Continuing the observations/lessons from Jude:
01 OCT 08
The phrase in verse 12, "clouds without water" requires closer examination. As a student of weather, I know that clouds are water.
A "cloud without water" could mean several things.
First, it could be a cloud that has dissipated through evaporation. This then could point us towards the parable of the sower where some seed was eaten by birds, and some failed to take root due to shallow soil. A person who is a "cloud without water" then is someone in whom the Word is unfulfilled, either because the enemy has stolen it, or the person has no depth that allows the Word to take root.
Second, the phrase "cloud without water" might also refer to a cloud that does not produce rain or other life-giving precipitation. In that case, a "cloud without water" is an unfruitful person. Jesus said that false prophets would be known by their fruits - their results. A false prophet produces fake results. In other words, these clouds without water are phony and fake.
Also, this phrase might refer to clouds that are not in the sky, but clouds of dust. A cloud of dust is dry and windy. So, this phrase might be referring to something like a dust devil: a lot of activity and excitement, but no life-producing results. If the dust devil is big enough, it will even produce damage.
Maybe this verse refers to all three. The unfruitful soil of the parable of the sower has a thin layer of loose, dusty soil on top of layer of hard crusty dirt. Wind blowing over this soil will create a dust devil that produces nothing more than a commotion, and if it does produce anything, it produces damage.
02 OCT 08
Outline
1 - 2 Greeting
3 - 4 Exhortation to contend for original message of faith because of infiltration of those who corrupt the grace of God into licentiousness.
5 - 7 Punishment upon the unbelieving, rebellous, and immoral.
8 - 13 Description of the infiltrators.
14 - 15 More judgment.
16 - 19 More description of the infiltrators.
20 - 23 Exhortation to edification of faith, preservation of love, wait for eternal life, and to walk in mercy.
24 - 25 Closing benediction.
02 OCT 08
Verses 8 - 13 and 16 - 19 describe the infiltrators. Here is a quick listing of their characteristics. Some items need an in-depth examination later.
v. 4: Pervert grace into licentiousness.
v. 8: By dreaming they defile the flesh, reject authority, and revile God's messengers.
v. 9: Act out of order, beyond their authority and place.
v. 10: Do not understand what they revile.
Destroyed by animal instinct.
v. 11: Gone the way of Cain.
For financial gain, followed the error of Balaam.
Rebelled and perished like Korah.
v. 12: Hidden stains or reefs in communion and fellowship.
Feast without fear of punishment.
Care only for themselves.
Clouds without water.
Easily influenced by winds of doctrine.
Not fruitful in harvest time.
Shallow or uprooted: Twice dead.
v. 13: Displaying shame.
Aimless.
Facing dark future.
v. 15: Ungodly in deed and attitude.
Speak harshly against Christ.
v. 16: Grumblers.
Lustful.
Speak arrogantly.
Flatterers.
Manipulative, seeking advantage.
v. 18: Mockers.
Followers of ungodly lust.
v. 19: Divisive.
Worldly-minded.
Empty, instead of filled with the Holy Spirit.
03 OCT 08
I have noticed a symmetry to Jude's letter. He begins with and exhortation to contend for the faith, and ends with an exhortation to to build ourselves up on our faith by praying in the Spirit. Doing the latter enables us to do the former.
06 OCT 08
Verse 11 mentions the way of Cain, the error of Balaam, and the rebellion of Korah. In short, this is what they are:
The way of Cain is to let sin master you, instead of you mastering it.
The error of Balaam is to think you can get by with something when God is not in it.
The rebellion of Korah is rejection of those who Gad has established in authority.
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