Jude 1:19
These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.
These are the ones who cause divisions
This phrase identifies a specific group of individuals within the early Christian community. The Greek word for "divisions" is "ἀποδιορίζω" (apodiorizō), which means to separate or create a distinction. Historically, the early church faced numerous challenges from false teachers and those who sought to disrupt the unity of believers. Jude warns against such individuals, emphasizing the importance of maintaining unity in the faith. The early church, much like today, was called to be a body of believers united in Christ, and any division was seen as a threat to the integrity and mission of the church.

who are worldly
The term "worldly" is translated from the Greek word "ψυχικός" (psychikos), which refers to being natural or unspiritual. This word contrasts with "πνευματικός" (pneumatikos), meaning spiritual. In the context of Jude's letter, "worldly" describes those who are driven by natural instincts rather than the Holy Spirit. This highlights a key theme in Jude's message: the danger of living according to the flesh rather than being led by the Spirit. The early church was called to live counter-culturally, not conforming to the patterns of the world but being transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2).

and devoid of the Spirit
This phrase underscores the spiritual deficiency of those causing divisions. The Greek word "ἄπνευμος" (apneumos) means without the Spirit, indicating a lack of the Holy Spirit's presence and influence. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is essential for guiding, teaching, and empowering believers. Being "devoid of the Spirit" suggests a life not surrendered to God, lacking the fruit and gifts that come from a Spirit-filled life. Jude's warning serves as a reminder of the necessity of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, as it is through the Spirit that one can truly live a life pleasing to God and in harmony with fellow believers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jude
The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as Jude, the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus. He writes to warn believers about false teachers.

2. False Teachers
Individuals within the early Christian community who were causing divisions and leading others astray with their teachings.

3. The Early Church
The community of believers to whom Jude is writing, facing challenges from within due to false teachings and divisions.
Teaching Points
Recognizing False Teachers
Be vigilant in identifying those who cause divisions and lead others away from the truth of the Gospel.

The Danger of Worldliness
Understand that a worldly mindset is contrary to the Spirit and leads to division and strife within the church.

The Importance of the Holy Spirit
Emphasize the necessity of being filled with the Spirit to discern truth and maintain unity in the body of Christ.

Guarding Against Division
Actively work towards unity in the church by fostering love, understanding, and adherence to sound doctrine.

Spiritual Discernment
Cultivate spiritual discernment through prayer and study of the Scriptures to recognize and resist false teachings.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we identify individuals who cause divisions within our church community today?

2. In what ways can worldliness manifest in our personal lives and church settings, and how can we combat it?

3. Why is it crucial for believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and how does this relate to maintaining unity in the church?

4. How can we apply the teachings of Jude 1:19 to promote unity and sound doctrine in our local church?

5. What steps can we take to develop spiritual discernment to recognize and resist false teachings, as encouraged by Jude and other New Testament writers?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Corinthians 3:3
Paul addresses the Corinthians about their worldly behavior and divisions, similar to Jude's warning about those who cause divisions.

Galatians 5:19-21
Paul lists the acts of the flesh, including divisions, contrasting them with the fruit of the Spirit, which aligns with Jude's description of those devoid of the Spirit.

Romans 8:9
Paul explains that those who belong to Christ have the Spirit, contrasting with Jude's description of those devoid of the Spirit.

James 3:15-16
James speaks about earthly wisdom leading to disorder and every evil practice, paralleling Jude's description of worldly individuals causing divisions.
Application of the Prophecy to the Seducers of Jude's DayT. Croskery Jude 1:19
Sensual MenT. Manton.Jude 1:19
Separation from the ChurchT. Manton.Jude 1:19
SeparatistsW. Muir, D. D.Jude 1:19
The Holy Spirit and the One ChurchCharles Haddon Spurgeon Jude 1:19
The LetterR. Finlayson Jude 1:1-25
MockersT. Manton.Jude 1:17-19
MockersA. Plummer, D. D.Jude 1:17-19
Words to be RememberedW. Jenkyn, M. A.Jude 1:17-19
The Believers Urged to Remember the Prophecies of the ApostlesJ.S. Bright Jude 1:17-21
People
Adam, Balaam, Cain, Core, Enoch, James, Judas, Jude, Korah, Michael
Places
Egypt, Ephesus, Gomorrah, Sodom
Topics
Apart, Cause, Devoid, Divisions, Follow, Instincts, Mere, Natural, Ones, Sensual, Separate, Separations, Setting, Spirit, Themselves, Unspiritual, Wholly, Worldly, Worldly-minded
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jude 1:19

