27th January 2026

27th January 2026


Pray (ACts) 


Read (Jude 1v8-10) 


Message (Scott Woodburn) 


What does a false teacher look like? How can we recognise those who do not have the interests of Christ at heart? The book of Jude is incredibly helpful in this regard. As Jude continued his argument he outlined five characteristics of false teachers.


Firstly, Jude said the false teachers acted “in like manner” to the three Old Testament examples in verses five to seven. We considered those examples last week with Jude saying he wanted to remind his hearers about this particular teaching (v5). Let me put you to the test for a wee moment - can you remember the three Biblical examples that Jude brought to our minds? I don't write this to belittle you but if you can't remember doesn't that prove the point that we so quickly forget truth?


Jude had previously pointed to the Israelites in the wilderness, the fallen angels and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Therefore, according to the Lord's little brother, false teachers display the unbelief of the Israelites in the wilderness, the arrogance and pride of the fallen angels and the sexual immorality of those in Sodom.


The years may have rolled on but there is nothing new under the sun. The history of the church is littered with those who proved themselves to wolves among the sheep. Even in modern times we have seen famous pastors groom sexual partners from among their congregations. A story over the weekend told the tale of a well known pastor acting inappropriately with younger staff. He would force them to wrestle with him, touch them in an unwelcome manner and then play stupid when his behaviour was challenged.


When I was at college two big names were slowly emerging in the Christian world. One of them eventually arrogantly declared himself as “a big deal” whilst using underhanded methods to sell his books. It is said that he ruled his fellowship with fear and threat. The other big name was found to have conducted numerous affairs and even acted sinfully with women in his pulpit. If Jude were here today he wouldn’t be surprised. Falsehood is often accompanied by unbelief, arrogance and sensuality.


Brothers and sisters, be on your guard against such things. The foolish church member says "it can never happen here" and the foolish pastor says "it can never happen to me." It is tragic when a Christian falls and the Gospel is dragged into the mud. May the Lord have mercy on sinful people like us and may we lock the doors to all manner of sin not least unbelief, arrogance, pride and sensuality.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q82 Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God? No mere man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed.
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