2023_03_29 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Exodus 15, 1 Corinthians 5, Psalm 78, Jude
The Bible is not merely a “feel good” book of nice sayings. In it, we find truth that is honest and real (very uncomfortable at times) and also hopeful. In Jude’s short letter, we get an important warning about false and destructive spiritual influencers, a warning that was needed in the 1st Century, and needed just as much today. After several examples from the Old Testament, Jude challenges his readers to beware of these bad actors. He describes them like this: “These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want.” Jude 16 (NLT)
It doesn’t take much effort to see evidence of people who have adopted such attitudes. Listen at work, school, in your neighborhood, on TV and internet feeds, and you will see this as a prevailing attitude. If we aren’t careful, we will be caught up in this kind of attitude ourselves rather than being a positive influence. Jude’s warning comes with instructions on how to resist and help each other,
“But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. 22And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.” Jude 20–23
This is what being connected to a church in a healthy way will do. We come alongside each other with truth, encouragement, correction, forgiveness, and love. Human nature hasn’t changed, but God is able to transform us into people with a new nature that is like Jesus.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor