This study of Jude vs 11 was given as part of Calvary Portsmouth Sunday morning service on 7th March 2021.
In the previous session we began to look at the first of three examples Jude gives to help us understand the typical characteristics of apostates – i.e., the fruit they produce.
In this session we continue to look at the 2nd and 3rd of these examples: The ‘Error of Balaam’ and the ‘Gainsaying of Korah’.
Both of these examples are found in the book of Numbers (chapters 22 and 16 respectively).
Balaam, intent on collecting a substantial reward from king Balac of Moab, defied the clear instruction from God to not go. Then, after finding that God would only allow him to bless the Children of Israel, counselled Balac saying that the way to defeat Israel was to get God to judge them! In response, Balac caused Israel to commit fornication with the sons and daughters of Moab, and to worship their idols (see Psalm 106:228-29 / Revelation 2:14). However Balaam’s mistake was his failure to understand God’s grace. God did judge those in Israel who sinned – 24,00 died (see Numbers 24:9), but God did not destroy the nation. Instead, he turned Balaam’s attempt to curse Israel into a blessing (see Nehemiah 13:2).
The third example is that of Korah, a cousin of Moses, who was not content with the task that God had assigned him, to look after the Tabernacle. Instead, he wanted greater honour – in man’s eyes… and thereby hangs the problem. Your standing and position before man matters not one iota! It is how you are seen in God’s eyes. An apparently menial task performed in obedience to God is of eternally & infinitely greater value than the highest honour that can be bestowed by man.
The second part of Jude’s analysis of apostates concludes that they:
- 1) Reject God’s Word (Cain had rejected the instructions handed down from Adam regarding true worship)
- 2) Do not understand His Grace (Balaam did not perceive God’s grace and desire to restore those who fall)
- 3) Do not appreciate Spiritual things (Korah had a privilliged position and calling to tend for sacred things, but he cared for man’s opinion more than God’s)
They:
- 1) Want to come to God on their terms (as did Cain)
- 2) Want to enjoy worldly pleasures (as was the case with Balaam)
- 3) Want position and recognition (as seen with Korah)
May you be blessed and encouraged to walk a close walk with God through this study.
