Spiritual Terrorists

“For there are certain men crept in unawares,” (Jude 1:4)

Do you remember where you were on 9-11? I think we all do. “Certain men crept in unawares.” Men came into our country pretending to be something that they were not. They were “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” That day we all woke up to the dangers of terrorism.

The war on terrorism still has great challenges. Political correctness, with the media telling us that we have no right to judge the cultures or values of others, rules our day and greatly limits our ability to secure borders, properly profile and monitor the right people, and clearly identify terrorists.

Christian culture can be similarly naïve. God’s Word warns us that spiritual terrorists are plotting the destruction of the church.  Jude alerts us that false teachers will not stop at the border but will infiltrate and attempt to destroy the faith.

Three things Jude tells us to do:

But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. (Jude 1:17-22)

1.)  Remember the Danger. “Remember the words!” Never be caught off guard.   A Christian must be vigilant and aware that false teachers are a clear and present danger. You can’t take the faith too seriously.

2.)  Remain Diligent. “Building up yourselves”— this implies work: the personal work of daily study and prayer, the parenting work of teaching my children the faith, and the pastoral work of being under the preaching of the word.   Jude says that this work keeps us in the love of God. If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)

3.)  Reach the Dying. “Others save with fear pulling them out of the fire.” Churches today are filled with people who choose music preference, self-help, or special programs over the truth. Jude says, “Don’t reject them reach them with the gospel.” There are many victims of false teachers, but they don’t have to be casualties. Share the gospel, pass out a tract, speak the truth in love to someone today.