Our Response to a Fallen World

Jude 1:22-23 ~ "And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh."

​How do you respond to the people of this world? As Jude concludes his letter, he reminds us of some critical truth concerning the end of days. He recognized that scoffers against Christ would come, those who follow the path of ungodliness (see Jude 1:18). And in the midst of a culture of scoffers, there are three distinct types of individuals. And with those three, we are given instruction of how to respond to their condition. Those three types are: those who doubt, those in danger and those who are detestable.

There are first of all, doubters. Now, doubters may be either saved or lost. We know many who are truly born-again, who have surrendered their lives to the LORD Jesus, and on the way as they desire to walk by faith, they experience doubts. The disciples, themselves, found on several occasions that their hearts were shadowed in doubts. As Jesus called Peter out on the water, the apostle doubted. Consider Matthew 14:31, "Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'" Yet, most of those who doubt have come close to the LORD and often desire to believe but their own doubts frustrate them. 

For those who doubt, we are commanded to show them mercy. The trouble when doubts arise causes the individual to be tossed about like the wave of the sea, driven by the winds of differing thoughts and ideas (see James 1:6). It is of great importance that the solid, well foundationed believer offer to the drifting soul a lifeline of mercy in order to rescue them from their doubts. Do not shove them aside for their doubts, but draw them closer and give them grace in order that they should be better aware of the truth of Christ.

The next type are those in danger. We are to save them by snatching them out of the fire. The simple truth is, those who are aware that they are headed for the fires of hell need to be snatched out and are ready for the rescue. These are truly lost people, but their hearts have so overwhelmed them with the conviction of death and hell, the judgment of God hangs over them like an axe ready to strike. We find such people as in Acts 2:37, "Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'" Being cut to the heart, the fear of God's wrath was upon them. 

For those who can feel the flames of hell licking at their feet, your responsibility is clear: save them by snatching them out. We understand that no mere man can save another soul, for salvation is of Christ alone. But we can proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and bring them to the knowledge of salvation. Speaking to the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:31, Paul said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." The apostle, along with his companion, Silas, reached out to the man who knew his need of salvation and gave to him the message of faith in Jesus. That, dear ones, is how you snatch them out.

The final type are those who are detestable. These are the ones who, in their desire for fleshly and carnal delights, are so engulfed in their own sin that it is as if even their garments are defiled. These types revel in their own corruptions, and it does not matter the variety of corruptions available to them, whether obtuse or obscene. These will not part with their wickedness, for they see no fault in themselves concerning their condition before God. 2 Peter 2:13 describes them, "They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you."

There are three things the believer is to do concerning this type. First, show them mercy--for even as Christ was merciful to you, it may be that by showing them mercy they could escape the corruptions of the world caused by their own evil desires. Second, let that mercy be mixed with fear, not fear of them but the fear of God. Let your concern always be the holiness of Christ. And third, have a godly hatred for the corruptions of the flesh. 

Beloved, these three responses give us ample opportunity to expose those who do not know the LORD to the saving grace that we have encountered. It will display mercy, proclaim salvation and expose corruption to the varied types of people who live in this world. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to bring a person to salvation, it is our work to live as ambassadors for Christ in this world (see 2 Corinthians 5:20).

In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

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