Jude 1:8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. rs: — I. From that "FILTHY DREAMERS," note that the erroneous thoughts of wicked men are but a dream. 1. Wicked men are dreamers — (1) In regard of their state and condition, every carnal man is in a state of a "deep sleep" (Isaiah 29:10), without troy sense of danger. (2) In regard of the suitableness between their vain thoughts and a dream. A dream tickleth with a false delight, and deceiveth with a vain hope. (3) Tickleth with a false delight, they embrace the contentments and pleasures of the world instead of the true riches. (4) Deceiveth with a vain hope (Isaiah 29:7, 8). Many flatter themselves with fair hopes till they awake in flames, but then all is gone. (5) Take heed, then, of being deceived by your own dreams and the fictions of your own brain; there are no dreams so foolish as those we dream waking. There are dreams in point of hope; and so — (a) Some wholly mistake in the object, and dream of an eternal happiness in temporal enjoyments (Psalm 49:11; Luke 12:19; Revelation 18:9). (b) Others dream of attaining the end without using the means; they live in sin, and yet hope to die comfortably and go to heaven. Others mistake about the means, because they have a cold form; they are apt to be conceited of their spiritual condition and estate (Revelation 3:17). If you would not dream in this kind, examine your hearts often; examination is like a rubbing of the eyes after sleep. II. From that "DEFILE THE FLESH," observe that dreams of error dispose to practices of sin and uncleanness, and impurity of religion is usually joined with uncleanness of body (Hosea 4:12, 13). III. Again, observe THAT SIN IS A DEFILEMENT: it staineth and darkeneth the glory of a man (Matthew 15:20). Desire to be washed, and that thoroughly (Psalm 51:2). IV. Again observe, THAT OF ALL SINS THE SIN OF UNCLEANNESS IS MOST DEFILING. It defileth the whole man, but chiefly the body, and therefore it is said they defile the flesh. It staineth the soul with filthy thoughts (Matthew 15:20), it staineth the name (Proverbs 6:33), but in a singular manner it polluteth the body (1 Corinthians 6:18). It wasteth the strength and beauty of the body (Proverbs 5:9-11), hindereth our serviceableness. Are not your beauty, health, strength, concernments too good to be spent upon so vile an interest? V. From that "DESPISE DOMINION." Observe that errors, especially such as tend to sensuality, make men unruly. Error taketh off the dread of God, and sedition the dread of the magistrate, that so they may more freely defile the flesh. VI. Again, I observe from the same clause, THAT IT IS A SIN TO DESPISE DOMINIONS. For it is here charged upon these seducers. It is a sin, because it is against the injunctions of the word (Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1). Again, it is a sin, because dominion preserveth human societies. VII. The last expression is that "SPEAK EVIL OF DIGNITIES," or of glories, by which probably Church officers are intended, such being spoken against in that age (3 John 1:10). Note, there is a respect due to persons invested with Church power. This is established by God's ordinance, and therefore should not be set at nought. (T. Manton.) Parallel Verses KJV: Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. |
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