Jude 16 "THESE" PEOPLE The "certain men [who] crept in unawares" are referred to as "those" whose character is described in verses 12 and 13 and whose condemnation is described in verses 14 and 15. In verse 16 their conduct is described. What a person is like is not always visible at the first introduction we might have to them. It is not uncommon for people to "put their best foot forward" to gain an advantage and disarm others with words that make one appear to be a very significant person, even though we have never heard of them. What one says at the first introduction does not always reveal who a person is.
Judgment executed by the Lord when He comes will reveal who seducers and false teachers really are. The present problem is these people follow their own lusts, and those seduced by their teaching and conduct follow them. This is what the Lord spoke about when He said, "If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." The Spirit of God through Jude gives us clear descriptions of these people who are blind leaders. We have in verse 16 a description of their walk and the deception of their words.
Those who are "murmurers" are in this particular passage, not just discontented with their lives, but are rather complaining against God. Grumblers, instead of being thankful, find fault with what God does and what He allows to take place that they do not like or agree with. Their grumbling extends to the Lord's people, and likely especially against those who lead the saints and have the discernment to understand, "There is something about these people that doesn't seem right." Instead of being thankful for God's grace and all the blessing received, they find fault and grumble against that which doesn't fit their personal agenda.
Those who indulge in the passions of the flesh are those who are "walking after their own lusts." In their permissive conduct they think and teach, "There is nothing wrong with doing that. Everybody does that these days." The pursuit of pleasure and success overrides the spiritual considerations of an event or action taken. Some things people do may seem innocent in themselves, but the associations surrounding it are wrong. Business deals, sports events, a holiday somewhere may not in itself seem to have any wrong. But the hard liquor, the bad language and off-color jokes, the licentious behavior at the resort has a way of promoting "their own lust."
"These people" have a way of gaining attention when they speak, that can sway one's opinion of what is right according to the scriptures, to questioning that which has been tried and proven over many years to be right. The "great swelling words" seem to be so eloquent and put together so well that listeners are impressed in spite of what they have been taught by those who have been their shepherds, and those who faith we follow. Those who are seduced by false teachers, reject truth and follow "these people" who repudiate the truth of God.
Oratory can be learned by those who have attended classes, and in some people it can come naturally. Often extreme statements, impetuosity, or dramatic illustrations and presentation can turn a listener into a follower. A speaker's pride and arrogance can come across in a speech, but we must go beyond the sound and the words to seek the substance of their speech. One may sound like an independent thinker and in the subtleness of great swelling words, reveal the fact that they did not get these thoughts from God, but from their own pride and that of those they follow.
Flattery is a form of deception that some people use to gain a following for their own advantage. Most people like to be flattered because it gives us an inflated opinion of ourselves that normally we would not have. If someone shrewdly passes a flattering comment to us that we know in ourselves is not really true, there should be all kinds of red flags raised that warns us of danger. A child of God usually has a sensible opinion of themselves because we were made conscious of our sinfulness before God saved us. We knew we deserved hell as the punishment for our sins. We knew then and still know, that in our flesh "dwelleth no good thing." We know it is only because of the mercy of God we have been saved by His grace. When flattery comes and we are tempted to accept it as true, our spiritual sense detects the deception and walks away from it - and the flatterer.
The dangers from false teachers who attempt to lead God's people away from the faith, is clarified by the words of Jude so we are not left in doubt. Sincerity, humility, graciousness, integrity, honor and faithfulness are not found in deceivers. These are characteristics of a child of God that contrasts with the apostates.
The grumbling words that reveal discontent Instead of being thankful they have another intent. They want to undermine God's truth Their character reveals their moral worth.
Their passions are out of control Fleshly lusts easily claim their soul. If not careful, others will be led astray Followers soon will lose their way.
Arrogant speech soon will get attention. Those who repudiate truth go the wrong direction Such words can lead people to extremism Mature people listen with serious pessimism.
Those who flatter others often have a plan To get something from another man And so, the words they use just to please So some advantage over others they can seize.
"Father, these descriptions of "these" people remind me that what took place in the past at the beginning of the church age, is on-going today. Give all those who lead the Lord's people the needed discernment to protect the saints. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."