How to Recognize Divisive People in the Church | Jude 14–19

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ESTHER: We will begin Esther next Monday. I have titled this one, FOR SUCH A TIME: Courage When God Seems Silent. Grab the Esther Journal now. If you are a Project23 donor giving $35/month or more, do not purchase one; we have already sent this to you in the mail.

Our text today is Jude 14-19

"It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, 'Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.' These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.

But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, 'In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.' It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit."  — Jude 14-19

You can usually hear division before you see it. It starts in the mouth. A complaint. Then a grievance. Finally, a strong personality gathers unsuspecting or willing people. And by the time a church visibly divides, hearts have usually been dividing for a while.

Jude quotes a prophecy from Enoch. The reference may sound strange to us, but Jude's point is very simple: The Lord is coming. And when he comes, every hidden motive, rebellious action, and harsh word will be brought into the light.

God will not allow evil talk to divide his people forever. It ends when Jesus returns. He will execute judgment and convict the ungodly. In fact, Jude uses the word ungodly four times in a single sentence.

These people might have sounded spiritual. They may have attended Christian gatherings, used Christian language, and presented themselves as leaders. But their lives and mouths kept pointing away from God.

Then Jude tells us what that ungodliness sounds like.

They are grumblers. They are malcontents. They follow their own sinful desires. They are loud-mouthed boasters. They show favoritism to gain an advantage. That's a descriptive list. So let's work through this and see what Jude is calling these divisive people.

What's a grumbler? Grumbling is not the same as honestly naming pain or addressing a real problem. Grumbling is different. Grumbling keeps God, leadership, circumstances, and eve