Jude 1:19 - Homilies By T. Croskery

Application of the prophecy to the seducers of Jude's day.

Mark the threefold division of the verse.

I. THEY WERE SEPARATISTS . "These are they who make separations." Perhaps as "spiritual" persons, who regard things of sense as so indifferent that they may be enjoyed without risk to the soul.

1 . Church divisions are usually grounded on separations from the Church's doctrine. Those who bring in "damnable heresies" "draw away disciples after them" ( Acts 20:30 ).

2 . Separations may be justified by the Church's departure from the truth. This is the justification of Protestantism in withdrawing from the Church of Rome in the sixteenth century.

3 . Separations, originated by scoffing sensualists,

II. THEY WERE SENSUAL . "Sensual."

1 . Sensuality, or the idea of an enlarged liberty in sinful enjoyment, is often the motive of separations .

2 . Corrupt affections blind the judgment and harden the conscience. Burns says that sensuality "hardens a' within." It turns Christianity into epicurism.

3 . Sensuality destroys the soul eternally. "They who sow to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption" ( Galatians 6:8 ). "If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die," ( Romans 8:13 ).

III. THEY ARE WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT . "Having not the Spirit."

1 . Sanctity and sensuality cannot dwell together.

2 . Those who want the Spirit are easily carried away into sensual sin. Therefore David prayed, "Take not thy Holy Spirit from me" ( Psalms 51:11 ).

3 . Saints ought to seek the Spirit of holiness, love, meekness, and truth. "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh" ( Galatians 5:16 ).—T.C.