JUDE Sermons by Rev. Mike Jones
Jude 01:1-4 THE PROBLEM WITH PREACHERS
Jude 01:8-10 THE WRONG REFERENCE
Jude 01:17 MAKING FUN OR MAKING FAITH
Jude 01:20-25 THE SPIRITUAL BUILDING
Jude 01:22-23 SAINTS AND SINNERS
Jude 01:24 GOD’S ABILITY AND ADORATION
JUDE Intro
Author- Jude the Brother of Christ Date-Around 65 – 69 AD
Jude had originally planned to write about “the Common Salvation” (vs 3- I sure would have loved to read that!) but because of certain men who had “crept in unawares: he had to exhort people to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints”.
This is a great example of putting God’s Will first in your life and ministry:
1) We must be willing to put God’s Plans above our Preferences. Jude had evidently spent a lot of time preparing a message on the Common Salvation but he now had to write about a very different subject. Many preachers will tell you it is amazing how many sermons start off “here” and end up “there”!
2) We must be flexible in God’s Work. I once preached on “The duties of Mothers” on Father’s Day because God directly told me to do so. I was amazed at how many Mothers came to me after church and said they really needed that message right then.
3) We must do the “Hard” as well as the popular. You get a lot more “Amens” preaching about Salvation than you do warning about Apostasy.
4) We need to study about, and preach on, Faith Foundational Truths but we must also show how to apply these truths to daily living so that they become part of our character and conduct. Sinfulness is not just immorality or wickedness; it is also an absence of the “Fear of God” (Reverential awe of God) which will lead to Work FOR God as well as Worship OF God. [The question is not just “what did I get from worship” but “what did GOD get from my worship”]
(Jude also contains 2 quotes from Apocharphic Books- Books which are of supposed Religious origin but were never accepted as inspired 9,14, 15). (A Pseudepigraphal writing is a writing ascribed to an author to make use of the author’s reputation). {Paul quotes from several Heathen poets without implying inspiration- Acts 17:28; I Cor 15:33; Tit 1:12}.
I. THE EXPLANATION FOR HIS PURPOSE 1-4 Contend for the Faith
II. THE EXAMPLES OF THE PROBLEM 5-16 Beware of False Teachers
A) Israel-Delivered but disbelieving
B) Fallen angels-Kept not first estate
C) Sodom and Gomorrah-gave themselves over to fornication
D) Michael and the Devil-Right use of Authority
F) Cain-Willfulness
F) Balaam-Greed
G) Korah’s-Presumption
III. THE EXHORTATION TO PERSEVERANCE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS 17-21
A) Remember Christ’s warnings about False Teachers
B) Realize the need of Continued Growth
1. Building up yourself on your most holy Faith
2. Praying in the Holy Ghost
3. Keep yourselves in the Love of God
4. Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ
C) Recognize how far a person has gone in to false doctrine
1. Some just need to be shown compassion (Lest swallowed up with sorrow
2. Some need to be scared because they’re close to the fire
3. All need to be pointed to God’s sustaining power.
Jude 00 JUDE Quiz
1. Who wrote it?
2. Why did He write it?
3. When did he write it?
4. What is the main point of the book?
5. How did He write it? (Outline of the Book)
6. There is something in Jude that causes some to not want to accept the fact the book of Jude was inspired- What is it and where is it located?
7. List the 7 examples of the Problem given
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
F)
H)
8. List the 5 fold description of the False Teachers:
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
9. List the 4 things in vs 20-21 that help us grow:
A)
B)
C)
D)
10. What should be our attitude toward People who are tempted to backslide (Vs 22-23)?
11. Write out vs 24 and tell what it means.
MY COPY with Answers JUDE
1. Who wrote it? Jude, the Brother of Christ
2. Why did He write it? vs 3 He wanted to write about the common salvation but because of certain men crept in unawares he had to write to earnestly contend for the Faith.
