Jude 1:18-22

As Christians we often face situations in our relationships with others, whether they are in the faith or not. This reading plan will give you clear guidelines on how to identify problematic people and how to deal in a mature way with them, what to do with those who hurt you and how to handle yourself and manifest Christ in the midst of different situations with wisdom.

Jude wastes no time. This brief, powerful letter exposes false teachers—many of whom were subtle and believable. They told half-truths about the gospel, which made the lies hard to pick out. Nevertheless, partially true is completely false; almost-gospel is not gospel. Jude calls the church to recognize the false teaching in their midst for what it was. Trusted teacher Dr. J. Vernon McGee helps us apply Jude’s warnings today.

Despite its brevity, the letter must have been held in high regard due to Jude’s familial relationship with Jesus. The letter reminds Christ’s followers to beware of false teachers and ungodly people who have crept into church communities. Jude speaks of their due punishment and encourages believers always to stand firm in the truth and love of Jesus, who can present us blamelessly on judgment day.

Written by the half-brother of Jesus, Jude is a strong rebuke against false teachers and their influence in the church. The letter encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and persevere against those who seek to divide the church and distract from the gospel. Just like in the Old Testament (Jude 5-16), false teaching in the church is a deadly disease that requires constant vigilance from God’s people.