False Brethren
Jude 5-13

Sermon Outline from the Evening Service - June 4 2000

I. Their judgement is certain (5-7 with 4a)

A. Israel -- unbelief at the time of the exodus - Life has blessings now for all, but later there will be judgement!
B. Angels -- rebellion against God in following Satan
Some angels are temporarily "on bail" yet judgement is coming.
C. Sodom & Gomorrah -- immorality
Fire and brimstone were a vivid example of the eternal destruction that awaits them.

II. They are in conflict with true Christianity (8-11)

A. Their actions are appalling

1. In like manner -- think of these false brethren with the same revulsion as Sodom &
Gomorrah, evil angels....
2. They are dreamers, living in a world that is not real.
3. Defiling the flesh rather than denying the flesh.
4. They despise any authority above themselves.
5. They blaspheme dignities (glorious ones / angels). Verse 9 is given as a contrast to this -- Michael didn't dare to rebuke Satan.

B. Their knowledge is deplorable

1. They speak evil of what they don't know -- 1Tim 4:3
2. What they know naturally -- natural understanding does not lead to spiritual truth.

C. They are characterized by 3 OT false prophets

1. Cain (Gen. 4) -- no regard for God or his fellow man. (I'm #1)
2. Balaam (Num. 22-25) -- making merchandise of a position.
3. Korah (Num. 16) -- rebellion against God's anointed leadership.

III. Their negative contribution to Christian fellowship (12-13)

A. False brethren can be described as:

1. Spots (no love) -- contamination. 2 Cor. 6:14-18
2. Clouds (no benefit) -- disappointment. This is a cloud that only hides the Son and brings no
relief to the soul.
3. Trees (no life) -- dead. No fruit of Christian character; no root!
4. Waves (no loyalty) -- impermanent, restless. Mt. 7:21-23
5. Stars (no light) -- vacillating. Eph. 4:14.

B. In contrast, we are to be: pure, refreshing, alive, pacific, steady.