The Pulpit Commentary — Jude — Section 33

Ver. 19.-A.pplication of the prophecy to the seducers of Jude's day. Mark the three- fol<I division of tho verse .. I. 'l'HEY WERE SEPAIU.TIST8. '' These are they who make scp:i.ra.lion9." P~rhaps as "spiritual'' persons, who regard things of sense as so indifferent that they may be enjoyed without riHk to the soul. 1. Church divisions are usually grownded on separa- tions from the Oht1rch's doctrine. Those who bring in" damnable heresies"" draw away disciples after them" (Acts xx. 30). 2. Separations may be justified by the Church's depart11re from the truth. 'l'bis is the justification of Protestantism in withdrawing from the Church of Rome in the sixteenth century. 3. Separations, originated by scoffing sensualists, (1) have their origin in unbelief and pride; (2) engender hatred; (3) and end in the destruction of immortal souls. II. THEY WERE SENSUAL. "Sensual." 1. Sensuality, or the idea of an enlar.'}ed liberty in sinful enjoyment, is often the motive of sep('lrations. 2. Oormpt affections blind the judgment and harden the conscience. Bums says that sensuality "hardens a.' within." It turns Christianity into epicurism. 3. Sensuality destroys the soul eternally. "They who sow to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption" (Gal. vi. 8). "If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die." (Rom. viii. Vl). III. 'l'HEY ABE WITHOUT THE HoLY SPIRIT. "Having not the Spirit." 1. Sanctity and sensuality cannot dwell together. 2. Those who want the Spirit are easily carried away into sensual sin. Therefore David prayed, "Take not thy Holy Spirit from me" (Ps. li. 11). 3. Saints ought to seek the Spirit of holiness, love, meekness, and truth. "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh" (Gal. v. 16).-T. C. Vers. 20, 21.-Ea:hortation to the saints to bui1d up their own spiritual life as the grand security against apostasy. I. WORKING UPON THE FOUNDATION OF FAITH IS THE ONLY MEANS OF OUR SPIRITUAL SELF-PRESERVATION. "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God." 1. The foundation. "Your most holy faith." This is faith objective, not subjective; the doctrine of faith rather than the grace of faith. It is true that Christ is our only Foundation, but he is so as revealed to faith, and be can only become so through faith. We build upon Christ by building upon bis Word. We receive him as be is offered in the gospel. (1) It is "your faith," because it is "delivered to the saints" (ver. 4); because the saints were "delivered into it" (Rom. vii. 5) ; because it was for the sah-ation of their souls (1 Pet. i. 9). (2) It is "your most holy faith," because (a) every word of God is pure; (b) the covenant is holy; (c) it works holiness in the heart and life (John xv.). 2. The building v.p upon this foundation. (1) The saints are to build themselves up. This is addressed, not to sinners, but to saints who have been already placed upon the foundation. 'l'be counsel is the same as that of Phil. ii. 12, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Jude writes to those who already possess the Spirit, through whom they already enjoy that inward and habitual grace which is to be used by believers according to their need and upon a sense of their deep responsibility. Yet believers are still in a true sense "God's workmanship" (Eph. ii. 10); and it is "the Lord who builds the house" (Ps. cx..xvii 1). (ll) The building implies a various and skilful use of the materials necessary to that end. Faith, love, hope, patience, watchfulness, knowledge, are to be the gold, silver, precious stones, built upon this broad foundation. We an, to grow in grace, and grow up in Christ in all things, adding to faith all the virtues (2 Pet. i. 5-7) and all the graces of the Spirit (Gal. v. 22, 23). II. TRUE PRAYER THE ONLY MEANS OF BUILDING OURSELVES UP. "Praying in the Holy Spirit." 1. There is no prayer -without the Spirit. (Rom. viii. 26.) 'l'he Spirit 1mggests the matter of prayer; without him "we know not what to pray for." He instructs us to ask for thing8 according to God's will. The Spirit suggests the true  82 'l'IlE GENERAL EPISTLE OF JUDE. [l-25.