Jude 4
“For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” — Jude 4 (ESV)
Introduction: Why Does Fake Faith Feel So Real?
We’ve all seen it.
People who seem spiritual. They use the right words. They sound bold. They quote Scripture. But something just feels off.
They talk about grace… but twist it into a license to sin.
They mention Jesus… but live like He’s optional.
Jude 4 is the verse that rips the mask off fake Christianity—and not just “out there,” but in our own churches, feeds, and hearts.
And the scariest part?
Most churches stay silent.
Big Idea: False Teaching Doesn’t Always Shout—It Creeps In
You don’t need a stage to spread deception.
Jude says some of the most dangerous people in the church don’t crash the front door…
They creep in quietly.
This isn’t just about recognizing wolves.
It’s about guarding your own soul from subtle compromise.
Let’s look at 3 marks of fake Christianity that still sneak into the church today—and how to stay rooted in real truth.
1️⃣ Fake Faith Sneaks In Quietly
“For certain people have crept in unnoticed…”
The Greek word is pareisdynō (παρεισδύνω), meaning to slip in secretly, like a spy through a side door.
This isn’t ignorance. It’s intentional deception.
False teachers aren’t always loud. Sometimes they’re polite. Kind. Well-dressed. Quoting Scripture.
But their goal?
To blend in, gain influence, and twist truth from the inside out.
📖 2 Peter 2:1 — “There will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies…”
📖 Matthew 7:15 — “Beware of false prophets… inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”
✅ Application:
Don’t assume someone’s right because they’re likable or popular.
Test everything by God’s Word—even if it comes from a pastor, podcaster, or friend.
💬 Reflection Question:
Am I letting charisma or credentials blind me to compromise?
2️⃣ Fake Faith Abuses Grace
“…who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality…”
The word for “pervert” is metatithēmi (μετατίθημι), meaning to transfer, twist, or corrupt the original purpose.
Grace is meant to free us from sin—not give us permission to live in it.
But these false teachers had turned God’s mercy into a moral loophole.
Their motto?
“God will forgive me anyway.”
The word “sensuality” is aselgeia (ἀσέλγεια)—meaning unrestrained indulgence, especially in moral sin.
📖 Romans 6:1–2 — “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!”
📖 Titus 2:11–12 — “Grace… trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions…”
✅ Application:
Don’t let grace become an excuse for compromise.
Real grace leads to transformation, not tolerance of sin.
💬 Reflection Question:
Have I started excusing sin under the banner of grace?
3️⃣ Fake Faith Denies Christ’s Authority
“…and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”
This is the deepest issue of all.
They didn’t just twist grace—they rejected Christ’s authority.
“Master” in Greek is despotēs (δεσπότης), meaning absolute ruler.
This isn’t a casual title. It’s a claim to full ownership.
They used Jesus’ name… but refused to submit to His commands.
This is the root of all false faith:
Using Christ as a label—without bowing to Him as Lord.
📖 Luke 6:46 — “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”
📖 2 Timothy 3:5 — “Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power…”
✅ Application:
Real faith bows. It doesn’t bargain.
Jesus doesn’t ask for your opinion—He calls for your obedience.
💬 Reflection Question:
Is Jesus just my Savior… or is He also my Lord?
🔚 Conclusion: Test the Teaching, Guard Your Soul
Jude 4 isn’t just a warning for pastors and theologians.
It’s a warning for every believer.
Fake Christianity doesn’t knock on the front door.
It sneaks in the side.
It sings the songs, posts the verses, and smiles in the lobby.
But underneath—it’s empty. Dangerous. Deadly.
So how do you respond?
👉 Know the Word.
👉 Guard your heart.
👉 Test every teaching—starting with your own.
Contending for the faith begins by recognizing what’s false.