3. When did he write it? 65-89AD
4. What is the main point of the book? A warning that False Teachers could lead to Apostasy
5. How did He write it? (Outline of the Book)
6. There is something in Jude that causes some to not want to accept the fact the book of Jude was inspired- What is it and where is it located? 2 Quotes from Apocharphic Books Vs 9 from “The Assumption of Moses” and vs 14-15 from 1 Enoch
7. List the 7 examples of the Problem given 5-11
A) Israel- Delivered but Disbelieving
B) Fallen Angels- Kept not first Estate so now in Tartarus
C) Sodom & Gomorrah- gave themselves to Fornication
D) Michael & the Devil- Right use of Authority (Satan wanted Power for self)
E) Cain- Willfulness (His way instead of God’s)
F) Balaam- Greed (Wealth instead of God’s Will)
H) Korah- Presumption (Tried to undo God’s Plan)
8. List the 5 fold description of the False Teachers: (vs 12-13)
A) Spots in your Feasts- Stink
B) Clouds without water- Promise without Fulfillment
C) Twice dead trees- Past performance is all they have
D) Raging waves of the sea- Destructive
E) Wandering Stars- No guidance, no Peace
vs 15-16: A) Murmurers; B) Complainers; C) Walking after own Lust; D) Speaking great swelling words;
E) Admiring men’s Person
9. List the 4 things in vs 20-21 that help us grow:
A) Building up yourself in your most Holy Faith (Saved by Walk in)
B) Praying in the Holy Ghost- Led by God
C) Keeping yourselves in the Love of God
D) Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ
10. What should be our attitude toward People who are tempted to backslide (Vs 22-23)?
A) Have compassion on some
B) Scare some because they’re close to the fire
C) Continually warn to keep their garments clean
11. Write out vs 24 and tell what it means. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Able to sustain- by his Power
Able to Save- By His Grace
Jude 01:1-4 THE PROBLEM WITH PREACHERS
Jude 1-4 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
I feel much like Jude this week. I had planned to preach some messages this week to highlight the Lord’s Return but as the week progressed I felt more and more compelled to expose some serious problems among preachers. The problems are not simply Personality differences (Which we all have) but are areas (like Jude saw) that are so serious until it calls for a “call to arms” in order to defend the Faith.
This week I have seen a Preacher turn Christ from the Messiah into simply a Martyr in order to tell a family what it wanted to hear. I have seen another Preacher turn Christian Liberty into a license to do anything you want to do in order to satisfy Lukewarm Christians. And I have wrestled with “Preacher Politics” that will destroy some Men’s Ministries because of Personalities and Preferences.
The Christian Faith {The Word “Faith” here is not referring simply to Saving Faith but the entire Doctrines of the Christian Life} is the most important thing in all the world. It determines our Relationship with God; and should determine our relationship with man. It is the Foundation of the Christian Religion and if it is weakened it will endanger everything that is built upon it.
In the next few services I want us to examine this small but powerful Epistle from Jude in order to identify the strategy Satan’s Ministers are using and learn to save ourselves, and others, from it’s deadly influence.
I. JUDE’S SALUTATION vs 1-2 Jude is identified by many as the Brother of Christ who, along with his brother James, became a believer when he met with Christ following His resurrection. Note that he identifies himself as a SERVANT (Almost all of the Disciples used this identification. Why are Christians so anxious today to be everything in the church except Servants when Christ said that was the way to be greatest of all?!?)
Notice the work of the Trinity in those who the letter was written to: (1) Sanctified (Set Apart) by the Father, (2) Preserved (Kept) in the Son, and (3) Called by the Holy Spirit. These are some things that every Christian needs to be aware of: (1) God Saves us for HIS PURPOSES; not for our Pleasures. He sets us apart for a specific function in the body of Christ. (2) While I believe in the Possibility of Apostasy (Next message), I rest in the Security of the Son. Thank God, My Salvation does not rest on my feeble efforts but on His Great Sacrifice! (3) It is the Holy Spirit that brings us to God and then indwells us to give us Power to work for God.
Note also what He wanted to be Multiplied (Continually increased) in their life- <1> Mercy: God had to have Mercy on us to bring us His Grace or His Judgment would have destroyed us! <2> Peace- with God because of our standing in Christ. <3> Love- The Love OF God and FOR God
II. JUDE’S EXHORTATION vs 3
A> His Intention- “I wanted to write to you of the common Salvation”. He wanted to do something that he thought would have been beneficial to the Church but God had something else in mind (Warn about Apostasy). That’s one of the first things a Servant of God learns; to put aside his personal desires and wants in order to accomplish what God wants. It seems today that many Members (and Ministers!) are much more interested in doing what they think is right than in taking the time to determine what God really wants them to do; and, as a result, people’s ears are “tickled” while their hearts grow harder.
B> His Inspiration- God changed his Examination of Salvation into an Exhortation to defend the Faith. “To earnestly contend” here means to put forth all diligence. God told him that right now the great Doctrines of the Faith did not need Definition as much as they needed Defending. Paul said people would be “ever learning and never coming to the Knowledge of the Truth” and that day has arrived. The average preacher today can preach any Doctrine he wants from the pulpit and his people will gladly accept it. The average Christians never witnesses for Christ at work because he thinks “everyone has the right to believe what they want to believe”. Most people who attend Sunday School regularly cannot name 3 things they learned in SS the past year that affected their life or relationships.
