I’m currently studying the epistle of Jude. In my last post, we were looking at some characteristics of false teachers in verse 8.

In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings.

Jude 8 NIV

Continuing with along this line, Jude tells us that they reject authority. That literally means that they cast off lordship.

I believe this is referencing the lordship of Christ. There are many Christians today who are embracing Jesus Christ as their Savior. On the other hand, they’re definitely not serving Him as Lord. This is a part of what I talked about in my last post. They claim to know Him, but by their actions they deny Him.

As church leaders, we need to be constantly aware of Christ’s lordship. He is Lord and we are not. Too many get in trouble by forgetting that one fact.

The next thing Jude talks about is what the NIV translates as slandering celestial beings. The actual Greek translation of this is that they blaspheme glory.

Personally, I see an important theme in the context of this verse. These false teachers are spiritually asleep, they’re not walking in righteousness, and they reject Christ’s leading.

All of these things are directly a part of our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Now Jude uses the word, blasphemy. I believe the glory he’s talking about is the Holy Spirit working in us.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV

Blasphemy is speaking evil about something or someone. This is speaking evil about the Holy Spirit or His work. That’s something the Jesus Christ expressly warned against.

“He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven…anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”

Matthew 12:30-32 NIV

Jesus said this when the Pharisees were saying that the Lord was casting out demons by the power of Satan. They were attributing God’s work to the devil. That’s speaking evil about the Spirit.

There are so many self-proclaimed teachers today who are speaking out against modern “revivals” and “moves of God”. This especially true online. Please be aware – you can remain anonymous to other online people – but not to God.

Be very careful about your criticism of other ministries. Many times, God does things that don’t fit into our neat little theological boxes. You don’t want to be found guilty of saying something the Holy Spirit is doing as being of the devil.

Too many people want to make a name for themselves by blasting others. Don’t fall into that trap. Take Jude’s advice.

But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”

Jude 9 NIV

If you have a problem with what you see happening in another ministry, pray for them. Let God handle the rebuke. Jesus Christ is the final judge of His people.

Question: How does your life portray Christ as Lord?

© 2026 Nick Zaccardi