Tuesday Devo
Scripture:
Jude 1
10 But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction.
10 But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction.
Commentary:
8–10 The False Teachers Are Blasphemers. These people also refers to the false teachers (see chart). They are led astray by relying on their dreams, thus mistakenly following subjective experiences that they claim are from God but that lead them to disobey God’s written Word (cf. “following … ungodly passions,” v. 18). Following their “dreams,” they are sexually immoral (defile the flesh), reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones (probably evil angels; see note on 2 Pet. 2:10b–11). Even the archangel Michael did not speak to the devil flippantly, or blaspheme him, when he disputed with him over the body of Moses. This event is not in the OT (but cf. Deut. 34:5–6; Zech. 3:1–5), and whatever story Jude is referring to has been lost to history. In any case, Michael, understanding his own place in God’s design, did not pronounce a sentence of condemnation on the devil but left that to God’s authority, simply telling the devil, “The Lord rebuke you.” This demonstrates the exclusive power and authority of Jesus Christ, something the false teachers deny (see Jude 4). The point of vv. 8–10 is the false teachers’ refusal to submit to rightful authority, and it should not be understood as denying that Christ gives believers authority over demons (see note on Acts 16:18). Jude’s use of a story from nonbiblical literature (perhaps a lost section of a work called Testament of Moses) does not indicate that Jude thought the book was inspired. Elsewhere in the NT, writers quote uninspired sources to make a point (see notes on Acts 17:28; Titus 1:12–13). Michael is the only archangel identified by name in Scripture (cf. 1 Thess. 4:16).
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2450.
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2450.
Questions:
- Verse 10 talks about how people do what their instincts tell them, which brings about their own destruction. What they understand instinctively, like animals, is how to follow their bodily instincts and feelings, rebelling against God's moral standards. But following subjective feelings and desires will lead that person ultimately to be destroyed by his own sinful compulsions. How much of your life, your decisions, your actions are determined by how you think or feel about things? How much is determined by your convictions and commitment to the truth?
- We can all be guilty of WAY overestimating our own wisdom. At the same time, we can underestimate our own sinfulness and how depraved our own ideas and wisdom are. But you're a good person, right? It can't be THAT bad? How hard is it to accept that your own instincts and desires can lead to your own destruction?
Prayer Topics:
- That you would be governed today by Truth.
- That you would never trust your instincts or desires.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
7. How can I trust that the Bible is still God’s Word today? I trust the Bible is still God’s Word today because Jesus rose from the dead, proving He was God and said His words would never pass away. Through the Holy Spirit, God inspired the writing of the Scripture, determined the canon of Scripture and protected the copying of Scripture so that we might know Him and worship Him to this day.
(Matthew 24:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Revelation 22:18-19)
(Matthew 24:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Revelation 22:18-19)
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