Jude 1:22-23

Jude 1:22-23

Few matters are more difficult for a community of disciples than the matters of church discipline. It is never easy, it is rarely done well, and even in the best-case scenario, it will involve much personal suffering. The Christians to whom Jude is writing face a very dangerous threat, and non-confrontation is not an option. Jude wisely shows us that not all situations are alike and cannot be treated the same. He gives us three responses for the three stages for reaching the person who is slipping away.

First is “…mercy for those who are doubting.” These are people who are struggling or questioning what is right and what is true. They are beginning down the wrong path. To have mercy is also to take action, not merely to pity or offer a generalized forgiveness. Helping those who struggle is part of restoration. 

Second, is the person more advanced in immorality. If we are to use contemporary language, what Jude here offers is what we might call an “intervention.” “Snatching them out” carries the implication that we act in some ways against their will. To lovingly tell a person, “…we will be here for you every step of the way, but you must change or else,” is what Jude is presenting. There is no limit to God's love, but there is a limit to his patience and to the opportunity for repentance.

The third stage is perhaps the most dangerous; it involves the more advanced erring brother. To “…have mercy with fear…” is a warning to the disciples hoping to restore a fallen brother that the faithful disciple might be pulled into the fallen brother’s evil. Many disciples have ventured into morally dangerous places only to be pulled into the evil rather than rescue their fallen comrade. Our sinful natures will deceive us into thinking the danger is not very great and our spiritual strength is sufficient. A holy fear is a good antidote for both errors. It is worth noting that the verbs here are plural. Loan rescuers are likely going to end up going over into the sin they did not adequately fear.

Church discipline is always primarily restorative, but it also protects the rest of the flock. We must attempt to bring the wanderers back, but we must also protect the flock from the wolves that would like to enter.

“Lord, grant Your church holy well done church discipline. AMEN”