How many people can follow Peter’s command to Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:(I Pet 3:15). Since few people know what they believe it becomes very easy for False Teachers to move in.
III. FALSE PREACHER’S TRANSGRESSION vs 4
A> The Way they Come- “Crept in unawares” means to “Enter by the side door”. They slip into the service of the Lord with all the right words but, like termites, they begin to slowly and silently eat away at the foundation of the Christian Faith. II Cor 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
B> The Warning that they were coming- “Before of old ordained to this condemnation”. “Ordained” here means “to designate” and refers to the fact that Prophets of old had written that False Prophets would come. Since we know they are coming we should be looking for them; but few are.
C> The Wickedness they Preach- (Note that Jude calls these “Ungodly Men”; men without reverential awe toward God. To them God is a Doctrine to be examined instead of a Deity to be worshiped; and the more they examine the “Doctrine” the more they transform it into a means of satisfying the Flesh instead of building the Faith).
a. Turning the Grace of God into Lasciviousness. “Lasciviousness” means to acknowledge no restraints. These men said God’s Grace was so great until it actually showed your Faith to live in sin (Rom 6:1)! Multitudes of people today are being taught this very Doctrine that if you make a “profession” of faith when you’re 8 years old and then live LIKE and FOR the DEVIL you’ll still be saved because you said the “magic words”.
b. Denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. These deny that Jesus was the Son of God. They say He was a “Great Man” and a “Fine Example” but they refuse to acknowledge Him as Lord. There Religion is built on Principles instead of a Person; and, of course, their Principles change with every situation.
Can you face God with the Doctrine you’re building your Life upon?
Jude 01:5-7 APOSTASY
Jude has just told of God’s command to him to “Defend the Faith” and then he gave several of the Deceitful Doctrines false teachers were bringing into the Church that were leading men astray. Now he’s going to give them some examples of how FALSE DOCTRINE LEADS TO DOUBT AND THEN DAMNATION (What you Believe determines what you do).
I. THE DISBELIEF OF ISRAEL vs 5 Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rom 10:17). If Satan can destroy your Faith in the Word of God then he will eventually destroy you! The Children of Israel were SAVED out of Egypt (a Type of Sin) by the Blood of a substitute sacrifice. They were defended by God, Guided by God, and given the Commandments of God. Yet when they came to the borders of the Promised Land they allowed Fear to replace Faith and ended up dying in the desert. Everything was fine until 10 of the spies reported that not only was the Promised Land a land of “Milk and Honey” but also a land of Giants and walled cities. These 10 spies became False Teachers who mixed Human reasoning with God’s Promises and destroyed the faith of the People.
Faith is the “Evidence of things not seen”. You have to trust God’s word even if it doesn’t make sense!
II. THE FALL OF ANGELS vs 6 Indications are that these angels are the “sons of God” who came in into the Daughters of men (Gen 6:1-4 II Pet 2:4) and were then cast into Tartarus to await God’s final judgment. They left their holy habitation to satisfy the lusts of the mind (The angels that fell with Satan apparently still operate with him in Principalities, Powers, etc (Ep 6:12) so they cannot be bound in “Prison” now. These must be other angels).
It is so easy to see this same thing happening today to Ministers and Ministries that fall because people follow Flesh instead of Faith. People must face constant temptation and never give in to the “siren voice of desire” that says Abraham and David had concubines, why can’t you?? Society constantly screams at us, “Everyone is doing it. Your Faith causes you to miss all the Fun in life. Why don’t you enjoy life a little. Don’t become “Bad”; just ease up a little!”.
Flesh lives for the moment; Faith lives for eternity. Jesus calls us to Deny ourself; not pamper ourself.
III. THE DESTRUCTION OF SODOM AND GOMORRAH vs 7 God sent a WARNING to Sodom when he allowed it to be captured and then delivered by Abraham. Lot was supposed to be a WITNESS to Sodom as he vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds (II Pet 2:8) but they continued to go down the ladder from Fornication to Homosexuality to destruction (Does that sound like America today!?).
Like many people, Sodom thought that since God did not Punish their sin immediately then it must be alright. So they kept going deeper and deeper into it until there was no hope (Rom 1:22-32). How many people today have started the downward spiral of sin by doing a little thing the Preacher said was wrong and then when “lighten didn’t strike” they began to think they could ignore God all together.
