The book of Jude is a chapter that brings a warning to believers about the arrival of false teachers. Unless we abide in the love of God, we will be swept away from the gospel of righteousness into a doctrine of richness. Always learning from the experiences of other people is also a good character-building exercise.
Jude gives three examples of men who did whatever they wanted (1:10):
- Genesis 4:1-16 explains how Cain, murdered his brother out of vengeful jealousy
- Numbers 22 -21-34 relates the story of Balaam, who prophesied out of greed, not out of obedience to God’s command.
- Numbers 16:1-35 says about Korah, who rebelled against God’s divinely appointed leaders, wanting the power for himself. These stories illustrate attitudes that are typical of false teachers - pride, selfishness, jealousy, greed, lust for power, and disregard of God’s will in people’s lives.
What is common between Cain, Balaam and sons of Korah is that they were all characterized by dissatisfaction with the place they occupied. So they engaged in rebellion against God, greedily seeking selfish gain at any cost.