With verse 3 revealing the purpose of his short epistle (and thus apologetics), we see Jude explain some of the problems in his day - and ours especially - only emphasizing further the need for every Christian to study of apologetics.
Verse 4 indicates that "certain men" - and if you keep reading in that same verse you will see them named as "ungodly men" - who have sneaked into the church. The phrase "crept in unnoticed" (NKJV) or "crept it unawares" (KJV) indicate a mission shrouded in secrecy. That very notion means that their actions were premeditated to accomplish some purpose.
The verse itself provides clues for us to understand their goals and objectives: (1) to change the grace of God from reality into something that fits their worldview or (2) to outright deny the existence or work of God. I particularly like the phrasing here in Jude because its moves from symptom (changing God's grace) to disease (denial of God). A deep desire to satisfy personal desires is only an indicator of the larger issue that someone does not wish to have a moral authority over their lives. Therefore, the ultimate goal of these "ungodly men" is to deny God's existence and work in the world; because if He does not exist, then they get to satisfy every desire of their worldview (notice the word "lewdness" in the NKJV and "lasciviousness" in the KJV). The simple sentence structure leaves you with the thought of denying God's existence which is what the author wanted us to remember.
If we were talking about this today, the sentence could sound like: "Just remember, these folks want to fulfill their personal desire but what they really want are guilt free pleasures without consequences; and the only way to get that wish is to not have a God over them." They seek a license to get a thrill any way they desire while wanting to do so without guilt. As much as they try to bury God, He is still there seeking an opportunity to soften their hard hearts.
The underlying reason for denying God is a personal choice due to a self-focus. Really, these individuals have a void they are trying to fill and believe they best know how to do so. Let's turn to a human example of a similar individual and see how they responded - C.S. Lewis. He abandoned the faith he had been taught as a child and became an atheist. However, his quest for joy never subsided. He speaks of "unsatisfied desire which is itself more desirable than any other satisfaction." He goes on to say that he calls "joy, which is here a technical term and must be sharply distinguished both from happiness and pleasure....But then joy is never in our power and power often is." (quoted from pages 51-52 in Skeptics Who Demanded a Verdict by Josh McDowell). By trying to fill this void on their own, people will remain on an endless search - that is until they drop their skepticism and turn to the Savior. Lest we adopt a haughty attitude toward these individuals, remember that we were like them at one point; and only by the grace of God are we changed today.
Lewis eventually realized the truth of Habakkuk 3:17-19. In this short passage, the prophet is describing the difficulties being faced; however, his conclusion is astounding: regardless of all these issues, I choose to rejoice in the Lord because God, as my salvation, is the source of my joy. His joy translates into strength for us to deal with these difficulties. Simply stated, the One who created us in the first place is the only source for joy while all else acts like an addictive drug providing a short "fix" with the craving returning way too quickly. God is our joy! That's why Jesus, the Son of God, said in John 14:6 - "I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Remember, there are 3 definitive Greek articles in that verse removing any other possibility -- its only Jesus.
The problematic apology, then, is not in a lack of evidence but in a lack of two actions -- (1) not enough Christians are telling the world about this evidence and (2) accepting or understanding that evidence due to a lack of knowledge. Lewis says that he turned "to Him whom I so earnestly desired not to met. That which I great feared had at last come upon me." The evidence is there, if we share it, and the goal of the true apologist is to highlight that evidence, thereby, pointing others to the One and Only Truth. We cannot save anyone out on life's seas, but we can sure provide the right bearing to safe harbor. Keep presenting truth and remember that a small drip of water over time will erode even the hardest of stones!
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