SCRIPTURE: Jude 1
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. [Jude 1:22-23]
Apparently there is a crisis in this church, some believers have twisted the faith for their own pleasure and advantage.
Jude is concerned about how this is affecting the church, and urges the faithful followers to stand up for Jesus, for truth and morality, and to deal with these wayward believers with grace and truth and love.
But be very careful – show mercy, mixed with fear!
If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. [Matthew 18:15-17]
Jesus describes how believers ought to deal with wayward believers.
This is a gentle but firm approach: Go in mercy, first one on one, then with support, then with the whole church, but always in mercy.
And if they refuse, treat them like pagans or tax collectors.
What does this mean – ostracize them, shun them, condemn them?
No, treat them like Jesus did, with extreme mercy.
Mixed with fear? Jesus does not add this, but He models it.
Not fear in the negative sense, but in the sense of being wary or on guard against the danger of sin and temptation.
Love the sinner, but not the sin.
Step into the fire (like Jesus did) to rescue the wayward, but do not step into their sin (avoiding the clothing corrupted by immorality).
Jude is calling for a firm but gracious response to these dangerous members in the church – be merciful, but be careful!
This is Jesus’ way of dealing with sin, and sinners!
As we do this, our confidence needs to be properly placed.
To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. [Jude 1:24-25]
PRAYER:
Lord, show me where I need to love the sinner, but hate the sin. Though You send me into the world, help me not become like the world.