We are exposed to many ungodly words and voices in society, sometimes even from those who claim to follow Jesus, as Jude explains. The book of Jude assures us that there will be people of different kinds who complain, deceive, flatter, mock, and murmur before the Lord Christ returns with his saints. They seek to gain advantage and feed their own sinful desires. These people not only corrupt society but they corrupt themselves and bring harsh judgment upon themselves. A message of the book of Jude is not to follow such people, and not to be such a person.

In particular, it has become normal for these voices, famous voices, attractive voices, and so-called Christian voices, to deceive people into thinking that God accepts us with our sinful nature into the kingdom of heaven. Be assured that no amount of redefining “love” and “acceptance” will change what is good in God’s eyes as recorded in Scripture. It will not change God’s promise to judge unrepentant sin. If we are swayed by false teachers, and give ear to murmurers and mockers, it becomes harder to remain focused on the love of God and love for our neighbor as God defines it. Remember, love does not rejoice with wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). Let us be careful not to condemn ourselves by what we approve (Romans 14:22).

Querido Padre Celestial,

Thank You for such clear warnings from the Bible and from Pastor Franklin. I confess that I have often been more comfortable around teachers and friends who made me feel better in my unrepentant sin. Help me not be tempted by religious flattery or by false teachers who tickle itching ears. Help me recognize the preachers and teachers who never have a firm word of rebuke for sexual sin, for the love of money, and for the sins I am most tempted toward. Provide me with shepherds who will watch over my soul as men who must give an account. In the Name of Jesus, I Pray. Amen.

Daily, we are tempted to make choices based on what seems good in our own eyes. God is watching what our eyes are looking at. He is warning us, this community of believers, through Scripture and through our pastor, that followers of Jesus must do what is right in His sight. We have to know Scripture to know the difference between what is good in society’s eyes and what is good in God’s eyes. Keep yourself from evil.