16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage. 17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. (Jude 1:16-19 KJV)
Apostates Predicted
The apostle continues describing the character of these evil men and seducers who have crept into the church: they are murmurers and complainers (Jude 1:16). A grumbling, discontented spirit reflects badly on a person—it shows weakness at best, and often deep wickedness. They murmur against God’s providence, against other people’s actions, and are never satisfied with their own condition, thinking they deserve better. They follow their own desires—whatever they want, feel, or imagine becomes their rule of life. Those who indulge their sinful cravings are often quickest to give in to uncontrollable passions.
He cautions his readers in Jude 1:17, “But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.” Do not be surprised or unsettled that such deceivers would appear—even early in the church—since this was foretold by the apostles. Their arrival is not a reason to doubt your faith, but rather to confirm it (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3). We should not think worse of Christ or his truth when these predictions are fulfilled. Even when false teaching spreads and persecution rises, Christ will preserve his church, just as he promised—the gates of hell will not overcome it (Matthew 16:18). So, rather than faltering under pressure, we should cling more tightly to the faith, being forewarned and prepared (2 Thessalonians 2:2).
He gives another description of the seducers: “These are the ones who cause divisions, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit” (Jude 1:19). Sensual people are the worst kind of dividers. They separate themselves from God, Christ, and the true church, aligning instead with the world and the flesh. This is far more dangerous than separating from a church body over secondary issues of worship or structure. Yet many today tolerate the former while constantly condemning the latter. Those who live by their sinful nature don’t have the Spirit of God (Romans 8:9). The more wickedness grows around us, the more faithful and pure we must strive to be—holding to sound doctrine and a good life (Titus 1:9; 1 Timothy 3:9).