Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
In verse 6 God continued to direct Jude to warn the saints of the danger of apostasy. There are a number of angels which kept not their first estate. The angels were created to serve God in heaven. A large number of angels fell when the devil fell. Angels are created beings and they have the ability to choose whether to follow the Lord or not. They do not have the opportunity to be saved. Here we read that the fallen angels are bound in everlasting chains under darkness. They are awaiting further judgment at the end of this world. There are fallen angels that also serve the devil in possessing certain people. Jesus cast out devils while He was on this earth. There are still certain people who open themselves up to be possessed of devils today. The point here is that not all angels are good angels. We can learn from this that when someone is said to be like an angel, that is not necessarily a compliment. We are also reminded of a severe consequences for the angels that fell.
Sodom and Gomorrha are a very sobering example of the judgment of God. In spite of the twisted views of the sodomite community, Sodom and Gomorrha were judged for their wickedness. In our text God tells us that their sin was the sin of immorality. They went after strange flesh. It is not natural for a man to desire another man in a sexual manner. That is strange. Yet, in today’s world, we are being propagandized into believing that people are born with a messed up view of gender. Our society does not do anyone any favours by promoting such a corrupt way of life. God recorded the sin and the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrha for all generations to consider carefully. Every generation can take heed to this warning. God-fearing Christians tell people the truth because they love them. Jesus reminded the “believing” Jews:
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Like all lost people, sodomites need to repent toward God and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved. There is no such a thing as a sodomite Christian. Those who get saved are set free from that bondage. Those who remain in that state, have an eternity of suffering awaiting them. Not a wise choice. Romans 1 reminds us of what causes a person to choose the sodomite “death-style”. It is caused by holding the truth of God in unrighteousness.
In verse 8 God speaks very plainly about the apostate people. They are filthy dreamers. The implication here is of immorality as we have just noted. They defile the flesh. That is what immorality does.
They also despise dominion. They lack respect for authority. First and foremost, they lack respect for God. God is always right. Those who despise God’s truth live in misery now and into eternity.
These people also speak evil of dignities. The reference here is to spiritual leaders. Those who are committed to living in sin have no use for spiritual leaders. They look for false teachers who will endorse them in their sin. This is still quite common today. It is sad, but this is the choice that apostates make.
God gives warning throughout the Bible. Those who choose to ignore God’s warnings and His invitation to repentance and true salvation have no one but themselves to blame.
Verse 9 is an important verse to note with regard to the power of the devil and the lack of power that created beings have against him. There are far too many people who think they can tell the devil to get lost. That is foolish talk. As we see here, Michael, the archangel, did not bring a railing accusation against the devil. We learn some things here about the events around Moses’ death. According to this text, the devil tried to interfere with the body of Moses. Michael was there but he understood he was no match for the devil. He referred this matter over to the only One Who has authority over the devil and that is the Lord. The Greek word translated as “Lord” here is the same word used in verse 4 in speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a reference to the supremacy of the Lord. He has all power and He has all authority. He will take care of the devil. His end is the lake of fire. He has no opportunity to repent and be saved. He sealed his doom when he chose to rebel against the true God.
We, as people, have no authority over the devil. Those who are saved are commanded to humble ourselves and to draw nigh to God. As we do that we can resist the devil. Resisting the devil is not taunting him. It is saying no to his tempting by choosing to follow God’s way instead.
We see that this short letter has some very important truths that we need to hear and heed. Listen to what God says. For those who are saved, build your life on the truth, not on man’s whims. For those who are lost, turn to God in repentance and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. His way is always right and His way is always a blessing to those who are saved.
Pastor Bartel
