• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"And on some have compassion..."

Text: Jude 22

PRACTISING COMPASSION

The Lord Jesus showed deep and genuine compassion in His life and ministry. We read again and again how He was deeply moved with compassion as He saw the multitudes. The danger of the believer becoming less and less compassionate is very real. Hence Jude wrote this tender reminder.

“And on some have compassion, making a distinction;
but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire,
hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”

Jude 22-23

1. Reading the two verses together (Jude 22-23)

a) These two verses should be read together.

b) They were constructed together (Greek… “men and de” construction).

i) On the one hand (Jude 22).

ii) On the other hand.

2. “And on some have compassion, making a distinction”

a) Jude had in mind those who may have been caught up with false teachings.

b) A careful distinction must be made to distinguish between: –

i) Those who were beguiled and deceived.

ii) Those who have chosen to follow false teachings and have rejected the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

c) The word “compassion” has a strong element of “mercy” (Jude 22).

3. “But others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire”

a) Saving people out of false teachings is not easy.

b) This work is essentially rescue work.

c) It is like a fireman attempting to rescue people who are in a building that is on fire.

d) There is danger to the occupant and to the rescuer.

4. “Hating even the garment defiled by the flesh”

a) Those who have been caught up in cultic groups metaphorically wear their garments.

b) These garments are seen as defiled and thus to be “hated”.

c) Those who have been exposed to false teachings tend to be affected by false doctrines.

d) These doctrines must be shed.

e) This work of rescuing people from false teachings must be handled with utmost caution.