Discernment

In the same way, these people—who claim authority from their dreams—live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings. But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.) But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction. What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion. When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord’s love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds. They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness. Enoch, who lived in the seventh generation after Adam, prophesied about these people. He said, “Listen! The Lord is coming with countless thousands of his holy ones to execute judgment on the people of the world. He will convict every person of all the ungodly things they have done and for all the insults that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want.” ‭‭Jude‬ ‭1:8-16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The quote from Enoch is from the inter-testamental (the time between the Old and New Testament) literature of Enoch 1:9. This literature was not included in the canon of scripture as part of the accepted, inspired Word of God. However, it's historical relevance is yet valid. Jude makes reference to this in making his point about the destruction of false teachers.  False teachers are, at their core, Satanic. These impostors despise authority and refuse to submit to authority.  False teachers are always looking for opportunities to weasel their way in to the church. I have often seen people come into church services with a spirit of self righteousness and self exaltation. These individuals always want to be in the limelight. Just the other day I experienced this same thing in a service that I was in. As I sat there, I could discern the spirit of a few people. It was apparent that a couple individuals were of that rebellious spirit. False teachers and insubordinate individuals are always looking for opportunities to display their "talents" and subject others to their ways. Some people simply want a stage to perform their dreamed up, self inflated acts of ministry. These people are often oblivious to their own state of mind and life. They are self deceived. Worse than this, those who are their spectators are, many times caught up in the theatrics. Unknowingly, these congregants are often taken in by false teachers and false spirits because they are undiscerning. We, as believers,  need to ask God for the gift of discernment (see I Corinthians 12:7-11). This is one gift that I covet as much, or more, than any other. I want to know the distinct clarity between good and evil. I, certainly, don't want to be caught up in things that aren't holy and true.  Today, let us take a moment and ask God to give us discernment. O, how we need this in our time.  Do you know the truth well enough to recognize the false? Do you know the real well enough to spot a counterfeit?  Don't listen to, or follow, just anybody who sounds religious and has a charismatic personality. Listen to, and follow, sound, biblical teachers who rightly explain the Word of God.