Lesson 6

The Way of Cain Read Jude 11-13

Introduction As we have covered Jude’s writing we need to remember how the book is set up. Verse 3 contains the key statement of the book, where Christians are urged to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. The next verse serves as an explanation. False teachers were creeping in unnoticed. Jude says they were designated for… condemnation.

As examples of condemnation for those who pervert God’s truth, Jude lists three examples: rebellious Israelites wandering in the wilderness, angels who disrespected and abandoned the role God created for them, and the inhabitants of Sodom and its surrounding cities who underwent punishment of eternal fire, v. 7.

Next, he describes how their dreams and visions allowed them to justify sexual immorality, rebellion, and blasphemy against angels, who are the revealers of God’s message of truth. These were presumptuous individuals who insisted on their agenda of manipulating others, even though they knew instinctively that all of this would one day lead to God’s judgment. They will not succeed. They will be destroyed, v. 10.

Now, we examine verses 11-13. Here, Jude seeks to explain why they will be destroyed. He says, they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion. The three men mentioned here were notorious for leading others astray by their example.

From Matt: Understanding Jude 11-13

Verse 11 - Three Men who Led Others Astray

Cain

The story of Cain is found in Genesis 4.1-15. Cain murdered his brother Abel. Over time, Cain’s attitude and actions has become symbolic of selfishness, cynicism, and a materialistic mindset that ignores God and the moral order He creates. Jewish rabbis comment on Cain’s outlook of life in this way:

There is no judgment, no judge, no world to come; no reward will be given to the righteous, and no destruction meted out to the wicked.

Jerusalem Targum, Genesis 4.863

63 Comprehensive Aramaic Lexicon. Targum Pseudo-Jonathan to the Pentateuch. Hebrew Union College, 2005.

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Cain did whatever he wanted. The way of Cain is used metaphorically to describe a course of conduct. In this way he is set up as the typical false teacher. The false teachers of Jude’s day were following right in Cain’s footsteps.

Balaam

The story of Balaam is recorded in Numbers 22.7-18 and also Deuteronomy 23. His weakness was found in money, where the lure of gain proved to be too much. The king of Moab hired Balaam to curse Israel. At first, he refused, but later wavered. The parallel writing to Jude (2 Peter 2) describes Balaam’s error thusly:

Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.

-- 2 Peter 2.15-16

It appears that Jude was making the assertion that the false teachers infiltrating the church were doing so because of monetary reward. It was very common for them to charge large sums of money for people to acquire the access to the “knowledge” they peddled.

Korah

The story of Korah’s rebellion is given in Numbers 16. The opening verses of that chapter probably capture the attitude Jude has in mind. Korah, we ae told, rebelled against Moses, 16.2.64 This rebellion led to severe punishment as Korah and his men were swallowed up by the earth. Psalm 106.16-18 also adds that fire burned up the wicked as well. In Jewish teaching, Korah has become synonymous with creating division or schisms in the body.65 Jude is probably referencing them in this way to depict their rebellion against leaders in the church, or even against God Himself.

Verses 12-13 – The Application

These verses contain six short descriptions of these false teachers:

Hidden reefs at your love feasts

Some translations use blemishes instead of “reefs” in this verse. This is because of the parallel verse in 2 Peter 2.13, where Peter uses the word for blemish. Jude, however, uses a different word, i.e., reefs. Jude is saying the false teachers are like hidden reefs in the ocean that rip out the bottom of boats. In other words, the false teachers are deceptively lying in wait to do destruction on the faithful. Douglass Moo66 cites the New Jerusalem Bible which words this part of the verse in this way: “They are a dangerous hazard at your community meals.”

As for love feasts, it appears that the early Christians often ate together. Most local churches were house-churches. Not only did they share in the partaking of the Lord’s Supper together, but it was very

64 Numbers 16.2 – Christian Standard Bible. 65 1 Clement 51.1-4; Midraš Rabbah, 18.2; Josephus, Antiquities, 4.15-21. 66 Moo, p. 259.

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common for them to share a regular meal together as well. This social meal was shared by all the members, across every economic class, with each one bringing food according to his/her ability. Evidently the false teachers were participating in these functions together with true believers. The danger in this was that some might be led astray by believing that one could maintain a sinful lifestyle all the while remaining a Christian. This type of close association could lead to an enticement to depart from the truth. The danger here is one of influence.