God does not always “pay up on Friday” but PAY DAY WILL COME!
It is important for to realize that we are Saved by Faith, Live by Faith, and Walk by Faith. There is no work that we can do that will save us and there is no work that we do that “unsaves” us. The only way we can become an Apostate is by denying Faith in the sacrificial death of Christ for our sins.
This Faith is not just a head knowledge ABOUT Christ but a Heart ACCEPTANCE OF Christ that not only changes our Destination but also our Character. We are not saved by works but a Faith that does not produce good works is a faulty faith (James 2:17).
This is why Satan sends his false teachers into the Christian world. He knows that if he can destroy our Faith he will not only destroy our soul but also get us to begin working for him- No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. (Matt 6:24)
Notice how Hebrews 10:26-38 describes the same situations Jude described:
1> Disbelief Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
2> Willful Disobedience Heb 10:26-27 If we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
3> Disregard of God’s Provision Heb 10:28-29 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
False Teachers and Preachers are DANGEROUS because they bring DOUBTS into a person’s life and this can lead to DEADLY consequences. Are you on this downward road that leading away from God?? “You did run well, what does hinder you?”. Don’t allow anything or anyone to draw you away from God.
II Tim 3:1-5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Jude 01:8-10 THE WRONG REFERENCE
JUD 1:8-10 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
Jude has told us that he wanted to write a letter to the Church about the wonders of our “Common Salvation” but was directed to write instead about the need to Contend for the Faith. This was because certain men had crept into the Church and were teaching misleading doctrine about the Liberty we have in Grace and even denying that Jesus had come in the Flesh. He wanted the people to realize the seriousness of the situation so he gave 3 examples about some who had had tremendous privilege with God and yet had allowed unbelief to lead them from God and into destruction.
In today’s message, he is showing what could cause such a serious circumstance; looking at the wrong reference point! Sometimes in the Wilderness of the world we get so busy in our travels until we become “turned around” and begin going in circles, or, even worst, begin to go back the way we came!
I once did an extended math problem, using the correct formula and all the right methods, but when I handed it in to the teacher it was marked incorrect. I had the right zeal and the right methods, But I was doing the wrong problem!! This is what happened to these people. They began to walk directed by Flesh instead of Faith and as a result everything they did make the situation worst because it was based on the wrong reference.
I want us to look at WHY these used a Wrong Reference and then see what resulted when they used the Wrong Reference; and then I want us to check our own reference.
We’re picking up Jude’s thought in “mid-stream” so let’s look again at where he’s coming from. He has just shown 3 examples of the Disaster of Unbelief; 3 examples that these false teachers know well, but Yet these false teachers carelessly go right on living their evil lives. Verse 8 in the Jerusalem Bible- “Nevertheless, these people are doing the same: in their delusions they not only defile their bodies and disregard authority, but abuse the glorious angels as well.
1. Filthy Dreamers– Barnes says these men held “doctrines and opinions which sustained the same relation to truth which dreams do to good sense. Their doctrines were the fruits of mere imagination”. Paul told the Corinthians we are to Cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ: (II Cor 10:5). God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. Many times we think we need Peace and Prosperity when God knows we really need Problems and Persecution in order to develop as we should. These men were directed by their own delusions and the results showed up in the fact that they:
A> Defile (pollute, contaminate, to Stain) the Flesh- corrupt the body. These men “dreamed up” ways to justify their sins and as a result a permanent “stain” came into their character. Instead of being a Temple of God their bodies were temples of Pleasure. “If it feels good, do it” is their creed (Example: Abortion is right because it’s much better to kill the Baby than curb the Passions!).
B> Despise Dominion- Scorn and reject Authority and Government. The Government is not always right but the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation (Rom 13:1-2). The Humanistic Religion taught by the news media (and in many schools today) says that each man is his own god and is ultimately answerable only to himself.
C> Speak Evil of (rail at) Dignities- Revile, libel, and scoff at the Heavenly powers. These men refuse to acknowledge the authority of God ordained leaders and, to hide their rebellion, they make fun of anything supernatural. They claim everything can be explained on Human terms and there is therefore no need of a divinely appointed leader to explain God’s work to them. Miracles and Messages are the result of man’s ingenuity instead of God’s power to them.
2. Foolish Disputing– Sin needs to justify itself so these men went from “dreamers” to “Disputers” seeking to explain away their wrong.
