How to Avoid Spiritual Shipwreck: Standing Firm Against Deception (Jude 5-16)

How can we avoid spiritual shipwreck in a world full of deception? In this episode, Pastor Chris continues the Steadfast series, exploring Jude 5-13, which warns against false teachers, pride, and rebellion. Like a lighthouse guiding ships away from destruction, God’s truth protects us from drifting into danger. Jude highlights examples from history—including Israel’s unbelief, fallen angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah—to remind us of the consequences of rejecting truth. We must stand firm in faith, reject deception, and stay anchored in God’s Word.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/16797528

Key Points:

1. Learn from the Past (Jude 5-7, 1 Tim 1:18-19)
   • Jude reminds us that Israel, fallen angels, and Sodom were all judged for turning away from God.
   • Application: Strengthen your faith by remembering God’s past faithfulness and trusting His promises.
2. Recognize False Teachers (Jude 8-10, 2 Peter 2:10-12)
   • False teachers rely on dreams instead of Scripture, reject authority, and twist the truth.
   • Even Michael the Archangel relied on God’s authority, not his own, when resisting Satan.
   • Application: Stay anchored in Scripture and test all teachings against God’s Word.
3. Beware of Pride, Greed, and Rebellion (Jude 11, Genesis 4, Numbers 22, 16)
   • Cain’s jealousy, Balaam’s greed, and Korah’s rebellion all led to destruction.
   • Application: Guard your heart against arrogance, self-interest, and rejecting godly authority.
4. Discern Spiritual Deception That Looks Good but Destroys (Jude 12-13)
   • False teachers are compared to hidden reefs, waterless clouds, fruitless trees, wild waves, and wandering stars—dangerous, unreliable, and leading others astray.
   • Application: Seek godly leaders who are rooted in truth and bear fruit in their lives.

Personal Stories:

• Pastor Chris recalls navigating without GPS, relying on a radio tower’s red light—just as God’s truth keeps us on course.
• He shares the loneliness of a lighthouse keeper, emphasizing faithfulness in standing for truth.

Quotes:

• “A lighthouse is built to withstand the storm—so must we stand firm in truth.”
• “False teachers promise much but deliver nothing—stay grounded in Scripture.”
• “Faith based on culture or experience can drift. Faith anchored in Scripture stands the test of time.”

Takeaways:

• Evaluate your faith—are you holding firm or drifting?
• Be discerning—test everything against Scripture before accepting it.
• Resist spiritual complacency—like a lighthouse, always shine God’s truth.
• Encourage others—help those struggling in faith avoid shipwreck.

Scripture:

• Jude 5-13 – Warnings against deception.
• 1 Tim 1:18-19 – Faithfulness prevents shipwreck.
• Gen 4, Numbers 22, 16 – Pride, greed, and rebellion lead to ruin.
• 2 Peter 2:10-12 – False teachers twist truth fo

Well Faith shares recent sermons from Pastor Chris Teien and occasional Rockwell Church guest speakers, along with highlighting timeless replay messages from his earlier years (marked with *). These Biblical messages apply timeless truth to everyday life, offering practical guidance, encouragement, and hope for living out WELL Faith: Worshiping, Encouraging, Learning, and Loving. Get more resources ChrisTeien.com and Find sermons by topic, series, and year at WELL.faith Come worship with us Sundays at 10:15 AM at Rockwell.church 93 Midway Drive, Virginia, MN. If this message encouraged you, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and let us know what you think at [email protected]