How Jude Helps Us Understand Our Culture Today
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As I have been going about my weeks, the tiny book of Jude continues to show up in my life. To be honest, this book has never been that significant to me. It has been a quick read at the end of the New Testament to get to Revelation. It literally has one chapter. This is by far not the longest book in the Scriptures, it is actually the 5th smallest book in the entire Bible. However, the size of a message does not dictate its relevance and value. Jude is a book of great wisdom for believers. Today we will look at how Jude helps us understand the culture today.
What Do We Know about the Book of Jude?
Bible Charts shares some fun facts about the book. It says that Jude was likely written between A.D. 66-80. Jude was Jesus’ brother, which we can safely assume as Jude 1:1 shares that he is “a servant of Jesus Christ,” just like James starts the book of James, and “a brother of James.”
The book was not written to a specific group of people or church, but rather to all believers.
What Jude Says to the Sexually Immoral Culture
One of the most prevalent parts of our current society is the loud messages of sexuality. It would appear that there used to be some sense of discretion and guilt, where now it seems as if we are in a society who can no longer blush. We know that there is “Nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). However, the enemy is using new technology and resources with the same old message. His goal is to blind and distract as many people from true freedom that he can in his limited time. The sad thing is that he is good at his job. The good news is that Jesus already won and His Spirit lives in believers everywhere.
Jude 8 says, “In the same way these people — relying on their dreams — defile their flesh, reject authority, and slander glorious ones.”
We live in a feelings-based culture. People everywhere are relying on “their dreams.” I recently heard it said that feelings are like children. The speaker said, “You would never put a child in the trunk of a car, but you would never put a child in the driver seat either.” Feelings should be recognized and valued, however they should not control us or lead our decisions.
Think about how Gen Z is such an empathetic group of people who have a lot of compassion; this is beneficial and beautiful. However they are also the most anxious and depressed generation. Feelings might mean grace upon grace, but there needs to be truth to steady us. If we view life and sexuality solely from the perspective of what makes us “happy,” we are making ourselves to be gods. We become our own idols. Life becomes about what “I want,” not what the Lord wills.
The book of Jude sheds light on this way of living. Jude 7 says, “Likewise, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns committed sexual immorality and perversions, and serve as an example by undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.” Jude was sharing about some of the most famous sexually skewed cultures in history. This concept of humanity seeking after sexual pleasure and demoralizing people is vivid around us everywhere today. He elaborates in verse 10, “And what they do understand by instinct — like irrational animals — by these things they are destroyed.”
We are in a culture that quite honestly values “you do you” and “your truth is your truth.” Working in college ministry I see many young people seeking after their own pleasure and glory in the midst of major identity crises. Just like always, people are asking “Who am I?” And “Why am I here?” We can be aware that in the midst of these good questions is a seeking heart. When we look around, it is easy to be angry at a society that is coming after young people with pornography and sexualized messaging, however we can come in with the gospel of hope. We can point them to the Greater One who will set them free. Although there might be a culture of “irrational animals.” There is a spiritual army of believers standing on the front lines of this battle with the Holy Spirit.
We can live differently and love differently and share the truth of the gospel. This means that we will not fit in and we will be outcast often by others. However, it does mean that we can glorify God with how we offer our lives as sacrifices of worship to Him. We can avert our eyes, think about our speech, and make decisions that honor the Lord in a world that seeks sexual pleasure as their god. We can have accountability with other believers in Christ who can walk alongside of us in the pursuit of purity.
What Jude Says to False Teachers
When we think about all of the false teachers out there, it can be overwhelming. There are so many messages that claim the name of Jesus which have been twisted for personal gain. Jude warns us of this practice. Whether it is being aware of influencers we follow on social media or being cautious of what local Bible study leader we sit under, it matters who we invite to speak into our lives. Ultimately God’s Word is the final authority. When an individual or a group is adding or subtracting from the Bible, they are following in the footsteps of Eve who took the fruit. They are trying to be in control of something they should never have taken on, and the result is chaos.
We make terrible gods. Only the Lord is deserving of being sovereign. Pray that He reveals any teaching or person sharing falsehood around you. Be aware and ask good questions. Use the Bible as your guide for truth.
Deuteronomy 32:4 says, “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.”
Jude compares these people to dangerous reefs, shepherds looking after themselves, and waterless clouds to name a few. They appear beautiful, helpful, or seem supportive, but they are only looking out for themselves. It causes me to think about Satan being described as an angel of light in 2 Corinthians 11:14. In the church today there are false teachers. We must be on our guard and watchful of them. We should not be paranoid, but prayerful as we see who is true and who is false. This should not cause us fear, but lead us to discernment.
Jesus Is Still Reigning
Jude reminds us that in a time of great confusion and deception, that Jesus is still reigning. Maybe you feel discouraged or are tempted to despair at the news of today or the latest challenges young people are facing. The future can certainly look grim at times. However, Jude reminds those who put their faith in Jesus that they have eternal security and hope in Him. Jesus is still on the throne. We do not have to be afraid. We do not have to wonder where God is. He is right here with us. The enemy is fighting, but our Savior has won.
Jude ends his book with this encouragement. Jude 20-21 says, “But you, dear friends, as you build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting expectantly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.” He goes on to motivate the reader to have mercy on others and rely on the Spirit to help them from stumbling in these times.
God be glorified now and always. If you are feeling worried about the troubles of this world, that is legitimate, however may Jude remind us all that we have the victory in Christ and we do not have to live in fear. We can stand firm in our faith with the help of God. We can see with clarity what is true and we know that we have His presence with us always.
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