(Foundations of “...the faith which was once delivered to the saints.)
Jude 3 (If one would be wise)
At the close of the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 7, our Lord
made a number of comments concerning His words in that discourse.
The remarks were not a summary, but admonitions of how we should
respond to the message. In Mt. 7:15-20, he warns against false tea-
chers and brethren who would arise, as in Jude 3, with the purpose of
distorting words to their own end and how we might readily recognize
this. One of the statement becomes a cliche’ if we are not wise is vs.
20, “Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.” Action produce
recognizable result as we closely follow His teaching. If we are care-
less, failing to prepare the mind through faithful study of the Word,
we may not notice when teachers produces “bad” fruit. We will not be
aware if his/her work is of the flesh. This leads us to His admonition
earlier in chapter 7 concerning the act of "judging" others. If we are
to recognize bad fruit in an apparent brother or teacher, how do we
escape the act of judging another? This has been a concern of mine
for years, and I do not recall it having been addressed adequately.
We must exercise discernment in Spiritual matters and the mundane.
If there is evidence of a teacher or brother living contrary to plain
teaching of Scripture, we are not guilty of judging when we go to the
brother/teacher and between the two of us express concern. How-
ever; if we disagree and go to others slandering the individual, we are
in violation of Scripture and our actions and fruit are bad. Of course,
there is always the possibility of error on our part. If we hold our
view in such high esteem we fail to recognize our error, we have, in
that way become like the Pharisees in the time of Christ, hypocrites.
It is important to entreat one as a brother, rather than admonish.
This leaves the door open for discussion and clarification of princi-
ples of which we may be unaware. Another consideration, before
confrontation, is to pray, as in vs. 7-11. Here we are promised an
answer when we ask in faith: (7) “Ask, and it shall be given you...”
There is in vs. 21-23, the possibility of the “false profession.”
You will know others by the fruit of their life, but our main concern
is; are we on firm ground with our own profession of faith in Christ.
This is a personal matter and not to be applied to others. We must
examine our works, making sure the foundation is good as in verses
24-27. Are we building our lives of faith on the solid rock, Jesus
Christ, or some false foundation. Do we regularly examine our-
selves to see whether our actions and attitudes are consistent with
the teaching of Christ? Are we truly following Him? There is a
standard by which we may know. Do you and I faithfully make sure
our lives measure up to this rule? In order to follow Him, we must
see to the best for others. If we are consumed with self interest and
fail to follow Him in this, we not in truth followers, but false profes-
sors.
“Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men
should do to you, do ye even so to them...” vs 12.
If we follow Christ in this most important principle, we will do well,
for if we are to men as we would have them be to us, it is unlikely
there will be error or judgment of others on our part. Our response
to them will likely be in their best interest, without criticism, with a
loving Spirit, the Holy Spirit. donporter 9.1.12
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