Describing the Ungodly

These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

Jude 16

In verse 16 of his little New Testament book, Jude gives us four descriptions of the ungodly people who will face God’s judgment. 

First, he says they “are grumblers and faultfinders.” They’re complainers! They’re never content. They’re constantly finding fault either with God or with others. This is the sin of ungodly people in every age. It was the sin of ancient Israel in the desert. It was indicative of the false teachers in Jude’s day. And it’s far too present in the church today. Don’t grumble, find fault or complain. Believe it or not, our churches don’t need any more people like that.

Second, Jude tells us that these men, “follow their own evil desires.” They don’t follow God’s commands. They follow the lusts of their own flesh. They’re slaves to their desires. Again, this is true of ungodly people in every age. Ungodly people lack self-discipline. They haven’t learned to say ‘no’ to their desires. What about you? Do you follow the Lord and His Word? Or are you a slave to desire?

The third thing Jude says is that these false teachers “boast about themselves.” They speak arrogantly. They’re experts at self-promotion. That’s not what Christians are supposed to be. Believers are called to declare God’s glory… not our own. We’re called to value others above ourselves and look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Phil. 2:3-4) Yet, too many of us are arrogant, self-promoting boasters just like these false teachers. Don’t be that way. Don’t let boasting, arrogant words come out of your mouth.

The fourth and final description Jude gives is that they “flatter others for their own advantage.” When these ungodly people actually do think of others, they only do so to benefit themselves. They use flattery to manipulate people into doing what they want. Sadly, this is all too common in the church today. Fake politeness, flattery, manipulation, and political calculation are far too common in smalltown churches. But they ought to have no place in the body of Christ. 

Jude reminds us that God's judgment is coming on those who behave in these ways, so be very careful not to fall into the trap of living like the ungodly. Don’t grumble and find fault. Don't follow evil desires. Don't speak in boastful and arrogant ways. And don't flatter and manipulate others for your own benefit.