dangerous

12 These people are

Jude, continues to characterise the enemies of the Faith. What follows are Six pictures which show enemies of the Faith are dangerous:

dangerous reefs at your love feasts as they eat with you without reverence.

Enemies of the Faith are dangerous. These men look like spiritual pillars of the community. But they are jagged rocks. Dangerous reefs. Lurking just below the water. Sail close enough and they’ll shipwreck your faith. And they’ve infiltrated the assembly. They’re at the fellowship meal. The love feast. They’re sitting at the bring and share. Having a cup of tea or coffee after the service. Paul said, I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Men will rise up even from your own number and distort the truth to lure the disciples into following them. Therefore be on the alert (Ac 20:29-31). Because false teachers continue to slip into churches today. They want to lure you away from the truth. Dangerous men are enemies of the Faith.

They are shepherds who only look after themselves.

Enemies of the Faith are selfish. Want to know the difference between a shepherd and hireling? The shepherd cares for the sheep. The good shepherd sacrifices for the sheep. The hireling cares for himself. The hireling sacrifices the sheep. Ezekiel wrote, Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy, and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says to the shepherds: Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who have been feeding themselves! Shouldn’t the shepherds feed their flock? (Ez 34:2). All over South Africa Sunday morning men in silky suits and shiny shoes pass money bags around calling sheep to sow seed and reap reward. They’re false teachers, selfish shepherds, wolves in sheep’s clothing. They get fat eating the sheep they’re supposed to feed. Selfish men are enemies of the Faith.

They are waterless clouds carried along by winds;

Enemies of the Faith are empty. These guys promise freedom, but they deliver slavery. They’re loud like thunder, but like waterless clouds they are empty. Why in South Africa, a country of professing Christians, do we we see the manifestation of every kind of sin? Because we’ve run after Man of God’s who are nothing but charlatans, snake oil salesmen. Their promises of spiritual enrichment arouse great expectation but they are spiritually bankrupt. Their hype blows over. Empty men are enemies of the Faith.

trees in late autumn—fruitless, twice dead and uprooted.

Enemies of the Faith are dead. Trees bud in Spring and produce fruit in Summer. By Autumn the fruit is harvested or drops to the ground. By late autumn trees have no leaves, no flowers, no fruit. They appear dead. False teachers are like fruitless trees. But they’re not just fruitless, they’re lifeless. Twice dead. 1.) They look dead. And 2.) they’re actually dead. Utterly lifeless. No spiritual vitality to depart. They’re not just fruitless and lifeless, but rootless as well. These men are beyond rescue. Jesus said, Every plant that my heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted (Mt 15:13). And, “Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes… …If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned (Jn 15:2, 6). Dead men are enemies of the Faith.

13 They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up [PAP] their shameful deeds;

Enemies of the Faith are dirty. Waterless clouds and fruitless trees produce nothing good. Nothing life giving. What these men do produce is filth. I come from Gqeberha.  Gqeberha has sea and Gqeberha has wind. And so I’m very familiar with the grimy foam that the wind drives to the coast. Just like the crashing waves of the ocean these men make a lot of noise, but they only produce that ugly foam that washes up along the shoreline. Because they are gospel lite or gospel absent their many words only produces sin and guilt and shame. Dirty men are enemies of the Faith.

wandering stars for whom the blackness of darkness is reserved forever.

Enemies of the Faith are doomed. Since ancient of days stars have served as guides for travellers at night. Ships and shepherds use them to guide their flock through this darkened world. But false shepherds, false teachers, false prophets, false pastors, don’t lead, they mislead. Unlike stars fixed in the night sky, these men are like comets that wander around. And then, after a time, they fizzle out into the darkness. They are unreliable guides. False teachers today point people towards the broad road that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it rather than the narrow gate and difficult road that leads to life, which few find. Doomed men are enemies of the Faith.

Enemies of the Faith are: 1.) Unbelievers – they don’t take God at His Word. 2.) Greedy – they sell fake faith for the love of money. 3.) Grumblers – they are dissatisfied with the position God’s given them. 4.) Dangerous – they will shipwreck your faith. 5.) Selfish – they will gobble you up. 6.) Empty – they can’t impart life. 7.) Dead – and if you’re their fruit you’ll be dead too. 8.) Dirty – they produce and promote sin. 9.) Doomed – judgment awaits them.

