In the book of Jude, we find a fascinating reference to an ancient text that isn't included in our Bibles. This unusual citation opens up a world of questions about what Christians should read, how we should interpret Scripture, and most importantly, how we should live our lives as followers of Christ.

Jude 14-16 says: "It was also about these that Enoch the seventh from Adam prophesied saying, 'Behold, the Lord comes with 10,000 of his holy ones to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.' These are grumblers, malcontents following their sinful desires. They are loudmouth boasters showing favoritism to gain advantage."

The Book of Enoch is three separate works (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Enoch) written approximately 200-400 years before Jesus. These writings were widely circulated during Jesus' time. Still, they weren't considered Scripture because they were written during the intertestamental period—the 400 years between Malachi and Jesus, when God wasn't speaking directly to His people through prophets.
Only the Ethiopian Orthodox Church includes portions of Enoch (1st and 2nd Enoch) in their Bible. The book contains fascinating stories about:

• The Watchers (angels who rebelled against God)
• The Nephilim (offspring of fallen angels and humans)
• Prophecies about the Messiah
• The afterlife

While the Book of Enoch isn't Scripture, it's not necessarily harmful to read. Think of it like reading C.S. Lewis or Max Lucado—it may contain truth, but it isn't the inspired Word of God.
Reading these ancient texts can help us understand the cultural context of Jesus' time and why certain Jewish expectations about the Messiah existed. However, we should approach such texts with discernment, recognizing they don't carry the authority of Scripture.

Jude's letter addresses corrupt teachers who had infiltrated the church. These weren't necessarily teaching false doctrine, but they were living ungodly lives and abusing God's grace as an excuse to sin freely.
Throughout his letter, Jude provides examples of rebellion against God and its consequences:

• The Israelites in the desert
• Rebellious angels
• Sodom and Gomorrah
• Cain, Balaam, and Korah

His point? Following Jesus and receiving His grace demands a life change.

How does this apply to our lives today?
The most convincing part of this passage is how Jude describes ungodliness. It's not just about major sins—it's about being:

• A grumbler or complainer
• A malcontent
• Someone who follows their sinful desires
• A boaster or bragger
• Someone who shows favoritism to gain an advantage

This hits close to home. How many times have we complained today? How often do we boast about ourselves? How frequently do we try to gain an advantage through flattery?

Why does our behavior matter?
Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." Our obedience isn't just about following rules—it's a response to Christ's incredible sacrifice for us.
Remember what Jesus did:

• He left glory and put on flesh
• He lived a perfect, sinless life
• He died the death we deserved
• He rose again three days later

And He did all this while we were in active rebellion against Him! In light of this amazing grace, our obedience seems like a small thing to ask.

How can we recognize true spiritual leaders?
Jesus taught us in Matthew 7:15-20 that we can recognize false prophets by their fruit. A good tree bears good fruit, and a bad tree bears bad fruit.

This doesn't mean that spiritual leaders must be perfect. Everyone has bad days. But there should be consistent evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in their lives—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Be careful who you allow to disciple you. If they're producing bad fruit, they can poison your spiritual growth. Likewise, be mindful of the fruit you're producing as you disciple others.
What about grace when we fail?

There is more grace in Jesus than there are sins you can commit. We get unending second chances. Christ died because He loves us so much that He's willing to forgive us over and over again.

However, grace isn't a license to sin. True grace transforms us and leads us to live more like Christ.

This week, evaluate your fruit. Take an honest look at your heart and ask God to show you where you need to grow. Be prepared—this might hurt! There are always areas in our lives that need improvement.

Ask God to prune you—to cut off the branches that produce bad fruit and the parts of your life that don't honor Him. Remember, it's never too late. You're never too far gone.

Consider these questions:

• In what areas of my life am I most likely to grumble or complain?
• How often do I boast about myself instead of giving glory to God?
• Where am I showing favoritism to gain advantage?
• What fruit is my life producing that others can see?
• If someone were to look at my life, would they recognize me as a "little Christ"?

Confession is powerful. Find someone you trust—not to give you penance, but to help you defeat whatever you're struggling with. That's the job of Christian brothers and sisters.

Let's live in such a way that people look at us and say, "Look at those little Christs go"—not for our glory, but for God's.