5th February 2026

5th February 2026


Pray (ACts) 


Read (Jude 1v11-13) 


Message (Scott Woodburn) 


We could all probably recount a story about a tragic situation in a local church. Usually there has been a problem of some description, awful things have been said and wicked actions have been taken. Situations have grown arms and legs and caused great pain and division among those who profess faith. These incidents are never pleasant but we should always remember that the Lord knows the truth about every difficulty in every church. He sees through the lies. He understands the attack and strategy of the enemy and He will certainly move against those who have treated His Bride with contempt.


Jude knew this and pronounced “woe” to the false teachers of his day (v11). The enemies of Christ may seem to be winning and at times it appears they have destroyed fellowships and reputations but when it is all said and done their end is only woe upon woe.


In true Jude fashion the Lord's little brother compared the false teachers to several well known figures from the Old Testament - Cain, Balaam and Korah. I suspect that from that list of three, Cain is the most well known. Eve rejoiced at his birth and wondered if he was to be the child of promise (Genesis 4v1). But Cain was filled with anger when the Lord accepted his brother's offering and not his own. Why did Abel's offering meet with God's favour? Because Abel worshipped by faith (Hebrews 11v4).


Yet even in his anger the Lord spoke with grace to Cain urging him to "do well" (Genesis 4v7). Cain was offered the Gospel, he was offered another path and he was warned that sin was crouching at the door waiting to strike. Did Cain listen? Sadly not. The first born son of the first man and woman was also the first murderer. He killed Abel in a field and quickly came under the judgement of God.


The false teachers walked in this way - they knew anger, jealousy, bitterness and thought nothing of destroying lives. Furthermore, such individuals were not people of faith. They knew the Gospel but had rejected God's gracious offer of salvation. Woe to them cried Jude! Indeed, and woe to anyone who hears God and refuses Him.


As I remember the story of Cain I'm comforted by the fact that his wicked action did not thwart the plan of God. He promised a child and that child would be Christ Jesus our Lord. Be on your guard against those who walk in the way of Cain, but take heart, no one can stop the good and gracious purposes of our Lord.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q90 How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation? That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer; receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.
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