4 repetitions show enemies of the Faith are depraved

14 It was about these that Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied:

Verse 14 and 15 is a quote from the Book of Enoch. Enoch is an ancient Hebrew apocalyptic text. While ascribed to Enoch, it certainly wasn’t written by him. Enoch contains unique material on the origins of demons and Nephilim, why angels fell from heaven, why the flood was morally necessary, and a Millennial Kingdom. Judas quotes from the Book of Enoch, but that doesn’t mean we should give any additional authority to the Book of Enoch. The book is not inspired, some of it isn’t even true. This particular verse is true. It was something Enoch actually prophesied and was evidently handed down by tradition, eventually recorded in the book.

“Look!

Enoch prophesied with a sense of urgency. The word Look! is an imperative. A command to pay attention. A command to be on the alert.

The Lord comes with tens of thousands of his holy ones 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly

Enemies of the Faith are awaiting trial, and will be found guilty. Jesus is coming again. His 2nd coming will be unlike His 1st. He isn’t coming as a babe in Bethlehem, all meek and mild. Jesus is coming as King. With 1,000s and 1,000s of His angels. And He isn’t coming to offer salvation, He is coming to judge the living and dead. False teachers, walking around today with their $100 haircuts are really just awaiting trial. Their guilt is stacked against them. Their conviction is certain. Enemies of the Faith are awaiting trial, and will be found guilty because they’re as guilty as hell.

concerning all the ungodly acts that they have done in an ungodly way,

Enemies of the Faith will be found guilty because their deeds are foul. The people Judas is writing of were antinomial.

Antinomianism comes from two Greek words, anti, “against”; and nomos, “law.” “Against the law.” It’s the teaching that there are no moral laws God expects Christians to obey. John says, And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. (1 Jn 2:3-6). False teachers take biblical teaching to unbiblical conclusions. Christians are not required to observe the Old Testament Law as a means of salvation. That is a Biblical teaching. The unbiblical conclusion is there is no moral law God expects Christians to obey. Enemies of the Faith love foul deeds.

and concerning all the harsh things ungodly sinners have said against him.” 16 These people are discontented grumblers, living according to their desires; their mouths utter arrogant words, flattering people for their own advantage.

Enemies of the Faith will be found guilty because they are anti-Christ. These men are described as unthankful, carnal, boastful and manipulative. And small wonder, no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison (Ja 3:8). Their throat is an open grave; they deceive with their tongues. Vipers’ venom is under their lips. Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness (Ro 3:13-14). Ultimately their words are anti-Christ when they deny Person of Jesus Christ or His Lordship over their lives. When they deny the divinity of Christ or the sovereign right of Jesus Christ to demand that we live holy lives to His praise and glory.

Enemies of the Faith will be found guilty because their words are anti-Christ.

Enemies of the Faith are: 1.) Unbelievers – they don’t take God at His Word. 2.) Greedy – they sell fake faith for the love of money. 3.) Grumblers – they are dissatisfied with the position God’s given them. 4.) Dangerous – they will shipwreck your faith. 5.) Selfish – they will gobble you up. 6.) Empty – they can’t impart life. 7.) Dead – and if you’re their fruit you’ll be dead too. 8.) Dirty – they produce and promote sin. 9.) Doomed – judgment awaits them. 10.) guilty – they are awaiting trial. 11.) deeds are foul – the twist grace into sensuality. 12.) anti-Christ – they deny His Person or His lordship.

Application

The Lord comes with tens of thousands of his holy ones 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly

You will shortly stand at the judgment seat and the standard the holy judge demands is perfection.

Jn 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that [whosoever would believe] in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Jn 3:36, [Whosoever] believes in the Son has eternal life; [whosoever] does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Ro 2:5–6, But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

Ro 5:8–9, God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.

Repent. At once. Do not delay. The Lord comes

Mark and avoid false teachers.

12 characteristics and conduct of false teachers: 3 Examples (11), 6 Pictures (12-13), The Repetitions (14-16).

Be alert. For yourself and your family.

Mark and contend against false teachers.

You’re in a spiritual war. There are friends and foes. And you’re to contend for the faith. The New Testament is replete with this battle language:

Ep 6:10–12 says, Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.

Paul charges Timothy to Fight the good fight of the faith (1 Ti 6:12). And to the church in Philippi, Stand firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents (Ph 1:27-28).
Suit up. Sharpen your blade. As you hear the rallying cry join the battle for the Faith.

Battle wearied saints, take courage. While the battle rages it is already won. Your captain will return soon to carry you home.

Amen.