Shepherds feeding (only) themselves

The biblical imagery associated with shepherds is that of a person who selflessly serves the needs of others, often to the point of great sacrifice. The term is used in both testaments, describing the leaders over God’s people (2 Samuel 5.2; Acts 20.28; 1 Peter 5.2). It is also used to describe the way of Jesus in John 10.1-18. This stands in great contrast to the false teachers Jude references, who were only concerned about themselves through person enrichment and selfish manipulation.

Waterless clouds, swept along by winds

Solomon, in Proverbs 25.14, used the terminology associated with waterless clouds to describe a person who does not deliver on what he/she promises. We’ve all seen clouds that rise with the promise of providing much needed rain, but then they move on, being blown by the wind, producing no rain. Now that principle is applied here to describe the false teachers. All they make are empty promises. Being swept along by winds, depicts their instability.

Fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted

The thinking here is similar to waterless clouds. A tree that has not yet produced fruit by late autumn has not fulfilled its purpose. This is similar to the parable of the fig tree mentioned in Luke 13.6. These trees are bare when fruit is expected.67 They are twice dead. Not only are they dead as far as producing fruit, they will be completely dead when they are uprooted. This is the penalty that awaited the false teachers. It fits the principle Jesus referenced:

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

-- Matthew 7.19

Wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their shame

A good Old Testament reference is found here:

But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt.

-- Isaiah 57.20

The false teachers were undisciplined and out of control. Jude is comparing them to the filth that the waves of the sea cast upon the shore. The information they produce is not edifying and profitable for upbuilding, rather it is polluting, like the slime and foam cast up by a restless sea.

67 Bauckham, 2 Peter, Jude, …, p. 87.

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Wandering stars

The Greek verb here is planao, which is the word we use for planet. Unlike stars which were fixed with order and regularity, the planets appeared to “wander” across the sky with no discernible pattern.68 Jewish apocalyptics believed the heavenly bodies were controlled by angels. 1 Enoch 82 depicts the irregular movements of the planets being the result of disobedient heavenly beings. Comets and meteors were often interpreted as heavenly beings falling from heaven. Bauckham believes Jude may have been making an application from 1 Enoch 80.6-769 which describes those who stray from the path to disobey God by deliberately enticing others into sin.

These false teachers were under condemnation, awaiting the eternal gloom of utter darkness.

I particularly like the way Bauckham summarizes the purpose of Jude’s teaching in this section:

Much of the impact of this passage derives from its imaginative force. Many of Jude’s readers no doubt found the false teachers impressive and persuasive, and part of Jude’s task must be to shift their whole imaginative perception of the false teachers and show the false teachers in a wholly different light. With this aim he provides a series of imaginatively powerful images which will influence the range of mental associations with which his readers perceive the false teachers.70

From Cain: Be Like Abel Instead Abel’s brother is provided to us in scripture as a stark contrast to the darkness and self-centered nature of his brother Cain—who serves as a type for all those who would subvert God’s truth in latter generations. Abel’s life is the antithesis of the way of his brother Cain. Cain started a chain reaction of sin and selfishness, yet Abel set forth an equal and opposite reaction even in death.

In our lives as contenders for the cause of Christ, may we realize the way that our efforts can potentially ripple into all of time and may we strive to have said of us what is said of Abel,

“by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.”

Hebrews 11.4

One could even say Abel is a type of Christ as he was murdered for doing the right thing, by his own flesh and blood—but He still speaks. Jesus continues to speak through His word, and His word has been entrusted to us.

Being a contender for the faith is synonymous with being a disciple of Jesus. Jesus was not an aggressor, or a bully but He was very much a warrior and a fighter. His battles were not fought with hands. Nor will

68 Moo, p. 260. 69 “Many of the chiefs of the stars shall make errors in respect to the orders given to them; they shall change their courses and functions and not appear during the seasons which have been prescribed for them. 7 All the orders of the stars shall harden (in disposition) against the sinners and the conscience of those that dwell upon the earth. They (the stars) shall err against them (the sinners); and modify all their courses. Then they (the sinners) shall err and take them (the stars) to be gods. 8 And evil things shall be multiplied upon them; and plagues shall come upon them, so as to destroy all.” (1 Enoch 80.6-7) See Charlesworth, James H. The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha. Vol. 1. New York; London: Yale University Press, 1983, p. 59. 70 Bauckham, 2 Peter, Jude, …, p. 92.

