Though the genuine and the counterfeit may have some similarities, there are distinct and definite differences between sheep and wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Jude states eight clear, identifiable characteristics which will enable anyone who is so inclined to discern between the ungodly and the godly. He wrote: “These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.” (Jude 16-19).
- The ungodly are grumblers; the godly are contented.
- The ungodly are complainers; the godly are thank-ers.
- The ungodly live according to the unholy will of Me, Myself, and I; the godly seek the holy will of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- The ungodly mouth swelling words intended to flatter; the godly speak the truth in love.
- The ungodly seek to exploit others using the cloak of religion; the godly seek to save others using the sword of the Spirit to rescue them from the fire of eternal damnation.
- The ungodly irreverently mock and disdain God’s word; the godly reverently hear and do God’s word.
- The ungodly are sensual people who are infested with a spirit of selfishness and self-will; the godly are spiritual people who hunger and thirst for God’s righteous will.
- The ungodly cause division and offenses contrary to the apostles’ doctrine; the godly seek the unity which comes from a steadfast continuance in the apostles’ doctrine.
God clearly has no difficulty identifying His sheep!
