“But you, dear friends, remember what was predicted by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They told you, ‘In the end time there will be scoffers living according to their own ungodly desires.’ These people create divisions and are worldly, not having the Spirit” (Jude 1:17-19).
There has been a lot of offense and controversy this week over some things that happened in Paris at the Olympics. I was personally shocked with many others– but then again, I wasn’t really. And neither should you be.
The Bible is very clear what last day living will look like.
Many of the New Testament writers warned us. Peter said, “I want to stir up your sincere understanding by way of reminder… above all, be aware of this: Scoffers will come in the last days scoffing and following their own evil desires” (2 Peter 3:1,3). And Paul told Timothy, “But know this: Hard times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, demeaning, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy” (2 Timothy 3:1-2). And the list goes on.
But it’s probably Jude’s letter that stands out the most to me– with warning and encouragement.
Jude opens his letter stating how “eager [he was] to write you about the salvation we share… appealing to you to contend for the faith” (Jude 1:3). But he changes his tone and direction quickly to address the fact that there are, and will be, those who “are ungodly, turning the grace of our God into sensuality and deny the Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4).
So we shouldn’t be surprised.
We’ve been warned.
He went on to say, “These people blaspheme anything they do not understand” (vs. 10). And this is what should make our hearts grieve first. I’m definitely grieved when Jesus is mocked. But He warned us too. Speaking of His own arrest and crucifixion, Jesus said, “For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon” (Luke 18:32). We know this. Jesus was persecuted and delivered up for our redemption.
And all who put their faith in Him will join Him– in grace and ridicule. “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. [For] evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:12-13).
Deceiving and being deceived.
The lost are acting out of their own nature. It’s sad. And should be heartbreaking. But it shouldn’t be a surprise.
So what are we to do? Are we supposed to call it out? Are we supposed to ignore it? Jude’s letter was clear: “In the end time there will be scoffers living according to their own ungodly desires. These people create divisions and are worldly, not having the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 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 1:18-22).
We are told to pray in the Spirit.
Praying in the Spirit does three things: builds us up spiritually [so we respond correctly], keeps us in the center of God’s love [so we respond correctly], and helps us look for (and pray for) the mercy of our Lord Jesus. We are asked to have compassion– not hatred. This simply means when we see outrageous and obnoxious last day behavior, be grieved, because it is sad– but be ready too.
When the opportunity arises, be bold and pull people out of the fire (of hell). “Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin” (MSG).
Lastly, I’ll go back to the words of Peter. “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified” (1 Peter 4:14). Unfortunately, Jesus will be mocked. There will be scoffers. But it’s all proof of who Satan fears. And for that reason, Jesus is glorified.