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ours be. Our battles will be fought with true and relentless devotion to the cause of Christ, pure Godward intention, and boldness to own the truth. In utilizing these three things, we will be in good company with Abel and our Lord Jesus, and our actions may change individual’s lives forever.

Relentless Devotion

When we look at Abel we see someone who is relentlessly devoted to honoring God. Further, if an individual wants to see an even greater example of pure devotion they need only look to the cross. Our Lord prioritized nothing of His own over the souls of the prodigal children of God. Let the same be said of us as we contend for the faith. May we devote ourselves to God, despite any attack or distraction the devil may place in our path. May our devotion be relentless—may no priority exceed the priorities that God has.

On the spiritual battlefield, the devil may not be able to beset us with obvious attacks like drugs and alcohol, adultery, outright blasphemy…the “big sins,” but these type of attacks are not his only method. If he can’t entrench us in sin or take us off into error, he will be delighted to begin to chip away at our devotion to God. The devil is constantly seeking to fill our schedules and busy us as to slow down the work of the kingdom.

We can’t be taken by the very relevant problem of busy-ness that ravages the modern world. Our schedules may be full but with what? We should not lift up inherently non-sinful things as idols by prioritizing entertainment, sports, career or anything else over the spiritual war that all Christians are to be engaged in.

Pure God-Honoring Love

We can infer about Abel by the way that he is spoken of in scripture that he was motivated by pure intentions toward God in the giving of his sacrifice. The Lord sees the intentions of the heart. Many others can see this as well. So, as we conduct ourselves in defending the faith and trying to share our faith with others let our intentions be obvious—honoring God. This will facilitate what Paul instructed us to do,

“…We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

2 Corinthians 10.5

If our posture in this battle is correct, then we will act as servants to God first—not judges. We know that God will mete out justice, as we discussed in previous chapters. Our role is as ambassadors and bridge, we are extended hands for the drowning lost sheep to grab onto. If we view ourselves this way, it will make sure that the tone and tenor of our interactions with unbelievers is correct.

Knowing our Father is observing every interaction we have should reassure us and give us the confidence to move in a loving way, even in the face of all kinds of sin and error, whether inside or outside the church of God. Love will be the fuel to our fire and our prime motivator as we fight the good fight of the faith.

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Boldness to Own the Truth

Another intention that we know of righteous Abel is that he worshipped God in the way God wanted to be honored. Contrasting with his unrighteous brother Cain, who offered a displeasing sacrifice that he saw fit as acceptable, Abel is an individual who (again by way of inference,) we can ascertain has heard his Father’s will and desires to do it.

Living with someone like Cain, Abel may have been tempted to offer a different kind of sacrifice than what God had offered. It could be said that Cain may have even defended his sacrifice to his brother. Yet, we know Abel faithfully served God even when confronted with error. In fact, even when error was likely sleeping under the same roof.

When we are confident in God’s will and we know his Word—when we have fully bought in on his plan for our life, we know we can’t be shaken. We have to own the Truth

It’s a good thing it’s free. The Lord has given us every inspired letter of scripture to grab ahold of. We can take hold of God’s promises by immersing ourselves in his Word. Let it be said that members of the church of Christ are known primarily for their knowledge of the scriptures, devotion to God and authentic faith. We often spend too long speaking about what we stand against—and not nearly enough time speaking about what we are for. Rather than standing on traditions of the past, check lists of do’s and don’ts…we should know the WHY behind the WHAT. When we have reasons for what we do, and can communicate those reasons with a confident depth, we will be able to defend the faith and win souls.

For Thought and Reflection 1. Of what type of mindset has the way of Cain typically come to identify? How does this apply to

the false teachers of Jude’s day?

2. Of what sin was Balaam guilty? How did this apply to the false teachers of Jude’s day?

3. Of what sin did Korah and his friends prove themselves to be guilty? How does God feel about those who stir up division?

4. As you think of the sins of these Old Testament characters, what are some applications we can make for the church today?

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5. Jude really wanted to emphasize the danger these individuals posed. Why was their presence at the love feasts such a bad thing?

6. Who were the false teachers primarily concerned with?

7. Was there any real content to their message?

8. What did Jude mean when he identified them as wandering stars?

9. How does Jesus serve as the ultimate example of devotion?

10. As contenders, what is a primary way we can honor God?

11. How did Abel demonstrate boldness in obeying God?

12. How can we apply boldness in our teaching and contending today?