BOOK OF JUDE #7

Bring to a close our series of lessons in this short, yet powerful and Intense, Book of Jude. With a deep love and passion for keeping the commandments of God that is seldom seen with such intensity among mortals. Jude stands like a lighthouse on the shore. Warning of the rocks and reefs that hide so periloulsly just beneath the surface waiting to make shipwreck of some unsuspecting Soul’s faith. And as that light flashes, it has but one constant message, “Contend earnestly for the faith which has once and for all been delivered to the saints.”
We live in the end times and Satan is furiously trying to destroy the church and as many souls as possible. Jude calls to memory the many warnings spoken by Jesus and the Apostles. (Jesus) “Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing, In vain do they worship me teaching as doctrine the traditions of men.” (Paul) “From among your own selves ravenous wolves will come in among you not sparing the flock. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the traditions of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Peter) “Beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked.” (The Writer of Hebrews) “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.”
a. 1 Tim. 3:15, Paul reminds us that we are the church of the Living God and as such we
are the pillar and support of the truth. Responsible for upholding, protecting and keeping
what God has given so that the Way of Truth may be kept pure just as God has given it.
The teaching, The Doctrine, The Pattern, The Way of Salvation given by God must be upheld, defended, honored and perpetuated.
(1) That is the only pattern given by God and we are told by Paul in Eph. 4:3?6.
(1) There is only one faith. It is singular, identifiable, distinguishable from all others. It’s the one faith Paul said he taught everywhere in every Church.
(2) Because there is only one Identifiable faith it’s easy to Identify, understand and follow.
(2) Gal. 1:8-9, The one doctrine is contrasted to other doctrines. And sets forth the fact that there are false doctrines and perversions of the one true doctrine. Christian BEWARE! WHY? Alternative Gospels are being offered.
(3) 2 Tim. 1:3.
(4) Vs. 13, “Hold fast the Pattern of sound doctrine which I taught to you.”
(5) We are to hold fast the pattern. What pattern? The pattern of sound doctrine Which doctrine is the sound doctrine? The one taught by Jesus, the apostles and New Testament writers. They all taught the same thing.
Acts 6:7.
(3) Acts 14:22.
(6) Gal. 1:23?24.
(7) Phip. 1:27.
(8) Jude 3.
(9) 1 Tim. 4:1.
(4) Here is a faith you can hold fast to, be obedient to, continue in, you can preach, You can strive for, contend earnestly for, and a faith you can fall away from.
(10) It is one of a kind. No other like it. The only one that brings salvation.
(11) Believe God’s Word, obey God’s Word, defend and contend earnestly for God’s Word. James 1:21?23.
B. Jude closes with Verses 17-25.

3. Sensual is the word PSUCHIKOS Means SOULISH. One who lives for the animal nature, the Adam side of man’s being. And you know what that got Adam.
1. Jude continues by saying, “But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
2. How do you keep yourself in the love of God?
3. John 14:15. You keep Christ’s commands in contrast to the keeping of man-made traditions or commandments.
4. Vs. 22-23.
1. Some people teach and live in error are honest doubters. Gently, patiently lead them to the truth. Why? Because error will not bring them salvation.
(1) But there are those who are more advanced in spiritual error and are close to being lost in the fires of hell.
(2) Try your best to snatch them from the fire that awaits.
(1) As you do so be careful not to get involved in their error and spiritual uncleanness.
(2) Work with them, if you can, but do not become defiled by their error.
2. Finally Jude closes with this admonition to give glory to God.
(1) Vs. 24-25.
(2) Acts 20:32.

Spur - 4/15/2001 am