     3233   Holy Spirit, and sanctification
     5892   instinct
     7031   unity, God's goal
     8164   spirituality

Jude 1:3-23

     6169   godlessness

Jude 1:4-19

     5714   men

Jude 1:16-19

     5863   flattery

Jude 1:17-19

     8126   guidance, need for

Jude 1:18-19

     3278   Holy Spirit, indwelling
     9140   last days

Jude 1:18-20

     7025   church, unity

Library
The Holy Spirit and the one Church
Our text suggests to us three things: first, an inquiry--Have we the Spirit? secondly, a caution--if we have not the spirit we are sensual; thirdly, a suspicion--there are many persons that separate themselves. Our suspicion concerning them is, that notwithstanding their extra-superfine profession, they are sensual, not having the Spirit; for our text says, "These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit." I. First, then, our text suggests AN INQUIRY--Have we the Spirit? This
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

Persevering Grace. Jude 1:24,25.
Persevering grace. Jude 1:24,25. To God the only wise, Our Savior and our King, Let all the saints below the skies Their humble praises bring. 'Tis his almighty love, His counsel, and' his care, Preserves us safe from sin and death, And every hurtful snare. He will present our souls, Unblemished and complete, Before the glory of his face, With joys divinely great. Then all the chosen seed Shall meet around the throne, Shall bless the conduct of his grace, And make his wonders known. To our Redeemer,
Isaac Watts—The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts

The Manifestation of the Church with Christ.
The last time the world saw the Lord Jesus He was alone--all alone in death. But when He returns to this earth He will not be alone. His saints will accompany Him. He is the "Firstborn among many brethren" (Rom. 8:29), and when He appears again they will be with Him. "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again, bringing His sheaves with Him" (Ps. 126:6). Yes, that blessed One who humbled Himself to become the Sower shall return with "His sheaves"--"Behold,
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

The Twofold Bearing of this Fact.
We come now to a point concerning which it behooves believers, particularly young believers and beginners in the study of prophecy, to be quite clear upon. Like the other two great Facts which we have reviewed--the First Advent of our Lord to this earth and His going away, and the presence now of the Holy Spirit upon this earth--this third great fact of the Redeemer's Return also has a double bearing, a bearing upon the Church and a bearing upon the world. The Second Coming of Christ will occur in
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Present Exaltation of Satan.
One of the greatest mysteries in all God's creation is the Devil. For any reliable information concerning him we are shut up to the Holy Scriptures. It is in God's Word alone that we can learn anything about his origin, his personality, his fall, his sphere of operations, and his approaching doom. One thing which is there taught us about the great Adversary of God and man, and which observation and experience fully confirms, is, that he is a being possessing mighty power. It would appear, from a
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

Salvation.
Salvation is the song that was to be sung by the redeemed in that day. "Behold now is the day." Our salvation has come. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men." Salvation means deliverance. A prophecy concerning the Christ--our salvation--says: "He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." Isa. 61:1. Christ our Savior came to deliver us from the prison-house of sin. In the
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Saved by Grace;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE GRACE OF GOD: SHOWING-- I. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED. II. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED BY GRACE. III. WHO THEY AEE THAT ABE SAVED BY GRACE. IV. HOW IT APPEARS THAT THEY ARE SAVED BY GRACE. V. WHAT SHOULD BE THE REASON THAT GOD SHOULD CHOOSE TO SAVE SINNERS BY GRACE RATHER THAN BY ANY OTHER MEANS. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS admirable Treatise upon the most important of all subjects, that of the soul's salvation, was first published in a pocket volume, in the year 1675. This has
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of the Bible
Take its teachings about God Himself. What does the Bible teach us about God? It declares that He is Eternal: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou are God" (Ps. 90:2). It reveals the fact that He is Infinite: "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee" (I Kings 8:27). Vast as we know the universe to be, it has its bounds; but we must go beyond
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible

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