Jude 8 CHARACTER DESCRIPTION Lawlessness and arrogance characterize the spirit of apostasy that is found in these false teachers who infect their hearers by acting in pride, despise authority and speak evil of spiritual things. The description of "filthy dreamers" implies these men are defiled by the imaginations of their minds. An unguarded mind that takes uncontrolled thoughts and stores them, can bring those thoughts to the forefront in their dreams in the night or in day-dreams in the day when situations arise that give license to the flesh and/or immoral thinking. The human mind can take thoughts stimulated by pictures, words and situations in which one is found, and transmit them into actions that began as dreams.
Believers must bring "into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." Imaginations can direct us into strange philosophies, unusual situations dreamed up in the mind, or even into activities of sexual connotations that are in danger of being retained in the mind. The pride of the human heart is to oppose authority as it exalts self and finds fault with that which they do not consider important. To bring those dreams into captivity and under control, means each believer must submit all of their activities of the mind and body to the authority of our Lord. Emotions, feelings and actions all have to be dealt with by reading and meditating on the word of God day and night like the Lord told Joshua. It is possible to claim control of the thoughts and imaginations of the flesh by deliberating substituting verses of scripture, illustrations from the word of God and things we have personally experienced with God in the place of sinful imaginations.
"These filthy dreamers" often claim some revelations they have received that are out of touch with reality because of their own uncontrolled passions. It is not too long before the inward lustful thoughts give license to the flesh and they outwardly pollute their own bodies. Those who were previously given as examples of those who were apostates, and now shown to actually apply those ungodly ways in their own lives by indulging in corrupt passions of the flesh.
Further in their application of their own false teaching, the "despise dominions (lordship)." They reject authority and have no regard for the designated authority God has appointed in various areas of human life. Civil authority exists by the plan of God for the direction and control of social life in a nation. To despise civil authority by claiming immunity because of our own personal opinion is rejecting divine authority delegated by God to "the powers that be." In families and in the assemblies of God's people there is also delegated authority to fathers and elders. For children to despise the leadership of their parents, or for the gathered-out company of saints to ignore and oppose those "who have the rule" over us, is to again reject God-given authority. The orderly conduct of life in a nation, an assembly or a family is the purpose behind "dominion."
Anarchy and rebellion in social structures, whether it be divine authority, governance, church life or family life leads to chaos. Angels have appointed positions of authority in their "family" the same as do humans. The false teaching of those who undermine the confidence of people in those who God has appointed as leaders in the different areas of society, is to be repudiated, rejected and a stand taken against that by those who "earnestly contend for the faith."
"Dignities" are spiritual powers, both good and bad. To blaspheme is to revile and slander. "Speaking evil of dignities" is an open reproach to those who have positions of designated authority higher than most. Evil speaking is out in the open for all to hear. The uncontrolled tongue of those who slander people and powers in higher positions than themselves, leave no doubt as to their intention. They want to bring the other person down, and exalt themselves. Those to whom Jude refers were likely heavenly beings that were not seen, and so to the arrogant person, doesn't even exist. The men of Sodom insulted angels and found out they were up against spiritual powers that could blind them.
To take lightly the powers of darkness and light can produce serious results. Unbelievers in positions of leadership in the government such as magistrates, governors or those who lead our nations deserve our respect. The demands of respect from us are appropriate even when we disagree with actions they take. We are not called upon to ignore the standards and laws of God in order to please men, but we are to give them the respect due to them because of the office they fill. Paul was an example of this when he submitted to those in authority even though it led to ultimately to imprisonment.
Occasionally there are those who claim to have a superior knowledge of things and seek to move the saints of God away from "the faith" they have received from the word of God. When there are those whom seem to be knowledgeable but there is just something about them that doesn't seem right, then be very careful before trusting what they say and do. The character of a person can be discerned by those who take time to ask pertinent questions about them and their past activities. When there is a lot of "I, me and my" words in a conversation and an explanation of activities, then ask questions that indicate the kind of person they are. Character traits may be hidden. What one says about others reveals much of who they are in themselves.
Words may not seem to some people important, but listen to them just the same. One may seem very dignified in their deportment, but how do they speak another's name. If there are a lot of "I, me and my's," likely they look down on others.
God will have to bring them down to size, who speak against sisters and brothers.
If someone make jokes about spiritual things, alarm bells should begin to sound - That there is a danger that attitude brings, when evidence of sacrilege is found. For the speech and actions of one who speaks, wanting people to listen to him - Often reveals there is a following he seeks that is dangerous because he speaks light of sin.
Walk away from; avoid; have nothing to do - with those whose manner and words reveal That to God and His word, they are not true - their lifestyle and purpose they try to conceal. Because their agenda comes from their willful desire to gain a following and maybe some fame - We must reject their attempts to inspire us to demean and ignore the authority of Jesus' name.
"Father, it is with a sense of urgency I ask that I will be on guard to discern those who may bring difficulties to Thy gathered people. Some of those who want to move in among us seem to be nice people but are quite opinionated. Preserve Thy gathered company I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."