when they said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires." In the last timesThis phrase refers to the eschatological period, often understood as the time between Christ's first and second coming. The Greek term "ἐσχάτων χρόνων" (eschatōn chronōn) is used here, emphasizing the urgency and significance of the era. Historically, early Christians believed they were living in the last days, a period marked by both the fulfillment of God's promises and the presence of trials. This understanding calls believers to live with a sense of readiness and moral vigilance, recognizing the transient nature of earthly life and the imminent return of Christ. there will be scoffers
The term "scoffers" comes from the Greek "ἐμπαῖκται" (empaiktai), which denotes those who mock or ridicule. In the historical context of Jude's writing, these individuals were likely false teachers or those who derided the Christian faith. The presence of scoffers is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with a rejection of divine truth and authority. This serves as a warning to believers to remain steadfast in their faith, discerning truth from deception, and not to be swayed by those who undermine the gospel. who will follow
The phrase indicates a deliberate choice or lifestyle. The Greek "πορευόμενοι" (poreuomenoi) suggests a journey or path, implying that these scoffers are actively pursuing a particular way of life. This highlights the importance of intentionality in one's spiritual walk. Believers are called to follow Christ, contrasting with the path of the scoffers, which leads away from truth and righteousness. their own ungodly desires
This part of the verse speaks to the motivations driving the scoffers. The Greek word "ἀσεβείαις" (asebeiais) refers to irreverence or impiety, a life lived without regard for God. Historically, such desires were often linked to moral corruption and a rejection of divine law. This serves as a cautionary note for Christians to examine their own desires and ensure they align with God's will, fostering a life of holiness and devotion rather than self-indulgence. Persons / Places / Events 1. JudeThe 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 and to encourage them to contend for the faith. 2. ScoffersIndividuals who mock or ridicule the truth of the Gospel. In the context of Jude, they are those who follow their own ungodly desires, leading others astray. 3. The Last TimesA period often referred to in the New Testament, indicating the time between Christ's first and second coming. It is characterized by spiritual challenges and the presence of false teachers. Teaching Points Awareness of False TeachersBelievers must be vigilant and discerning, recognizing the presence of those who distort the truth for personal gain. Guarding Against Ungodly DesiresChristians are called to live by the Spirit, resisting the temptation to follow ungodly desires that lead away from God's truth. Contending for the FaithJude's message encourages believers to actively defend and uphold the teachings of the Gospel amidst opposition. Hope in Christ's ReturnDespite the challenges of the last times, believers can find hope and assurance in the promise of Christ's return and the ultimate triumph of truth. Community AccountabilityThe church community plays a crucial role in supporting one another to remain steadfast in faith and resist the influence of scoffers. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we identify scoffers in today's context, and what characteristics should we be aware of according to Jude 1:18? 2. In what ways can we guard our hearts against following ungodly desires, as warned in Jude 1:18? 3. How does the warning about scoffers in Jude 1:18 relate to the broader biblical account about the end times? 4. What practical steps can we take to contend for the faith in our daily lives, as encouraged by Jude? 5. How can we support and encourage one another in our faith communities to remain steadfast amidst the challenges of the last times? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Peter 3:3This passage also warns about scoffers in the last days, emphasizing their denial of the truth and following their own desires. It highlights the consistency of this warning across the New Testament. 1 Timothy 4:1Paul warns Timothy about the coming of deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons in the latter times, which aligns with Jude's warning about ungodly desires. Matthew 24:11-12Jesus warns about false prophets and the increase of wickedness in the end times, which causes the love of many to grow cold, echoing the concerns Jude raises. People Adam, Balaam, Cain, Core, Enoch, James, Judas, Jude, Korah, MichaelPlaces Egypt, Ephesus, Gomorrah, SodomTopics Declared, Desires, Evil, Follow, Guided, Holy, Impieties, Lusts, Mockers, Obeying, Passions, Saying, Scoffers, Sport, Ungodlinesses, Ungodly, Walk, WalkingDictionary of Bible Themes Jude 1:18 8710 atheism
8816 ridicule, nature of Jude 1:3-23 6169 godlessness Jude 1:4-19 5714 men Jude 1:16-18 5832 desire Jude 1:16-19 5863 flattery Jude 1:17-18 1424 predictions 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: 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 1:18 NIVJude 1:18 NLTJude 1:18 ESVJude 1:18 NASBJude 1:18 KJV
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