The book of Jude contains a description of the behavior of those who have fallen away but are determined to influence the faithful.  If we look at how they are described, we can clearly see how those who walk in righteousness stand out. Here is what Jude wrote:

“These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit,” (Jude 16-19).

It is naïve for children of God to think that those who depart from the Lord will do so quietly. The fact is, those who leave believe they are in the right. Thus, it becomes their mission to convince others to follow them. This is why they may use flattering speech. This is why they appear to have your best interests in mind. The wicked do not actually care about your relationship with God though – they are ultimately more concerned with how they are viewed (3 John 9-10).

How can Christians counter the evil influences of such people? Jude provides the answer: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life," (verses 20-21).

It is the love of God that dwells in us and causes us to value how our Creator wants us to act rather than merely seeking to fit in with the world. By always listening to our God, we will walk by faith. Listening to people who claim to speak about God is not the same as listening to God directly via His scriptures. Yes, God’s faithful will stand out for this. Are you willing to stand out as one of them? Do not trade the acceptance of God for the acceptance of those around you.

Chuck

Can I really write that?

Some people will disagree with the first article because they feel that Christians should not do the things listed and, if they do, these people were never Christians in the first place. Such circular thinking is absurd. Read the verses and notice how they were all addressed to Jesus’ followers (during His time on the earth) or Christians (after His death). However, let’s pursue this line a thought some more.

Christians are constantly being warned in the word of God to take heed lest they fall (I Cor. 10:12; Heb. 3:12). Why warn God’s people of something that cannot happen? If Christians are being warned of things, then they are obviously susceptible. We also have passages that tell us that Christian can and have fallen away (I Tim. 4:1; II Pet. 2:20-22). Even Jesus spoke of such with the parable of the sower in Matthew 13.

So what should Christian do to make sure they do not fall away? The apostle Paul told the saints at Corinth to examine themselves regularly to confirm that they are in the faith (II Cor. 13:5). We do that by looking into the perfect law of liberty (James 1:25). The word of the Lord is designed to instruct, correct and chastise (II Tim. 3:16-17).

Then what should a Christian do when he/she sees another Christian fall away? First, remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:1-5. If you want to help a brother, make sure you do not have sin in your own life. Next, help them come back (James 5:19-20). This is the wrong time to say “it is not our business”. We are all obligated to look out for the spiritual wellbeing of our brothers and sisters.

The hardest thing about all of this is seeing someone who needs help but thinks they are fine. The first article points out many of those possible scenarios. People can think they are alive spiritually when they are actually dead (I Tim. 5:6).

Each of us should go back over the first article and make sure we have not fallen victim to self-deception. As we stated already – “Take heed lest you fall.”  If we think it cannot happen, it will!

        Chuck