Jude 1:8-10
The Restraint Michael Showed
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8Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings.
9But even the archangel Michael, when he disputed with the devil over the body of Moses, did not presume to bring a slanderous charge against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
10These men, however, slander what they do not understand, and like irrational animals, they will be destroyed by the things they do instinctively.
Berean Standard Bible
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Jude describes the intruders as dreamers who defile their bodies, reject authority and slander glorious beings. Their claims do not make them spiritually trustworthy. Their conduct shows contempt for what stands above their desires.
He contrasts them with the archangel Michael. In a dispute with the devil over Moses’ body, Michael did not presume to bring a slanderous charge. He said, “The Lord rebuke you!” Michael did dispute with the devil, but he relied on the Lord’s authority rather than answering with presumptuous abuse.
Jude gives no further account of the dispute here. The point of the comparison is clear without one: even an archangel showed restraint, while these people slander matters they do not understand.
The things they grasp by instinct, like irrational animals, become the means of their destruction. Their confidence does not make their appetites wise or their accusations true. Following impulse while rejecting God’s authority leads toward ruin.
This is a warning about arrogant speech as well as bodily conduct. Knowing that the Lord judges should make us careful with accusations, especially when we know little about the matter we are condemning.
Questions
1 What conduct does Jude condemn in the dreamers?
AnswerThey defile their bodies, reject authority and slander glorious beings. Their conduct contradicts any claim to trustworthy spiritual insight.
2 What did Michael do during his dispute with the devil?
AnswerHe refused to bring a slanderous charge and called on the Lord to rebuke the devil. He disputed with restraint.
3 How does Michael’s conduct expose the intruders’ arrogance?
AnswerEven an archangel refused presumptuous slander, but these people speak abusively about matters they do not understand.
4 What becomes of the things they follow instinctively?
AnswerThose things bring their destruction. Unchecked appetite is no trustworthy guide for people who reject the Lord’s authority.
What This Means for Us
Before repeating an accusation, distinguish what you know from what you suspect. Refuse to make uncertainty sound certain just because anger makes the charge satisfying.
Speak truth where correction is needed, but leave final judgment with the Lord. Michael’s restraint gives no excuse for silence about wrongdoing; it warns against slander while confronting it.
Prayer
Lord, restrain our mouths when anger outruns knowledge. Help us speak truth without slander and resist the desires that would rule us. Teach us to honor Your authority when we confront what is wrong. Amen.