A> An Example of Proper Respect for Authority- When Michael the Archangel disputing about the Body of Moses with Satan. Satan wanted to use the body of Moses as a means of leading the children of Israel into Idol worship (of Moses). In spite of this, Michael, the archangel showed Satan respect and allowed God to bring the rebuke against Satan. The end result was that (Deut 34:6) God buried Moses in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.
Michael and Satan were both archangels and even though Satan was fallen he was still allowed access to God and as such was due respect. These false teachers thought it right to mock and demean men of God because they claimed some superior “Dream”. Jude wants us to know that God expects us to show respect for the Position, even if we cannot necessarily respect the Person.
B> An Explanation of why these “dreamers” were wrong
a) They speak Evil of things which they know not- It’s extremely easy for us to “rail” at someone we don’t know but if it were us or our family we would more carefully consider the circumstances. In the same way it’s easy to speak evil of a doctrine that we don’t like if we fail to learn anything about it.
b) What they know naturally, they corrupt; as brute (irrational) Beast. As “Wild Beast”, these “dreamers” destroy or defile even the good that they do know in order to maintain their sin (I’ve known men that fall into A SIN that then justify ALL SIN in order not to repent of their sin!).
Their are 4 things we should learn from these men of “Wrong Reference”:
1. Be Warned when we see others in privilege fall.
2. Respect authority; even Satanic!! ((A) A Sinful world demands governmental rules. (B) Satan has power, don’t play with it!)
3. Don’t be guided by fleshly instincts or imaginations.
4. If your Reference is wrong then everything you do will be wrong. It may make “Sense” but it won’t stand God’s Test.
Why don’t you stop rebelling or arguing and start repenting.
Jude 01:9 MOSES’ BODY
Jude 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Deut 34:5-7 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And he (GOD) buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.
Matt 17:1-3 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
I. THE “SLEEP” OF THE BODY– In our study of Revelation we have come across the doctrine of “soul sleep” several times. I need to explain and expose the fallacy of this doctrine so you will be aware of the true Bible teachings about what happens to a person when they die.
Free Will Baptist Treatise (Page 38)- “As a result of sin, all mankind is subject to the death of the body. The soul does not die with the body, but immediately after death enters into a conscious state of happiness or misery, according to the character here possessed” Ecc 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. The Body “Sleeps” until the rapture or resurrection but the soul goes to be with God where it is given a temporary “Body” of some kind while awaiting the Glorified Body it will receive.
A) The Example Jesus Gave- Luke 16:22-23 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (The Rich man could see, hear, and feel torments and thirst. Abraham could hold Lazarus in his “bosom” and talk )
Jesus told the Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:43) Today shalt thou be with me in paradise; and He said in Matt 22:32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
B) The Teaching Paul gave-
A DESIRE- Phil 1:23 …having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ;
A HOPE- I Thess 4:13-14 But I would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
A CONFIDENCE- II Cor 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
C) The Martyrs John saw- Rev 6:9-10 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
In our text Scriptures we see that Moses was not “asleep” but appeared with Elias on the Mount of transfiguration where they showed an interest in what would happen to Jesus in the days to come (Lu 9:31). I’m going to be too busy “shouting and singing” to sleep!!
II. THE STEWARDSHIP OF THE BODY– And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. If our body will be destroyed and we will get a new one one day, what are our obligations to it today?
A) Why You Should be a Good Steward of Your Body:
1. Its Potential for Bad or Good- Ps 127:4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
2. The fact that it was created in the image of God- Gen 1:27
3. It belongs to God- I Cor 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
4. It will be Glorified one day- Phil 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
5. We will be judged for what we’ve done in the body- II Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
B) What we Should do with our Body:
1. Exalt Christ- Phil 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
2. Honor God With it- I Cor 6:20 Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
3. Determine to use it for Good and not Evil- Rom 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
4. Dedicate it to God- Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Our bodies, in one sense, are “disposable containers” that are the temples of the Holy Spirit. God demands that we care for them properly here and look forward to the day when we receive our new bodies. He also wants us to be aware that Death is not the end- There is a God and a Judgment to face. Are you ready??
Jude 01:11-16 WRONG WAYS
Once while talking with my wife I got on the Wrong side of a 4 lane road and almost wrecked. I was busy explaining to my wife how right I was when I saw a car coming directly for me and realized that excuses will not stop a car!! Jude ends the negative part of his letter with this same admonition- Don’t let these false teachers lead you down the wrong road to destruction. He identifies the direction they are taking, the conduct they exhibit, and the character they develop. What we need to see today is that we live in a land that is following false teachers into destruction and we need to beware of them to save ourselves and our families.
