In many instances ungodly people rule and attempt to guide the saints, who often are not wise in their behavior. But God knows and loves the true saints. The sensual, although they boast themselves in the things and activities of the churches, will never stand in the Presence of the Lord.

They "have gone in the way of Cain." This means their hearts are not pleasing to God when they offer their sacrifices of worship. They stand side by side with the true believers and "give thanks" to God. Yet there is spiritual envy, anger, and murder in their hearts as there was in the heart of Cain. God does not accept their sacrifices.

They "ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward." They are lovers of money. They are prominent in the aspects of the churches that have to do with raising and spending money. To them, the Kingdom of God proceeds according to how much money is available. They react with cynicism and unbelief toward anyone who suggests it is the Spirit of God who performs the work of the Kingdom of God rather than money.

They are ready to plead for money in order to accomplish their programs—all in the name of the Lord. But the Lord has never known them. They will discover this fact to their terror when they meet the Lord Jesus.

They perish "in the gainsaying of Core [Korah]." Because of their spiritual envy they are not willing to submit themselves to God-given leadership. Rather, they always are seeking preeminence among the saints. They gain a following and then strive to displace those whom the Lord has chosen. But they will be removed in the end.

These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. (Jude 1:12,13)

They murmur and complain. They walk in their passions. They seek to impress people with their arrogant, boastful words. They are mockers, scoffing at the righteous. They live according to their natural mind, not having the Spirit of God.

They will be separated from us during the period of tribulation that is ahead. When the Lord returns with His saints they will receive their judgment.

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these [the tares: the false Christians, the sensual who are among us], saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all [the lustful in the Christian assemblies], and to convince [convict] all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [harsh] speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. (Jude 1:14,15)

To be continued.