Jude 1:16–20 — Contending for the Faith: Recognizing Deception and Building Ourselves Up in Christ
Introduction
How can believers recognize spiritual deception, remain faithful to God's Word, and protect themselves from those who seek to lead them away from the truth?
In Jude 1:16–20, we find a solemn warning concerning false teachers, ungodly behavior, and the importance of remaining steadfast in the faith.
Jude describes individuals who murmur, complain, follow their own ungodly desires, speak arrogantly, and flatter others for personal advantage. These individuals were not simply causing disagreements; they were introducing ungodly influences into the Christian community.
However, Jude does not leave believers without instruction. After exposing the conduct of these individuals, he reminds the church of the warnings previously given by the apostles of Jesus Christ.
He then encourages believers to build themselves up in their most holy faith and pray in the Holy Ghost.
The central message of Jude 1:16–20 is that believers must recognize spiritual deception, remember apostolic teaching, and strengthen themselves through faith and prayer.
This passage teaches us that spiritual maturity requires both discernment and a growing relationship with God.
Historical Background
The Epistle of Jude is a short but powerful New Testament letter traditionally attributed to Jude, who identifies himself as the servant of Jesus Christ and the brother of James.
Jude is commonly understood to have been one of Jesus' brothers mentioned in Matthew 13:55, although the letter does not explicitly establish that identification.
The exact date of composition is uncertain. Many scholars place it in the latter half of the first century.
Jude originally intended to write concerning the common salvation shared by believers. However, he found it necessary to address a more urgent concern.
Jude 1:3 (KJV)
"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."
Certain individuals had entered the Christian community and were distorting the grace of God into an excuse for immoral behavior.
Jude warns that these individuals were denying the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ through their teaching and conduct.
Throughout the letter, Jude draws upon examples from Israel's history, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and other ancient traditions to illustrate the consequences of rebellion against God.
In verses 16–20, Jude moves from describing the behavior of these individuals to instructing faithful believers on how to respond.
His emphasis is not merely upon identifying false teachers but also upon strengthening the spiritual lives of those who belong to Christ.
Scripture and Exposition
Jude 1:16 — The Character of Ungodly Teachers
Jude 1:16 (KJV)
"These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage."
Jude identifies several characteristics of the individuals who had entered the Christian community.
Murmurers and complainers
These individuals were characterized by persistent dissatisfaction and grumbling.
The language recalls Israel's repeated murmuring against God and Moses during the wilderness journey.
Their complaints revealed a deeper problem: they were unwilling to submit to God's authority.
However, Scripture distinguishes sinful murmuring from legitimate concerns. Believers are not prohibited from seeking justice, addressing wrongdoing, or asking sincere questions.
Walking after their own lusts
These individuals were governed by their own ungodly desires rather than by God's commandments.
Instead of submitting their desires to the authority of Scripture, they attempted to justify their behavior.
Their conduct demonstrated the danger of allowing personal desires to become the standard by which we interpret God's Word.
Speaking great swelling words
Jude describes arrogant and boastful speech.
These individuals used impressive language to exalt themselves and influence others.
Their words may have sounded persuasive, but their conduct revealed a lack of submission to God.
Showing favoritism for personal advantage
They flattered others because they expected to receive something in return.
Their admiration was not sincere. It was motivated by personal benefit.
This warns believers against confusing impressive speech, popularity, or outward influence with genuine spiritual maturity.
Jude 1:17 — Remember the Words of the Apostles
Jude 1:17 (KJV)
"But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;"
Notice how Jude changes his address.
After describing the ungodly individuals, he turns toward the faithful believers and calls them beloved.
He instructs them to remember the words previously spoken by the apostles.
The apostles had already warned the church that false teachers and ungodly influences would arise.
Jude directs believers back to the apostolic message rather than encouraging them to pursue new revelations that contradict the faith already delivered.
This is an important principle for Christian discipleship.
Spiritual discernment requires a thorough understanding of Scripture.
We must examine teachings according to God's Word rather than accepting them simply because they are presented confidently or delivered by influential individuals.
Jude 1:18 — Mockers in the Last Time
Jude 1:18 (KJV)
"How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts."
Jude reminds believers that the apostles had warned them about the appearance of mockers.
The term mockers describes individuals who ridicule or treat sacred truth with contempt.
These individuals were not simply asking sincere questions. Their conduct was characterized by ungodliness and rejection of divine authority.
The expression "last time" reflects the New Testament understanding that the last days began with the coming of Jesus Christ and the inauguration of the new covenant.
The apostles understood that the church would encounter opposition, false teaching, and ungodly influences throughout this period.
Second Peter 3:3 contains a closely related warning:
"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,"
The similarity between Jude and Second Peter demonstrates the importance of this warning in early Christian teaching.
Believers should not be surprised when people ridicule biblical truth or attempt to justify ungodly behavior.
However, our response should be governed by Scripture, wisdom, patience, and love rather than fear or hostility.
Jude 1:19 — Those Who Cause Divisions
Jude 1:19 (KJV)
"These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit."
Jude now identifies the spiritual condition and divisive conduct of the individuals he has been describing.
"These be they who separate themselves"
These individuals were creating divisions within the Christian community.
Their teachings and conduct disrupted fellowship and undermined the faith of other believers.
Not every disagreement within the church is evidence of ungodliness. Scripture encourages believers to examine teachings carefully and address wrongdoing.
Jude is specifically warning about people whose ungodly conduct and rejection of apostolic teaching were damaging the church.
"Sensual"
The Greek word psychikos, translated as "sensual," describes those governed by merely natural desires rather than by the Spirit of God.
