Jude 1:8
Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings.
Yet in the same way these dreamers
The term "dreamers" refers to individuals who are not grounded in reality, often living in a state of delusion or fantasy. In the biblical context, this can imply false teachers or prophets who claim divine revelation but are actually misleading others. This phrase connects to the warnings against false prophets found in Deuteronomy 13:1-5 and Jeremiah 23:25-32, where dreams are used as a metaphor for false visions. The "same way" links back to the previous verses, drawing a parallel between these individuals and the historical examples of rebellion and immorality, such as the Israelites in the wilderness, the fallen angels, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

defile their bodies
This phrase indicates moral and spiritual corruption, often associated with sexual immorality. The defilement of the body is a recurring theme in the New Testament, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, where believers are reminded that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. The historical context of Jude's letter suggests that these individuals were engaging in practices contrary to the teachings of the apostles, possibly influenced by Gnostic beliefs that separated the physical from the spiritual, thus justifying immoral behavior.

reject authority
Rejecting authority implies a refusal to submit to established leadership or divine order. In the context of Jude, this likely refers to the rejection of apostolic authority and the teachings of Jesus Christ. This rebellion against authority is reminiscent of Korah's rebellion in Numbers 16, where Korah and his followers challenged Moses' leadership. The rejection of authority is a hallmark of false teachers, as noted in 2 Peter 2:10, where they are described as despising authority and being bold and arrogant.

and slander glorious beings
The phrase "glorious beings" can be interpreted as referring to angelic beings or spiritual authorities. Slandering them indicates a lack of reverence and understanding of the spiritual realm. This behavior is condemned in 2 Peter 2:10-11, where it is noted that even angels, who are greater in power, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings. The cultural context of the time included various beliefs about angels and spiritual hierarchies, and Jude warns against the arrogance and irreverence of those who speak against them without knowledge or respect.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jude
The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as Jude, the brother of James and Jesus. He writes to warn believers about false teachers infiltrating the church.

2. Dreamers
Refers to the false teachers or individuals who are led by their own imaginations and desires rather than the truth of God’s Word. They are accused of leading others astray through their visions or dreams.

3. Glorious Beings
This term is often interpreted as referring to angels or celestial beings. The false teachers are accused of slandering these beings, showing a lack of respect for spiritual authorities.
Teaching Points
Respect for Authority
Jude warns against rejecting authority, which is a common trait among false teachers. Believers are called to respect both earthly and spiritual authorities as ordained by God.

Purity of the Body
The defilement of the body is a serious issue. Christians are reminded that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be kept pure and holy.

Guarding Against False Teachings
The church must be vigilant against those who distort the truth for personal gain. Sound doctrine and discernment are essential in identifying and rejecting false teachings.

Reverence for the Spiritual Realm
Slandering glorious beings indicates a lack of reverence for the spiritual realm. Believers should maintain a respectful attitude towards God’s creation, including angels.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jude's description of "dreamers" challenge us to evaluate the sources of our beliefs and teachings?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are respecting both earthly and spiritual authorities in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of our bodies being temples of the Holy Spirit influence our decisions and lifestyle choices?

4. What practical steps can we take to guard against false teachings within our church communities?

5. How can we cultivate a deeper reverence for the spiritual realm and ensure that our attitudes align with biblical teachings?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Peter 2:10-12
This passage parallels Jude 1:8, discussing false teachers who indulge in corrupt desires and despise authority, providing a broader context for understanding Jude's warnings.

Romans 13:1-2
These verses emphasize the importance of respecting authority, which contrasts with the behavior of the individuals Jude describes.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Highlights the importance of honoring God with our bodies, which is relevant to the accusation of defiling the body in Jude 1:8.
Despising DominionW. Jenkyn, M. A.Jude 1:8
Filthy DreamersW. Jenkyn, M. A.Jude 1:8
Filthy Dreamers and Defilers of the Flesh and Evil SpeakeT. Manton.Jude 1:8
Rulers not to be DespisedS. Otes.Jude 1:8
The Character of the Libertines in Jude's DayT. Croskery Jude 1:8
UnchastityW. Jenkyn, M. A.Jude 1:8
Waking DreamersW. Perkins.Jude 1:8
The LetterR. Finlayson Jude 1:1-25
Reasons for Resisting Evil MenJ.S. Bright Jude 1:5-16
People
Adam, Balaam, Cain, Core, Enoch, James, Judas, Jude, Korah, Michael
Places
Egypt, Ephesus, Gomorrah, Sodom
Topics
Angelic, Authorities, Authority, Beings, Bodies, Body, Celestial, Defile, Despise, Dignities, Dominion, Dreamers, Dreaming, Dreamings, Evil, Filthy, Flesh, Glorious, Indeed, Likewise, Lordship, Majesties, Manner, Naught, Nevertheless, Nought, Ones, Pollute, Rail, Railingly, Reject, Respect, Revile, Rulers, Slander, Speak, Unclean, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jude 1:8

