A False Teacher by Ps Michael Podhaczky

A False Teacher

Jude, in his letter, stressed the fact that false teachers and their teachings were affecting the church. He illustrated this by using the following examples from the Old Testament; there were unbelievers in Egypt (v5), the angels that had fallen (v6), those from Sodom and Gomorrah (vv5-7), and Cain, Balaam and Korah (v11). He wanted the readers to remember the words of the apostles who foretold the coming of such false teachers (Jude 17-19). Jude emphasised the fact that the apostles had informed them that there would be mockers and scoffers, who would follow their ungodly lusts and desires (Jude 17,18).

Jude pointed out that these false teachers would cause division within the church with their false teachings (Jude 19a). Moreover, that these false teachers would follow their godless and natural drives because they did not have the Holy Spirit (Jude 19b). They were murmurers and complainers. They walked according to their evil desires or lusts (v16), boasted about themselves with great swelling words (v16) and flattered for their advantage or gain (v16).

But, if we stop and think about it, we can see these kinds of false teachers around today. They cause division within the church with their false teachings, rather than unity. They are driven by their worldly, godless, and natural drives and encourage others to follow a similar path. The reason is that they do not have the Holy Spirit living within them because they are not believers, but imposters; or as the saying goes, “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” So, be aware and watchful for these false teachers, as you will know them by their fruit.