I. THEIR COURSE vs 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
A) The WOE of their course- It is a course that will end in death and destruction for themselves and everyone who travels with them.
B) The WAY of their course- Gone, Ran, Perished- All words that indicate a direction of life that affects their destiny. 3 “Religious” failures are listed:
-THE WAY OF CAIN- Cain was a “Religious” Man who believed in A God, and in A “Religion” but after his own will. He rejected redemption by the Blood; instead choosing to give God HIS BEST instead of what God Required. He put WORKS OVER THE WORD. Like Multitudes today who when asked if they are saved will point to some work instead of Faith.
He ended up by killing his own brother and then shrugging it off to God with the statement, “Am I my Brother’s Keeper?”
-THE ERROR OF BALAAM- Balaam put WEALTH OVER THE WORD and ended up corrupting a nation before being killed himself. He wanted to curse Israel for Reward and even when God said “No” he still persisted in seeking some way to make the money. After trying 3 times unsuccessfully to Curse the People he then led in Corrupting them. He felt it was perfectly find to “Profit as a Prophet” (This is not always Money; sometimes it’s popularity or applause). Balaam was one who thought it’s alright to “Tickle Men’s ears” as long as they tithe!
But how many of US put getting a Check above the Church? Or Compromise our Morals if it means more Money? Preacher and Layman alike need to remember the Love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (I Tim 6:10).
-THE GAINSAYING OF CORE- Korah put HIS WAY OVER THE WORD by denial of the authority of Moses as God’s chosen spokesman; and then tried to replace Aaron as High Priest. These were areas of:
A) Rebellion- All are Holy, why should Moses rule? (Moses’ answer, “God will show who is His”). Jude is telling his readers that the men about whom he is warning them will be people of influence and position; they will be men of strength and seeming character.
B) Pride- Why should Aaron be High Priest? Is he any better than we are? (This was when God gave Aaron’s Rod that Budded). Korah & the Rebellious Levities were swallowed by the earth. His Followers were destroyed by Fire.
How many of US put what We WANT over the WORD? If one preacher doesn’t tell us what we want we’ll “Church shop” until we find one that does. We refuse to accept our place in the Body of Christ because we’ll never be an “elbow” if someone else is a “Hand”.
II. THEIR CONDITION– vs 12-13
A) Spots- Coming from a Greek word meaning “hidden rocks” and thus a danger to the ship by the time they were spotted.
1. Fellowshipping with You- They desire to appear “religious” but there is no Commitment to either Christ or His Work.
2. Fearless in their sin- Hard conscience “Pretenders at the party”!! They are able to listen to the Word of God’s pronouncements upon sin and ignore it’s application to them.
B) Clouds
1. Without Water- Promise without fulfillment
2. Wind driven- changing directions with the “wind” there is no stability in their life or in their teaching.
C) Trees
1. Withered Fruit- no nourishment. Wasted away
2. Without Fruit- Twice dead! (See John 15: where a branch that did produce fruit and then stopped was cut off and cast into the fire.
D) Waves
1. Raging- destructive “Wild, fierce, untamed”
2. Foaming out Shame- people see results of their untamed spirit in their life.
E) Stars
1. Wandering- without purpose
2. Darkened- without light; or life!
III. THEIR CHARACTER– vs 16 These are some characteristics to look for in the Preachers and Pupils of False Doctrines.
A) Murmurers- One who discontentedly complains (The word used for the “cooing of doves” and as such refers to an undertone instead of an outspoken accusation). When a man gets out of touch with God one of the first things he does is murmur about his master.
B) Complainers- To find fault with their “lot” in life.
C) Selfish- walking after own lusts- Guided by the flesh
D) Mouths speaking great swelling words- pretentious
E) Having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage- catering to personalities for sake of advantage.
Jude says “Woe unto them!”- an interjection of denunciation or desolation. Don’t let them mislead you. The fastest growing religion in America today is Islam. Cults are sweeping the country. Mainline Denominations are becoming simply social clubs that cater to anything a man wants to do. Find a Church that Preaches and Practices the Truth and stick to it with all your heart.
Jude 01:14-15 ENOCH’S EXAMPLE
(Used example of Balloon in Bottle shaping to shape of bottle)
There are at least 5 “Cases of the Missing Bodies” in Scripture- (1) Enoch, (2)Moses (Deut 34: 6), (3) Elijah (II Kings 2), (4) Christ, and (5) Raptured Saints. Today I want us to “investigate” one of these men, Enoch, and learn about his Walk, his Worship, and his Witnessing; areas that we all need help in.
