Jude 1:17-19
Remember What You Were Told
Read the passage
17But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ
18when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.”
19These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Jude turns to his beloved readers and tells them to remember the warning given by the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. Scoffers would come in the last times, following their ungodly desires. The trouble now facing the church does not disprove the message it received; that message had already warned of such people.
Foretelling evil does not make it good. These people cause divisions, are worldly and do not have the Spirit. Jude identifies a serious danger within the community, not an inconvenience the readers should accept because it was expected.
Their scoffing belongs with the desires they follow. They dismiss the truth while pursuing what they want, and their influence divides believers. A spiritual claim is no evidence of the Spirit’s presence when it opposes the apostolic message in this way.
Remembering helps the readers resist being misled. They have already heard truth from Christ’s apostles by which to understand what is happening. Jude will go on to call them to prayer, perseverance and mercy. Recalling the warning prepares them to act faithfully instead of being carried along by the scoffers.
Questions
1 What should the readers remember?
AnswerThey should remember what the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ foretold about scoffers who would follow their ungodly desires.
2 Does the arrival of scoffers disprove the apostles’ message?
AnswerNo. Their coming was foretold. The warning helps believers recognize the danger instead of treating it as an unexpected defeat of the truth.
3 How does Jude describe these people?
AnswerThey cause divisions, are worldly and are devoid of the Spirit. Their influence harms the community they have entered.
4 How can remembering help believers respond?
AnswerIt gives them the apostolic warning by which to judge what is happening and resist being drawn into the scoffers’ way of life.
What This Means for Us
When someone ridicules a Christian command as outdated, consider whether the ridicule is making room for disobedience. Return to what Christ’s apostles taught before allowing the mockery to set your convictions.
Take division seriously without spreading suspicion. Speak truthfully with trusted believers and seek a response that remains faithful to the gospel.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us remember the truth Your apostles gave. Keep us from following mockery into disobedience. Give Your people wisdom to recognize division and courage to remain faithful together, with love for those who are being misled. Amen.