We have all seen them. We’ve heard them. And… We have been them. Apostates. An apostate, by definition, is someone who renounces his or her religion. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “I am not an apostate!” But hold on. The Bible defines an apostate as someone who lives contrary to their religion, a.k.a. their walk doesn’t match their talk. These people live a lie. Some of them aren’t even aware that they do it. Jude’s letter points to these areas specifically. Here are the three examples of apostasy from the book of Jude that the modern Church is guilty of:
- Self-Servers
“These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves”- Jude 1:12. This is that person who sits on the front row every service and can quote scripture left and right; but if you need to borrow their only umbrella on a rainy day, or need them to spot you for lunch, they act like it is a huge sacrifice. These are self-servers. They only look out for themselves, and they do not share. You can either put yourself first, or you can put others first; but you can’t do both. The Bible teaches us that there is a better way: “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of these things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common”- Acts 4:32. If you are a self-server, repent and make a conscious effort to put others before yourself.
You can either put yourself first, or you can put others first; but you can't do both. Share on X2. Free Spirits
“They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds: late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever” –Jude 1: end of 12-13. This is the person who has their head in the clouds, and has no firm foundation. I have seen many of my college friends fall prey to this. They get sucked into the crowd, and allow their friends to sway them. If you have noticed this taking place in your life, get planted in the Word, and in the local church. “He shall be like a tree, planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth it’s fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper”- Psalm 1:3.
3. Big Talkers
“These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage” –Jude 1:16. We have all heard these people. They talk and talk and talk. They are the ones who, if they have nothing to complain about, they will make up something to complain about. Some of them may actually talk like they have the Bible all figured out, and that they are doing God a favor for being His “mouth piece”; but in reality, their talk helps them feel better for the sin and bitterness that is in their heart. If you are a big talker, let your words be few and let the Lord heal your heart. “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise”- Proverbs 10:19.
Rise Above
You are too valuable to allow petty issues to keep you from your destiny. As the Bride of Christ, we cannot be self-servers, free spirits, or big talkers. We have to get up, shake off the dirt, and move forward. You have what it takes to be strong in the Lord by being selfless, firm in truth, and established in wisdom. Apostasy has no place in our pews or in our pulpits. Don’t allow it to have a place in your life.
Caleb and Ali live in East Tennessee where they serve at The Lift Church. With boldness and conviction, their deepest desire is to see the church revived and the world awakened. Learn more about The Lift by visiting theliftchurch.tv.
