My motive behind our examination of these passages is to provide us with a biblical view of this idea of mystical,
subjective, hidden dreamlike revelations that find their origins from within the minds of sinful man. This is exactly the character of the gnostic
heresy and of all heresies- their views are based on self revealed notions that are totally contrary to God’s revealed Word.
1. Text: Jude 8
Here is a quote concerning this verse from one of the early Church Fathers:
“It is worth noting there that Jude does not spare us the details of these people’s sin, which he attributes to the fact that they are deluded by a kind of dreaming. Those who do such things have lost their powers of reason and act as if they were sleepwalkers, stumbling from one thing to another.”
*Jude begins this verse by saying “Yet in the same manner as these men…” He is saying that these false teachers (early gnostics) were living out the example set by those he mentions in verses 5-7. Jude mentions three examples. First he mentions the example of the unbelievers who rejected the LORD after He had graciously brought them out of Egypt. Second, in verse 6 Jude describes the fall of Satan and his demons because of their rebellion. Third, he writes of Sodom and Gomorrah’s immorality. Again, the false teachers that Jude is warning the churches against are living out these three examples.
*Jude then describes some characteristics of those false teachers. He says that by their dreaming they do three things: Dreaming here in this context refers to the idea of becoming irrational and foolish rejecting all fear and reverence. “Dreaming” or “dreams” could also refer to these false revelations that they are spreading in the Church.
First, they defile the flesh. As I stated in the lesson this refers to outright immorality that is probably sexual in nature.
Second, they reject authority. I believe that this is a reference to them rejecting the authority of Jesus Christ Himself. This of course would go along with their view that Christ is not the God-Man.
Third, they reviled angelic majesties. This was basically a rejection of the demonic power over not only their lives but also their false doctrine.
From this text we see the character of false teachers both ancient or modern who base their ideas upon their own self delusion.
2. Text: Deuteronomy 13:1-5
Looking at the preceding context of these verses we find God warning His people to not follow the pagan practices of those nations that He, by His sovereign grace, kicked out of the land of which He had given to His elect people. He not only demands the elect’s complete obedience but He also warns them of false prophets and how they must reject such men and wait and watch the false prophet’s demise.
First, in verses 1 through 3, the LORD tells His people that if dreamers or prophets appear performing signs and wonders that they think provide evidence for their false gods and the need for the people’s proper worship the elect are not to listen to such doctrine. The word “listen” refers to not only hearing with one’s ears but the word also refers to living out what one “listens” to. The LORD basically tells them not to listen with action.
Why is the LORD allowing this to happen? Verse 3 says the LORD their God is testing His people to see if they truly love Him and Him alone.
Second, we find the counter-cultural imperative. God tells His people to listen and live out His commandments and His revelation through His mediating prophets who carry the true Word of God. They are to worship and serve the Sovereign God alone.
Third, what is to happen with these false prophets and dreamers that seek to lead God’s people astray? Verse 5 instructs His elect to put these individuals to death and purge (remove their influence) these false teachers from their community.
What application can we draw from these verses? One, look out for those who are self-proclaimed revelators or messengers of their own mindless created “revelations” that are not based upon the Word of God. Two, what we accept to be true whether it is biblical teaching and instruction or heretical teaching, they both produce a view of the world lived out either leading to glory or to destruction. Three, we do not necessarily work to put today’s false prophets and teachers to death but we can stress at least two important points. One, we cannot tolerate false teaching in our homes or in the Church. Two, God takes such venomous doctrine extremely serious therefore we should do so as well.
