As we read the letters from both Jude and Peter, we can see similar themes in these two passages. Both are written to remind the church the need for constant vigilance on false teachings and prophets; to grow and be strong in the faith and to oppose heresy.
The warnings from these two authors can be summarised as the following:
a. False Teachers
Jude warns against false teachers and leaders who reject the lordship of Christ, undermine the faith of others and lead them astray. These ‘leaders’ and those that follow them will be punished
b. Apostasy
This refers to turning away from Christ. We are to remember that God punishes rebellion against him. We must be careful not to drift away from a faithful commitment to Christ. If our faith is real, it will be evident in our faithful people. We must be diligent in our Christian growth.
Warnings come in various forms, e.g. signs, sounds, sights, smells, feelings or written words. Their purpose is the same; to advice us to be alert and caution us of imminent danger. Responses to these warnings also vary; from disregard and neglect to corrective action. How a person reacts to a warning is usually determined by the situation and the source of the warning.
Having read these scriptures already, what will be your decision like when the “situation” that the warning refers to happens? Would you heed the warning or would you disregard its importance. Make that decision today before God today, before the warning becomes a reality.
