Jude 1:14–16 (NKJV)
“Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.’ These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.”
Today we come to a sobering, yet essential passage in the book of Jude. These few verses pack a heavy punch. Jude reminds us of an ancient prophecy from Enoch, a man who walked with God in the days before the flood, and was taken up — he never saw death. Enoch’s words echo down through history as a trumpet blast to awaken the slumbering and warn the rebellious: The Lord is coming.
Not just in gentleness and mercy — but in judgment.
This is not a popular message today. We like to talk about grace, and we should! But grace only makes sense in the context of truth. And the truth is, there is a day of reckoning. And Jude is telling us, don’t be fooled by smooth talkers, don’t be deceived by religious disguises — judgment is coming, and we must be ready.
1. The Certainty of the Lord’s Coming
Look at verse 14: “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints…”
This is not a metaphor. This is not a fairy tale. Enoch saw it — a vision of the Lord returning in power, surrounded by His heavenly host. Revelation 19 confirms it. Jesus will return, not riding a lowly donkey this time, but on a white horse, as King of kings and Lord of lords. He’s coming not to be crucified, but to be crowned.
So what does that mean for us?
It means we must live with urgency. You don’t have time to play games with God. You don’t have time to keep dabbling in sin, thinking you’ll clean it up later. The trumpet could sound today. And when He comes, it won’t be to negotiate. It will be to judge.
2. The Purpose of His Coming: Judgment and Conviction
Verse 15 says: “to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly…”
Notice the repetition of that word “ungodly.” It’s mentioned four times in one verse. That’s no accident. Jude is making it crystal clear: God is not just judging wicked deeds — He’s judging an ungodly posture, an ungodly heart. These are people who have pushed God out of their thinking, their living, and their speaking.
Some people say, “Well, I’m a good person.” But Jude says God will judge even the attitude behind the actions. He sees the motives. He hears the words spoken in secret. He sees the hidden rebellion of the heart.
We can fool people — but we cannot fool God.
3. The Character of the Ungodly
Verse 16 gives us a glimpse of who these people are:
“These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.”
Church, doesn’t that sound familiar? Our culture has made complaining a pastime. Grumbling has become a personality trait. People are ruled by their desires and chase after what feels good instead of what is good.
Even in the church, there are some who speak flattering words just to gain influence — they say what people want to hear, not what they need to hear.
Let me say this clearly: God is not impressed by charisma. He is looking for character.
So I ask you today — are you living for Him, or for yourself? Are you surrendering to His will, or complaining because it doesn’t match your preferences? Are your words building people up or manipulating for your own gain?
A Call to Repentance and Readiness
The Lord is coming. That is the message of Enoch, and it is the message of Jude. And here is the good news: Though He comes in judgment, today is still the day of grace.
Jesus took the judgment we deserved at the cross. He bore the wrath of God so that anyone who believes in Him would not face that judgment when He returns.
But listen — if you reject that grace, you will face that judgment. And it will be just. There will be no appeals. No second chances.
So I urge you: Repent. Turn back. Stop playing church. Stop pretending to be godly while living ungodly.
Let your heart be broken before God. Let your mouth be filled with His praise instead of complaints. Let your life be marked by humility, not swelling words.
The Lord is coming. Will you be ready?
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, Your Word is clear. You are holy. You are just. And You are coming. Wake us up, Lord. Shake us out of spiritual slumber. Help us to walk in the fear of the Lord and the grace of Christ. Let not one soul leave here unchanged. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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