     5136   body
     6243   adultery, spiritual
     8703   antinomianism

Jude 1:3-23

     6169   godlessness

Jude 1:4-19

     5714   men

Jude 1:8-10

     5800   blasphemy

Jude 1:8-16

     8706   apostasy, warnings

Library
The Holy Spirit and the one Church
Our text suggests to us three things: first, an inquiry--Have we the Spirit? secondly, a caution--if we have not the spirit we are sensual; thirdly, a suspicion--there are many persons that separate themselves. Our suspicion concerning them is, that notwithstanding their extra-superfine profession, they are sensual, not having the Spirit; for our text says, "These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit." I. First, then, our text suggests AN INQUIRY--Have we the Spirit? This
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

Persevering Grace. Jude 1:24,25.
Persevering grace. Jude 1:24,25. To God the only wise, Our Savior and our King, Let all the saints below the skies Their humble praises bring. 'Tis his almighty love, His counsel, and' his care, Preserves us safe from sin and death, And every hurtful snare. He will present our souls, Unblemished and complete, Before the glory of his face, With joys divinely great. Then all the chosen seed Shall meet around the throne, Shall bless the conduct of his grace, And make his wonders known. To our Redeemer,
Isaac Watts—The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts

The Manifestation of the Church with Christ.
The last time the world saw the Lord Jesus He was alone--all alone in death. But when He returns to this earth He will not be alone. His saints will accompany Him. He is the "Firstborn among many brethren" (Rom. 8:29), and when He appears again they will be with Him. "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again, bringing His sheaves with Him" (Ps. 126:6). Yes, that blessed One who humbled Himself to become the Sower shall return with "His sheaves"--"Behold,
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

The Twofold Bearing of this Fact.
We come now to a point concerning which it behooves believers, particularly young believers and beginners in the study of prophecy, to be quite clear upon. Like the other two great Facts which we have reviewed--the First Advent of our Lord to this earth and His going away, and the presence now of the Holy Spirit upon this earth--this third great fact of the Redeemer's Return also has a double bearing, a bearing upon the Church and a bearing upon the world. The Second Coming of Christ will occur in
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Present Exaltation of Satan.
One of the greatest mysteries in all God's creation is the Devil. For any reliable information concerning him we are shut up to the Holy Scriptures. It is in God's Word alone that we can learn anything about his origin, his personality, his fall, his sphere of operations, and his approaching doom. One thing which is there taught us about the great Adversary of God and man, and which observation and experience fully confirms, is, that he is a being possessing mighty power. It would appear, from a
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

Salvation.
Salvation is the song that was to be sung by the redeemed in that day. "Behold now is the day." Our salvation has come. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men." Salvation means deliverance. A prophecy concerning the Christ--our salvation--says: "He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." Isa. 61:1. Christ our Savior came to deliver us from the prison-house of sin. In the
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Saved by Grace;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE GRACE OF GOD: SHOWING-- I. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED. II. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED BY GRACE. III. WHO THEY AEE THAT ABE SAVED BY GRACE. IV. HOW IT APPEARS THAT THEY ARE SAVED BY GRACE. V. WHAT SHOULD BE THE REASON THAT GOD SHOULD CHOOSE TO SAVE SINNERS BY GRACE RATHER THAN BY ANY OTHER MEANS. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS admirable Treatise upon the most important of all subjects, that of the soul's salvation, was first published in a pocket volume, in the year 1675. This has
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of the Bible
Take its teachings about God Himself. What does the Bible teach us about God? It declares that He is Eternal: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou are God" (Ps. 90:2). It reveals the fact that He is Infinite: "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee" (I Kings 8:27). Vast as we know the universe to be, it has its bounds; but we must go beyond
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible

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