Their decisions were directed by their own appetites and worldly interests.
"Having not the Spirit"
Jude makes a serious statement concerning their spiritual condition.
Although these individuals had entered the Christian community, they did not possess the Spirit of God.
Their outward association with believers did not establish genuine fellowship with Christ.
Romans 8:9 teaches that those who belong to Christ have His Spirit.
Jude therefore warns against assuming that religious association, impressive speech, or outward appearances necessarily demonstrate spiritual authenticity.
Jude 1:20 — Building Ourselves Up in the Faith
Jude 1:20 (KJV)
"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,"
Jude now turns from warning believers about ungodliness to explaining how they should strengthen their spiritual lives.
Again, he addresses them as beloved.
This verse contains two important instructions.
1. Building yourselves up on your most holy faith
The faith Jude describes is rooted in the apostolic message concerning Jesus Christ.
Believers must continue growing in their understanding of God's Word.
Spiritual maturity does not develop through religious activity alone. It requires a continuing commitment to biblical truth, obedience, fellowship, and discipleship.
The expression "building up" suggests an ongoing process.
Just as a building requires a firm foundation, believers must establish their lives upon the truth of Jesus Christ.
2. Praying in the Holy Ghost
Jude instructs believers to pray in the Holy Ghost.
Prayer is an essential part of spiritual growth.
Praying in the Holy Ghost involves dependence upon the Spirit's guidance and assistance rather than relying entirely upon our own understanding.
Romans 8:26 teaches that the Spirit helps believers in their infirmities and intercedes according to God's will.
Some Christian traditions also associate praying in the Holy Ghost with Spirit-inspired prayer, including praying in tongues, while others understand the expression more broadly as prayer directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Jude's immediate emphasis is that believers should remain dependent upon the Spirit as they strengthen themselves in the faith.
We cannot successfully contend for the faith while neglecting our own spiritual growth.
Observations
False teaching is often accompanied by ungodly conduct. Jude identifies arrogance, selfish desires, manipulation, and divisiveness among the individuals he condemns.
Impressive speech does not establish spiritual authority. Believers must examine both teaching and conduct according to Scripture.
The apostles warned the church about spiritual deception. Jude reminds believers that these dangers had already been foretold.
Not every person associated with the church possesses the Spirit of God. Genuine faith involves belonging to Christ rather than merely participating in religious activities.
Believers must remember the apostolic message. Scripture provides the foundation for recognizing teaching that contradicts the gospel.
Spiritual maturity requires continual growth. Jude commands believers to build themselves up in their most holy faith.
Prayer is essential to Christian discipleship. Believers are instructed to pray in dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
Discernment and spiritual growth belong together. Recognizing deception is important, but we must also strengthen our relationship with God.
Personal Application
Jude 1:16–20 challenges me to examine both the teachings I receive and the condition of my own heart.
It is easy to identify pride, complaining, and selfish ambition in other people while overlooking those same attitudes in ourselves.
Before I examine another person's conduct, I must first allow God's Word to examine my own.
Am I continually complaining about circumstances rather than bringing my concerns before God?
Do I seek recognition, influence, or personal advantage through my words and actions?
Am I allowing my personal desires to influence how I interpret Scripture?
Jude also reminds me of my responsibility to remain grounded in the apostolic faith.
I should not accept every teaching simply because it is popular, emotionally appealing, or presented by someone with an impressive title.
I must examine what I hear according to God's Word.
As a believer, I also have a responsibility to strengthen my spiritual life.
I cannot depend entirely upon sermons, Bible teachers, or other people's understanding of Scripture.
I must study the Word of God for myself, remain committed to sound doctrine, and cultivate a consistent life of prayer.
When I encounter teachings that contradict Scripture, I should respond with biblical understanding rather than anger or hostility.
When I recognize spiritual immaturity in myself, I should seek the Holy Spirit's help to grow.
My responsibility is not merely to recognize deception but to remain established in the truth of Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions
What characteristics does Jude identify in verse 16?
How can selfish ambition and flattering speech become instruments of spiritual manipulation?
Why does Jude instruct believers to remember the words of the apostles?
What does the expression "last time" mean within the New Testament?
How can believers distinguish sincere questions about Scripture from deliberate mockery and rejection of biblical truth?
What does Jude 1:19 teach concerning the spiritual condition of the individuals he describes?
Why is it important to examine both the doctrine and conduct of those who teach God's Word?
What practical steps can I take to build myself up in my most holy faith?
What does praying in the Holy Ghost mean, and how can I cultivate a consistent life of Spirit-dependent prayer?
Is there an area of my life where I need greater spiritual maturity, biblical understanding, or discernment?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the truth of Your Word and for the warnings You have given Your people through the apostles of Jesus Christ.
Father, grant me wisdom, understanding, and spiritual discernment so that I may recognize teachings and influences that contradict Your Word.
Guard my heart against pride, selfish ambition, murmuring, and ungodly desires.
Help me never to use my words to manipulate others or seek personal advantage.
Teach me to speak the truth in love and to conduct myself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Strengthen me in my most holy faith.
Give me a deeper hunger for Your Word and a greater desire to understand and obey the teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles.
Holy Spirit, help me in my weaknesses. Guide my prayers according to the will of the Father and strengthen me to remain faithful when I encounter opposition or spiritual deception.
Keep me from becoming so occupied with identifying the faults of others that I neglect my own spiritual growth.
May I continually grow in wisdom, righteousness, humility, and love.
Establish me firmly in the truth so that I will not be carried away by false teaching or ungodly influences.
Let my life glorify Jesus Christ, and help me remain faithful to the faith once delivered unto the saints.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
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