Jude issues a warning to the church of his day that is equally applicable to us and offers insight into how we should live. 

Jude 4 (NET): For certain men have secretly slipped in among you – men who long ago were marked out for the condemnation I am about to describe – ungodly men who have turned the grace of our God into a license for evil and who deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Let us not forget there will be wolves that slip into the church, that do the work of Satan and the powers of this world, in an attempt to thwart Christ. Jude may even recall hearing Jesus preach on a similar topic, when he said “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15)

 Christ warned that these “bad trees” would produce “bad fruit”. That by their very nature good trees produce good fruit, and that bad trees cannot. This would serve to help us identify those that would lead others astray. We should recognize someone’s inner intentions, by the “fruit”they produce. 

Don’t get this wrong: the one who plants the trees, knows what he plants. God created all plants good and beautiful. Likewise, God desired for all of man to be “good trees”. Yet that wicked serpent, who lead humanity into sin, to forsake their creator, has propagated this sinful seed since his fall and judgement. This world is in the hands of Satan, and he has used his corrupted power to make every attempt at stealing the Glory and Worship of God.

Adam and Eve didn’t deserve any of the goodness of the garden. As created beings God poured out His grace unto them at their creation. He breathed life into them and gave them purpose and direction. Every need was met and they lived in perfect harmony with God and all of Creation! Yet what did Satan do? He used Gods grace as a license for evil, and questioned Gods rightful authority over them.

In Jude’s experience, these ungodly men have followed suit. Like Satan they too have sought to turn Gods grace into a license for evil and denied Christs lordship.

So, what makes a man Godly? Is it his good fruit? No. For God created a godly man as a good tree to produce good fruit. God is glorified in him and by him. Any attempt to steal the gospel of grace with a religion of works is wicked. A godly man receives Gods grace and responds in two ways: worship and humility.

We don’t deserve the garden. Today let us remember to worship our wonderful creator, and in humility give Him the glory He is infinitely worthy!

Seek out the ways you are tempted, or fall into sin, and pray the Spirit will keep you far from the evil one. Repent of your own sin and be forgiven by the grace of God. Embrace the savior with a deep understanding of your depravity and need, for He has promised to bring you into a new garden, and eat of the tree of life in the paradise of God. 

Revelation 2:7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”