I. ENOCH’S WALK– Gen 5:21-24 And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: and Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: and all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty five: and Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
A) He was a Family Man- Enoch’s First son was Methuselah, who lived to be 969 years old, and died the year of the flood. Enoch also had others sons and daughters that are not named. He passed on to Methuselah, and from him eventually to Noah the Love of God so that Noah would find Grace in the Eyes of the Lord and mankind would not cease to exist.
B) He lived in a decaying society- Enoch lived prior to the Flood in a society that was becoming increasingly wicked so it was just as hard for Enoch to live a pure life as it is for us to do so today. He was able to do so because of his constant companionship with God.
C) He is remembered for his “walk” -For he Walked with God. “Walk” is a “manner of Life”; in this case it’s a manner of life lived in fellowship with God- Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? This meant Enoch walked God’s Way in Salvation, Sanctification, and Service.
II. ENOCH’S WORSHIP– Heb 11:5-6 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
A) The End of His Worship- He was “translated” from Physical Life to Spiritual Life.
B) The Testimony of His Worship- That he pleased God
C) The Basis of His Worship- Faith that Believed IN GOD and Faith that SOUGHT GOD. (Many today believe in God without seeking Him)
III. ENOCH’S WITNESS– Jude 14-15 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
A) Of the Lord’s Return and the Resurrection- The Heart of the Gospel (I Cor 15:1-4) is Redemption and Resurrection.
B) Of Judgment to come- The word “Ungodly” means to Disrespect or Rebel against. Enoch pronounced Judgment on those who rebel against God in their:
1. Works- Ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed
2. Words- All their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
Enoch shows us that God is concerned with our Walk (manner of life), our Worship (Directed by Faith), and our Witness (What and to Who). Do YOU Walk with God, Worship God by Faith, and Witness of God???
Jude 01:17 MAKING FUN OR MAKING FAITH
JUD 1:17-21 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Notes: Mockers were predicted for the “Last Days” (II Pet 3:3). Examine their characteristics and see if they apply to you.
I. THE MOCKERS– “To make Fun of”, They would make fun of individuals, institutions, or doctrines that they didn’t understand. Controlled by the Flesh they couldn’t understand the things of the Spirit (I Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritual discerned); and since they couldn’t understand they “made fun”. Compare this to today when the most laughed about subject on TV is anything dealing with Religion or Religious values. No one feels awkward or foolish shouting at a ball game but most people are fearful to show any emotion in worship lest everyone think them foolish.
A) Walk controlled by the Flesh- “Ordering their course of conduct in accordance with their own passionate cravings”. Humanistic Religion dominates them.
B) Separate themselves- an elite group that felt the need of separating themselves from any that disagreed with them.
C) Sensual- The word here does not mean “Passionate” but instead shows a person controlled by the Principles of Humanistic Religion as shown in James 3:14-15 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
D) Spiritless- Not Saved, No Fruit, No revealing of the Word
What better description could you get of most men today?? They are not “drunkards in the gutter” but men of education and intellect who use the standard of the World and their own fleshly wisdom to guide and direct them. They have a “form of godliness” but deny its power to control or change their lives. Religion to them is an intellectual discussion instead of a committed life.
II. THE BELOVED
A) Building up by Faith. The Foundation has been laid now you must use your Faith to build the structure that God intended.
B) Praying up in the Spirit- It is the Spirit that helps us communicate with God by sharing with Him not just our words but our very hearts. Prayer is the “life blood” of the Christian; Jesus told us to “Pray without ceasing”.
C) Keeping up in the Love of God- The word Keep here means to “take care of”. We are to take care that we are Ruled by and Reside in the Love of God.
D) Looking up for Mercy- The words here imply a Looking for the return of the Lord in order to obtain His favor and finally claim our new bodies.
Note the Contrast- One is controlled by a fleshly mind while the other is dedicated to a coming Savior. One lives for the present while the other lives for eternity.
Jude 01:20-25 THE SPIRITUAL BUILDING
I. BEFORE BUILDING
A) Count the Cost Luke 14:26-28
B) Contract the Right Builder- Only Christ
II. IN BUILDING
A) Lay a Good Foundation- I Cor 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
B) Build on this Foundation with Proper Materials- I Cor 3:12-15
C) Have the Proper Tenant in the House- Holy Spirit I Cor 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
D) Take Proper Care of the Building- I Cor 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Jude 01:22-23 SAINTS AND SINNERS
JUD 1:22-23 And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Jude has been detailing the unrighteous Beliefs and Behavior of those who were attempting to destroy the “Faith” of the Church. He has shown how dangerous such a system of belief is and warned the people about being taken in by it. He then gave some exhortations to the people to help their own Christian Growth. Now he wants to end his letter by showing how to deal with Saints that have fallen and Sinners who have never accepted Christ as savior.
