Michael, Moses, And Other Mischief

Jude 1:9-11

We have been working through the examples from the past illustrating seven Old Testament deeds by false believers. Jude is sounding an alarm for the church to heed, to enable us to identify and flee from them.

Now we come to verses 9-11 which tell of four more illustrations:

1. The dispute between archangel Michael and Satan (over the body of Moses)

- what is he talking about?

- why is Jude saying this?

Michael is deferring to the authority of God. This is in contrast to the false believers who are relying on their own authorities and dreams.

Many scholars think Jude is referring to the book "The Assumptions of Moses" which is believed to contain an account of the burial of Moses and also quoting from the book of Enoch.

However it is very unlikely that that book was authoritative/inspired like the Bible. So why did he quote from it in the first place?

4 possible options:

a. He is merely using it for illustration

b. He is quoting it because people believed the story

c. We need to accept this story as true. However this doesn't mean that we must accept that all of the stories in this book ("The Assumptions of Moses") and the book of Enoch are inspired. (According to Augustine)

d. Jude is actually not quoting from the ("The Assumptions...") book, rather what Jude is referencing is Zechariah 3. The "body of Moses" may not be referring to the literal body of Moses but "the Law of Moses". (John Gill commentary)

This option seems to fit the best.

These false of believers are perverting the grace of God into sin, the gospel into sensuality and they are destroyed by it.

""Unreasoning animals" is the perfect description for our current generation. We live in a time of utter madness." (Ps. Ian)

What is the solution to this? It is to contend for the faith... to contend for the gospel...

2. The way of Cain

Cain sinned and killed his brother. He engaged in false worship. False believers today are engaging in false worship and killing their brothers!

3. Balaam's error

Numbers 22 onwards have the story of Balaam cursing the people of God for money! He also led the people into idolatry.

False teachers today are engaged in perverting the gospel and leading the people astray and most of them are found extorting money from the church.

4. Kohra's rebellion

Numbers 16:16-35

The warning Moses gave to the people at Kohra's rebellion is "get away from them".

One of the common things that hinders us from fleeing from the false believers is the thought that God will save us regardless.

The truth is we can't stand beside the unbelievers. Heed these warnings!

Contend for the faith. Cling to our Saviour.