Speaking with Reverence

Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. (Jude 1:8)

Jude 1:8 gives us a look at how dangerous our words can be and how important it is for us to keep a close watch on what we say.

This verse begins with the word likewise, referring to something he wrote earlier in the letter. Previously, Jude was talking about the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, who lived according to their unbridled appetites and desires.

Jude was giving a warning against those who walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise government. These individuals, who are self-seeking, self-willed, and fleshly-driven, have no problems fearlessly speaking evil of people in positions of authority and Jude called them filthy dreamers.

Dreamers is an interesting word in the Greek. It is enupniazomai. It’s the word from which we get the English word hypnosis. It referred to someone who has been hypnotized by their own feelings, their emotions, and has convinced themselves to believe something is true that isn’t. This person believes something is acceptable that isn’t even logical.

The word dominion is important in this text as well. It refers to different governments. These dreamers find any way possible to speak in contempt against people in power and authority. Romans 13 tells us that God sets people in positions of authority. That doesn’t mean we can’t question policies or laws that are made, especially those that disagree with Scripture. It means that we are not to speak against the office of one in a position of authority. We can disagree with policy, but we should honor their offices. Reverence should guide our words, acknowledging the authority that dignities hold comes from God Himself.

Practical Application

At your job, in your family, or on social media, criticism usually flows freely. It’s easy for us to criticize by condemning a person. Our challenge as Christians is to rise above the chaos of critical judgments by choosing words that build up rather than tear down.

Ecclesiasts 10:20; Psalm 12:4

God’s Design

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5)

What an amazing revelation the Prophet Jeremiah wrote, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Before we took our first breath, God knew us, sanctified us, and ordained us for a purpose beyond our comprehension. God's system, outlined from the dawn of humanity, is perfect. God created our bodies as male and female. The union of a man and a woman in holy matrimony, forming a family, is part of His divine design.

For eons, the world’s system has fought against God’s design by trying to go backward instead of forward. Sodom and Gomorrah, in their desire to be progressive, morally opposed God. Their society was on the brink of collapse. Moving away from God's established order isn't progress; it's a backward slide. The world will cry for “progressivism,” but as mature Christians, we are called to discern the true meaning of advancement. Authentic advancement is fulfilling our original design and purpose to the glory of God.

God’s design of marriage between a male and female isn't a matter of opinion; it's a fundamental truth embedded in the very fabric of our existence.

The world will try to blur the lines of moralism and truth, but God’s Word is clear, and He designed things in nature to be obvious.

Practical Application

Refuse to allow yourself to agree with any opinion or group that speaks against God’s design for men and women. Stand firm for the sanctity of human life and the divine purpose of marriage between one man and one woman. Anything other than God’s way of doing things is sin and brings with it dire natural and spiritual consequences.

Luke 1:41; Romans 8:29

Sex Was God’s Design

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. (Romans 1:26-27)

When I use the word sex, it may seem provocative or disturbing to people, but that’s only because of the perversion in our culture. Sex was God’s design. He created it; He purposed it to be a blessing within the confines of marriage. Sex is not only for the creation of another human, but God’s gift of sex between one husband and his one wife brings connection, peace, and support for each another. Sex between one husband and his wife solidifies a powerful union.

However, outside of the context of God’s design, sex is dangerous, and I strongly advise against it. Just because society says you can do it doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous. Sex outside of marriage just isn’t worth it. It brings with it many negative after-effects.

Paul, writing to the church in Rome, candidly addressed individuals exchanging the natural use for that which is against nature. In other words, they got involved in behaviors that went against God's way of doing things. God's intent for sexual expression is always within the covenant of marriage, and any deviation from this design carries problematic consequences.

To make sure no one is confused, Paul clearly wrote about fornication, which is any sex outside of a marriage union. Males and males cannot be married under God’s design, so any sex between them is fornication. Neither can females and females. God is clear about how He defines marriage.

Practical Application

Do you know anyone involved in relationships that are against God’s way of doing things? Pray for them and pray for an open door to share with them the truth in love. Believe that the Holy Spirit will soften their heart to receive God’s love and truth.

Romans 1:24; Leviticus 18:22