I. FAITHFULLY DEAL WITH SOME: (This would be Christian Brothers who are being, or have been, led astray by False doctrine)
A) Have Compassion- Show Love. Paul told the Corinthians that “Knowledge Puffs up but Love Builds up”. We can allow our Pride in our “superior Knowledge” to destroy those who we say we love but when we do so we must remember I Cor 8:13 But when ye sin so against thy brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
What does Love do? 1) Love calls for Commitment / 2) Love Chastens in order to produce Fruitfulness.
B) Make a Difference = “Who are in Doubt”. These False Doctrines had caused these Christians to begin to Doubts God’s Word and God’s Way. They were at a serious cross road in their life- one way would take them into the “wilderness of sin” to wander and die; the other way would take them to the promised land with the Lord. How can we “make a Difference” in their doubts?? (We must learn to distinguish between the False Teachers who were deliberating leading wrong and the “Followers”. We are not to cast our “pearls before swine” but we are to attempt to enlighten those whose eyes are growing dim with doubts).
1. Restore the Authority of the Bible-Faith comes from hearing the word of God.
a. They had begun to put the Teacher above the “Teachings” of the Bible and, as a result, Differing Doctrines produced doubt in their life. (You can’t build if the foundation is unstable).
b. Sin keeps us from the word or the word keeps us from sin! Notice that these false teachers were pushing “Liberty” to sin as the flesh desired. When you dig up the “plant” of doubt you’ll fine sin as its tap root!!
2. Renew their Dedication to the Lord and His Service-They had to be brought back to the path of Faith and Faithfulness. It’s not enough to expose the problem. Corrective action must be taken. REPENTANCE over the wrong Road they have taken; REDEDICATION to the Lord’s Will and Way; and a RETURN to their work in the Body of Christ
II. FEAR DEALING WITH SOME: (This is Sinners who are falling into the Fire of Hell)
A) Fear of their Destruction- We must hate the sin but love the sinner! Hell is Hot and Long. We are Watchmen to warn of the wrath to come. EVERY PERSON who does not accept Christ as Savior will be condemned. We must have CONCERN if they are to be Converted.
B) Fear of their Contamination- “Garments spotted with flesh”
1. They may contaminate us if we “get in the ditch” with them.
2. They may destroy others as well as themselves if they continue in their sins (Drug dealers, Assaults, etc).
Do you have compassion for those who are being led astray? Do you Warn and Witness to the Lost? Have you trusted Christ as your personal Savior??
Jude 01:24 GOD’S ABILITY AND ADORATION
Jude closes his book by showing that there is no reason to turn from God; He has the ability to keep you and He is worthy of all our Adoration. You don’t need a new Doctrine; you need a new Devotion to God!.
I. GOD’S ABILITY– JUD 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
A) To Prevent Falling (“Sure-footed” “Without Stumbling”)
1. Because we’re His Possession- Ps 4:3 the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself:
2. Because we’re Prized by God- Zech 2:8 he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.
3. Because we’re Protected by God- II Pet 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, The word Peculiar here means “encircled” or “Surrounded” and shows how God protects us from being overcome by Temptations (I Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.) and Trials (I Pet 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ🙂
Remember the young boy walking on the icy path with his father. As long as he held his father’s hand he was alright but as soon as he let go he would fall. In the same way, when we try to “hold out” on our own we end up falling flat on our face. We don’t HOLD OUT; we HOLD ON!!
B) To Present Faultless (“Without any shortcoming”)
1. Because of God’s Provision- the Blood; Not Effort or Enlightenment. Our standing before Him is not based on our “smartness” or our Strength but on His Sacrifice!
2. Because of God’s Power: The Holy Spirit that makes our body His temple will guide us, convict us of sin, and empower us for service.
II. GOD’S ADORATION– JUD 1:25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. We are to adore God:
A) As God and as Savior- Only HE could be our Savior
B) As King of Kings- Glory and Majesty
C) As Lord of Lords- Dominion and Power
D) As Eternal God- BOTH now and forever.
This Adoration will show itself in a Dedicated life and a Holy Life. You show God He is worthy of your Service by Serving Him. You show God you Love Him by keeping His Commandments (Jn 14:15).
Are you Trusting in God’s Ability to Keep you? Are you Actively Adoring Him with your Service?