Words of Wisdom #29

Jude has been giving a dire warning to beware the infiltration of the church by those who had redefined "grace" into a "whatever-you-want-to-do permissiveness." Such things have been judged in the past and will be judged in the future. That's God's business.  How are we to respond?

17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. 

First, Jude says: "Remember the Apostles warned you about that." And where did they hear that? Jesus had told them. Don't be surprised that there are people like that who try to make their way into the church.

Second, he says, "Keep on encouraging each other with the true Gospel, pray with and for each other, and live lovingly with each other, waiting together for the hope of Christ's return. You're in this together.

Third, display God's character to those who confused.  It won't do any good to bash them. Notice the key characteristic of God we are to demonstrate is mercy - a willingness to give help when asked, a readiness to share the real Gospel of grace,which is able to save, and a commitment to holiness balanced with mercy.  Don't let them take over your heart, mind, or church, but do continue to show them true grace.