Jude 23 is a final continuation and closing of his statement that began in verse 17, “But you must remember…” The complete message serves as a warning about scoffers and ungodly people that divide and pursue the world, and want nothing to do with the Spirit. He gives the most excellent advice to stay in Gods love, wait on mercy for ourselves and share it with doubters. Now, he introduces two other groups he calls “the others”.

save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

Jude 23, ESV

For the doubter, we show mercy. For the first group of “the others”, it’s both literal and figurative “life or death”. There is a sense of urgency. For the third group, we “show mercy with fear”.

I think these two verses teach us a lot about discipleship, and specifically how our care and counsel is directly linked to discipleship.

If we are honest most discipleship programs begin after a confession of faith. An individual must profess their sinful self, and accept the grace of Christ as their Lord and Savior. Here in the western world, that’s often played down to a prayer and request for Jesus to live in our hearts. In fact, this conversion is in most people minds, the goal of evangelism. The new christian then submits to formal bible training (often called a discipleship program) and proceeds to mature in their faith. Someday, they will be ready to evangelize, share their testimony and disciple others. It’s like leveling up. It’s linear, simple addition, and it’s not very effective.

Through my experience in overseas missions, I have truly grown to love Disciple Making Movement, or DMM, principles. I thank God for the leaders who have taught and challenged me in their application not just overseas, but at home too. The DMM principles come from the school of thought that focuses on multiplicative discipleship. That instead of practicing “extraction evangelism” where a person is evangelized (saved) and then removed from their context (family, community or religion), the individual is instead discipled into belief alongside their family or community. This has been incredibly effective means to reach closed regions and nations that have traditionally been opposed to Christianity. It appears, at least from a missiological standpoint, a primary means in which the Holy Spirit has empowered the underground church of Iran.

Regardless of mission strategy, the goal is to find someone open to the Gospel, convey it clearly, and get them connected. In traditional methods, the Church relied on being attractive and “seeker friendly” to get people in the doors to hear the gospel from the pulpit. Once they convert, hopefully they too bring a guest to church, and the cycle continues. In a multiplicative model, the net is cast wide outside of the church walls. Faithful Christians go into communities, praying and looking for someone the Spirit has prepared to hear the Good News. If someone is found, the goal is to begin a discipleship group outside of the church, with their friends and family, or members of their community. The group meets and learns the principles of discipleship while discovering the word of God. Hopefully, the group grows into a form of church with a distinct mission DNA.

Jude has essentially described 5 types of people throughout his letter.

1. The Godly (beloved)
2. The Doubters (v. 22)
3. Those in Danger (v. 23a)
4. Those in Sin (v. 23b)
5. The Ungodly (scoffers)

For the Godly, they have a reference for Christian faith. Perhaps they are currently involved in a church, or they grew up in a church, or have always longed to know about Christianity. For them, the Gospel provides hope. Their faith is deepened through discipleship, and they seek to be obedient to God. If not previously converted, they do so without further hesitation. Some go from blindness to vision, and with that they finally feel alive. These are exciting people to get to know, and their joy is contagious.

The doubters take a little more time, and this is why we show mercy. They often have a difficult time unpacking scripture and they question everything. Perhaps they have a background apart form God, or they have been informed by some other worldview. DMM excels here, as the individual isn’t pushed to “convert”. With time, the Holy Spirit begins to change them through faithful discipleship, teaching and leadership. Typically these individuals will develop robust beliefs, and as primarily rational thinkers, become great apologists, or people who can debate about and for the faith.

We would be amiss to think that all discipleship creates converts. Some people are in all sorts of spiritually or physically dangerous situations, akin to being in a fire. As loving Christians we need to exercise any and all authority to save those in danger, especially those who are most vulnerable. God’s word proclaimed will not return void, and even if individuals or families fail to desire further study, many times truth and power encounters will help deliver someone from further harm. I have seen an abusive husband restrained, an addiction broken, and an abuse revealed all by the power and ministry of word and prayer. At other times, human authorities, agencies and organizations within and external to the church have been required and utilized as appropriate. Most people in danger can’t or don’t run to the church. This is another benefit of DMM, as the church (body) goes into the community to preach, serve and love.

Sometimes our efforts take us deeper into the world, and therefore deeper into the ugliness of sin. In fact, in almost every case of danger, there is a deep root of sin. As Christians we must be careful to be in the world, not of the world. Judes warning here reminds us of sins pervasiveness. We are to get close, but remember to hate the “garment stained by sin”. We cannot compromise our own convictions, or put ourselves into a situation where we may be easily tempted. There is also a great benefit to DMM here as well, as one of the mainstays is to never go alone, for spiritual accountability, boldness and mutual encouragement.

We will of course inevitably find scoffers. And when we do:

And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.

Mathew 10:14

Every Christian should be engaged in proclaiming the gospel. It is not your pastors job, or just what evangelists do. Much should be done by the means of your care and counsel, and as you serve and love your community, co workers, neighbors and friends. There is a huge mission field and opportunity to counsel Christians and non Christians alike with the wisdom of God.

If you are curious about becoming a disciple, or a disciple maker check out this website.

Peace be with you.