Application to Today’s Church
8 In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” 10 Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct — as irrational animals do — will destroy them.
Instead of relying on the revelation of God as their guide they rely on their own dreams and are more than willing to pursue those dreams in rebellion against God’s authority.
Deuteronomy 13:1 “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. 5 But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has taught rebellion against the Lord your God.
Additionally, having declared themselves authorities, they heap abuse on celestial beings. Jude reminds his congregations that not even the archangel Michael operated on his own authority, but rather, Michael did the Lord’s bidding in the Lord’s Name and under the Lord’s authority.
Like animals, these false pastors act on instinct, doing whatever comes natural to their fallen nature. Having set themselves up as authorities that don’t stop to consider God’s revelation. They are lawless, laws unto themselves, sinking to the level of beasts.
I John 3:4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?
Return to Jude.