These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage. These menThis phrase refers to the individuals Jude warns against throughout his epistle. Historically, these men are false teachers infiltrating the early Christian community. The Greek word used here, "houtoi," emphasizes a specific group, setting them apart from the faithful. Jude's warning is timeless, reminding believers to be vigilant against those who distort the truth for personal gain. are discontented grumblers
The Greek word for "grumblers" is "goggystai," which evokes the murmuring of the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:7-9). This term suggests a deep-seated dissatisfaction with God's provision and plan. The addition of "discontented" highlights their restless nature, always finding fault and never satisfied. This serves as a caution against a spirit of ingratitude and rebellion against divine authority. following after their own lusts
The phrase "following after" translates from the Greek "poreuomenoi," indicating a deliberate and continuous action. "Lusts" (Greek: "epithymias") refers to strong desires, often of a sinful nature. These men are driven by their own passions rather than the Spirit, illustrating a self-centered life contrary to the call of holiness and self-denial in Christ. their mouths spew arrogant words
The imagery of "spewing" suggests an uncontrolled and excessive outpouring. The Greek word "hyperogkos" for "arrogant" conveys a sense of swelling or boastfulness. This phrase warns against the danger of prideful speech, which seeks to elevate oneself above others and ultimately above God. It is a reminder of the power of words and the importance of humility. they flatter others for their own advantage
"Flatter" comes from the Greek "thaumazontes," meaning to admire or praise excessively. This flattery is not genuine but manipulative, aimed at gaining favor or influence. The phrase "for their own advantage" underscores the selfish motives behind their actions. This serves as a warning to discern the intentions behind words and to be wary of those who use charm for personal gain. Persons / Places / Events 1. JudeThe author of the epistle, traditionally understood to be Jude, the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus. He writes to warn believers about false teachers infiltrating the church. 2. False TeachersThe primary focus of Jude's warning. These individuals are characterized by their immoral behavior and deceptive practices. 3. The Early ChurchThe audience of Jude's letter, facing challenges from within due to the presence of false teachers. Teaching Points Guard Against GrumblingGrumbling reflects a heart of discontent and can lead to division within the church. Believers are called to cultivate gratitude and contentment. Beware of Selfish DesiresFollowing one's own lusts leads to moral compromise. Christians are encouraged to pursue holiness and align their desires with God's will. Recognize and Resist FlatteryFlattery is often used manipulatively. Believers should seek genuine relationships built on truth and integrity. Speak with HumilityArrogant words are a sign of pride. Christians are called to speak with humility, reflecting the character of Christ. Discernment in LeadershipThe church must be vigilant in identifying and addressing false teachings. Leaders should be chosen based on their faithfulness to Scripture and godly character. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we identify grumbling in our own lives, and what steps can we take to cultivate a spirit of gratitude instead? 2. In what ways might we be tempted to follow our own desires rather than God's will, and how can we guard against this? 3. How can we discern when someone is using flattery for personal gain, and what should our response be? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our words reflect humility and truth? 5. How can we support our church leaders in maintaining doctrinal purity and resisting the influence of false teachings? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Peter 2:10-19This passage parallels Jude's description of false teachers, highlighting their arrogance and sensuality. Philippians 2:14-15Paul encourages believers to do everything without grumbling, contrasting the behavior of the faithful with that of the false teachers Jude describes. Proverbs 26:28This verse speaks to the destructive nature of flattery, which aligns with Jude's warning about those who flatter for personal gain. People Adam, Balaam, Cain, Core, Enoch, James, Judas, Jude, Korah, MichaelPlaces Egypt, Ephesus, Gomorrah, SodomTopics Admiration, Admiring, Advantage, Arrogantly, Bemoaning, Big, Boast, Boasters, Boastful, Change, Complainers, Desires, Desiring, Evil, Fault, Faultfinders, Finding, Flatter, Flattering, Follow, Full, Gain, Gaining, Giving, Grumblers, Guided, High-sounding, Hope, Individual, Lot, Loud-mouthed, Lusts, Malcontents, Men's, Mouth, Mouths, Murmurers, Passions, Persons, Pleasures, Position, Profit, Proud, Repiners, Respect, Respecting, Reverence, Reward, Sake, Showing, Speak, Speaketh, Speaks, Swelling, Swellings, Themselves, Treat, Trouble, Using, Walking, WordsDictionary of Bible Themes Jude 1:16 5265 complaints
5804 charm
5928 resentment, against God
5961 superiority
6022 sin, causes of
6121 boasting
6163 faults
8402 claims
8767 hypocrisy Jude 1:3-23 6169 godlessness Jude 1:4-19 5714 men Jude 1:8-16 8706 apostasy, warnings Jude 1:14-16 1025 God, anger of Jude 1:16-18 5832 desire Jude 1:16-19 5863 flattery 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: 1858Persevering 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 Links Jude 1:16 NIVJude 1:16 NLTJude 1:16 ESVJude 1:16 NASBJude 1:16 KJV
Jude 1:16 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
