“But you, beloved, remember the things that were foretold by the apostles of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  For they said to you, ‘In the end times there will be mockers chasing their own desires and impiety.’  It is these who cause divisions.  Natural ones, they do not have the Spirit.” 

(Jude 17-19)

A third time Jude uses the word beloved to refer to the people in this church.  It is a reminder to us that Jude is not writing here as an angry schoolmaster reprimanding unruly children.  Rather, Jude is writing as a faithful brother in Christ, seeking to preserve his family from the dangers that surround it.  Jude reminds us that false teachers will abound, which should be a constant reminder to us today.  And we should not be surprised by their arrival, but ever watchful to keep our fellowship pure.  Then Jude offers us two kinds of exhortations:  inward and outward.

It is important for us to remember all of the things that the Apostles and Prophets have said.  All of scripture is God-breathed and profitable to prepare the believer for every good work (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17).  It is our only guide and standard for life and faith.  It will keep us from error and a faithful study of it will prevent us from being seduced by the false teachers who fill the world.  The problem is that though we have the Bible available to us in a different translation for every day of the month, we don’t take time to read it or to study it.  We see that as the pastor’s job.  Yet, who will police the pastor that he does not fall into error and lead others in the same direction?  It must be the men and women sitting in the pews who are always seeking a clearer understanding of the truth.  Recognize that mockers will come and that they will wreak havoc in the fellowship, but be prepared to deal with them when that happens.  That preparation comes by the careful study of scripture.