Jude 1:19 — “These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jude continues to describe the false teachers and ungodly people he has been warning about. He identifies three clear marks of these people:
- They divide you — Their presence and teaching cause division and strife among believers. Instead of building up the church, they tear it apart.
- They follow mere natural instincts — They live according to their human desires and sinful nature, not according to God’s Spirit or truth.
- They do not have the Spirit — This is the heart of the issue. These people may appear spiritual on the outside, but they do not truly belong to God because they do not have the Holy Spirit living in them.
In short, these people are selfish, divisive, and spiritually dead. Their lives are driven by their own sinful desires, not by God’s Spirit.
Historical Context
In Jude’s time, the early church was facing serious threats—not from outsiders, but from people inside the church who were leading others astray.
These people claimed to be Christians but were spreading lies, stirring up conflict, and living in sin.
Jude’s readers needed to understand that these troublemakers were not true believers.
Their behavior showed they were living by natural instincts—their old sinful nature—and were without the Holy Spirit.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches three key truths:
- True believers are marked by the Holy Spirit.
Without the Spirit, a person is not truly part of God’s family (Romans 8:9). - Sinful human nature leads to division.
When people live for themselves, it destroys unity and peace in the church. - Spiritual division is a serious matter.
God desires His people to be united in truth and love, not torn apart by selfishness and false teaching.
Literary Analysis
Jude’s language here is short, direct, and to the point.
He lists three marks of false teachers:
- They divide.
- They live by instinct.
- They lack the Spirit.
Each phrase builds on the last, making it clear that these people do not belong to God.
This verse continues the pattern of Jude’s warnings and contrasts strongly with how true believers are described later in the letter.
Cross-References
Several other Scriptures reflect the same warning:
- Romans 8:5-9 — Describes the difference between living by the flesh and living by the Spirit.
- Galatians 5:19-21 — Lists the acts of the flesh, which include divisions and selfishness.
- 1 Corinthians 3:3-4 — Paul warns about division in the church caused by worldly behavior.
- 1 John 4:13 — Assurance that believers have the Spirit.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a clear reminder to watch out for people who cause division in the church—especially those who live by selfish desires and reject God’s authority.
It also challenges believers to examine themselves.
Are you living by your own instincts, or are you being led by the Holy Spirit?
Unity, love, and godly behavior are signs of a Spirit-filled life.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in this warning.
He cares about His people enough to expose the kind of behavior that divides and destroys.
He desires unity, peace, and spiritual health for His church—not conflict and confusion.
God’s love is also seen in His clear call to live by the Spirit, which leads to life and peace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus came to give the Holy Spirit to His followers so that they could live in truth, unity, and love:
- John 14:16-17 — Jesus promises the Spirit to those who love Him.
- John 17:20-23 — Jesus prays for unity among His followers.
- Acts 1:8 — Jesus says believers will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes.
The people Jude warns about do not have the Spirit because they do not truly know or follow Jesus.
True believers are marked by His Spirit and live differently.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Jude describes these false teachers as people who divide the church?
- What does it mean to live by “natural instincts” instead of by the Spirit?
- How can you recognize whether someone is being led by the Spirit or by their own selfish desires?
- In what ways can division harm the witness and health of the church?
- How does this verse challenge you to seek unity, love, and spiritual maturity in your own life?