“Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.” — Jude 7 (ESV)
We Talk About Love. But What About Judgment?
In churches today, we talk a lot about love, grace, and peace—and we should.
But what happens when we skip over the parts of the Bible that speak with fire?
Jude 7 brings up one of the most disturbing stories in all of Scripture—not to scare us, but to warn us.
And the warning is still active.
This isn’t about a distant culture or a different people group. It’s about us. Our generation. Our decisions.
What happened to Sodom isn’t just history.
It’s prophecy.
💡 Big Idea
God’s past judgment is a picture of His future justice. Ignore it, and you ignore His holiness.
🧭 3 Terrifying Truths from Jude 7
1️⃣ Some Sins Still Cry Out
“...indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire…”
The Greek word here is ekporneuō (ἐκπορνεύω). It means to fully give yourself over to sexual sin—without shame, without limit, without care.
Sodom didn’t just slip up—they celebrated rebellion.
This wasn’t just a moral breakdown—it was open, public, and persistent rejection of God’s design.
📖 Cross-References:
Genesis 19:4–5 — The men of the city demand access to angels to satisfy their desires.
Ezekiel 16:50 — “They were haughty and did an abomination before me.”
✅ Application:
Don’t read this and think, “That was them.”
Read it and ask, “Is this us?”
💬 Reflection Question:
Am I shaping my view of sexuality by God’s Word—or by what the world applauds?
2️⃣ Judgment Can Fall Now—And Forever
“...undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”
Jude doesn’t say judgment might come. He says it already did—and it still matters.
The Greek word for “punishment” is díkē (δίκη), which means a legal verdict. This wasn’t a mood swing from God. It was divine justice, passed down from heaven’s courtroom.
What happened in Genesis was just a preview.
The final sentencing is still to come—for those who live in open rebellion.
📖 Cross-References:
2 Peter 2:6 — “He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah… making them an example.”
Revelation 21:8 — “...the lake that burns with fire and sulfur…”
✅ Application:
God’s judgment doesn’t cancel His love—but it does confirm His holiness.
Grace isn’t soft. It’s serious. And it cost Jesus everything.
💬 Reflection Question:
Do I believe in God’s justice as much as I believe in His love?
3️⃣ The Warning Is Still Active
“...serve as an example…”
The Greek word is deigma (δεῖγμα)—it means a visible display, a sample, a warning you can see and learn from.
Sodom’s story didn’t end with fire. It lives on—as a signpost for every generation.
It’s as if God is holding up that city and saying: “Don’t let this be you.”
📖 Cross-References:
Luke 17:28–30 — “Just as it was in the days of Lot… so will it be when the Son of Man is revealed.”
1 Corinthians 10:11 — “These things happened to them as an example…”
✅ Application:
Don’t skip over the hard stories in Scripture.
They’re not outdated. They’re God’s way of waking up His people.
💬 Reflection Question:
How do I respond to warnings from God’s Word—with excuses or with repentance?
🙏 CONCLUSION: The Fire Still Speaks
We often ignore Jude 7. It feels too intense. Too uncomfortable.
But maybe that’s why it was written.
God isn’t trying to shame us—He’s trying to save us.
He doesn’t delight in judgment.
But He will not ignore rebellion.
Sodom burned. Not as a myth. But as a message.
A message to you.
To your church.
To this generation.
There is still time to turn.