|
"And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh."
(Jude 22-23)
Jude reminds us in verses 20-21 how we can be strong in our faith in Christ (what we have studied in this week's devotions). Now he instructs us on how to relate to those who do not know Christ. Again, if we are living in the joy, confidence, and hope of verses 20-21, then we will surely do what Jude says in verses 22-23. The ESV reads: "And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh."
Understanding the context is so helpful. Jude is dealing with false teachers who are leading people astray. Most likely two primary temptations were at play: libertinism and antinomianism (which are very similar). We are seeing a major resurgence of these twin towers of compromise in the church today, and I believe it will continue until Jesus comes. In a nutshell, the argument is, if we are saved, then why not live an immoral lifestyle, partying and sleeping around as the pagans do, because we are forgiven and going to heaven? Jude rebukes this sentiment, and so does Paul in Romans 6:1-2: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?"
So, how are we to relate to those who are weak in their faith or do not know Christ? First, we are to have compassionate intervention. These people need some direction in how to know the Lord. Or, perhaps they are believers and need your words of good doctrine and encouragement to set them on the right path again. Some may refer to this as low hanging fruit: people who are so close to giving their lives to Christ. Recently, I have been able to lead people like this to Christ. One was in South Africa and the others in Austin. As you faithfully share, God will allow your life to intersect with such individuals. "One must make distinctions between those who need mercy and those in a more perilous state who must be snatched from the fire." (Schreiner, T. R. (2003). 1, 2 Peter, Jude (Vol. 37, p. 485). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
Secondly, there are certain people whom we need to engage in direct confrontation. This is a bolder approach, speaking the truth in love and saying what needs to be said, no matter how unpopular it is. There will be occasions when you will need to be blunt and a bit more intentional or even confrontational, not mean-spirited, just more direct. Jude 23 reminds me of Proverbs 24:11: "Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter." In order to do this kind of work for the Lord (either intervention or confrontation) you and I will need to be walking with Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, and firmly built up in our faith. Again, the problem is not in knowing what to say to a lost soul, the problem lies in us not abiding in Christ so He can use us effectively to share with those who are lost.
If you are being built up, then you will show up. You and I will allow God to use us powerfully to point others to Jesus as we are abiding in Him and following hard after Him. What a wonderful endeavor to lead people to the Master. You can do it; go for it!
|
|
