The Message of Jude: Part Two. Review from Part One: Who was Jude?

Transcription

1 The Message of Jude: Part Two Review from Part One: Who was Jude? Jude identified himself in the first verse of his epistle as a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James. Jude was the half-brother of Jesus and full brother of James (who became the head of the Jerusalem church). Like his brothers, Jude did not believe in Jesus until the events of the crucifixion and resurrection left him face to face with the reality of Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Jude became a fervent defender of the Lord and the Christian faith. 1 His epistle was written as a warning and defense against false teachers inside the church. Jude was relentless as he challenged believers to actively and uncompromisingly contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 3). Now that we have reviewed this very brief background from Part One, let s look into Part Two of Jude s message in his epistle. Part Two From Part One: The Bible is filled with collaborating Scripture concerning false teachers. In this study, we will not go into the Prophets or New Testament writings other than Jude. Be sure to study other books such as 2 Peter and many of Paul s epistles. Let s begin Part Two with Jude The first two of these three verses make reference to the extra-biblical writings of the Book of Enoch. We know that the Book of Enoch is noncanonical (not Scripture). It does not carry the inspiration of God, as the books of the Bible do. However, the book was well known and presumably widely read in Jude s time. It would be expected and acceptable that in his epistle, Jude might quote from it. Jude, Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, {15} to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. {16} These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. 1 The New Open Bible (NKJV) Study Edition, 1990 by Thomas Nelson Publishers, P Unless otherwise specified, the following applies to all Scripture quotes. Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 1, Copyright Robert Abramson 2014 All rights reserved. When he quotes from the Book of Enoch, Jude writes by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the words in Verses 14-15, even though they quote from Enoch, are to be accepted as the full canon of Scripture. Jude s words were fully inspired by the Holy Spirit. (2Timothy 3:16)

2 Verse 16 gives us Jude s comments about the characteristics of the false teachers that Enoch said were headed for judgment. Jude adds to what we already know about these selfish, selfserving people. He says that they are not pleasant to be around. They are either complaining or trying to flatter people with words that are like clouds without water, carried about by the winds (Verse 12). (This term will also occur in 2 Peter.) Jude s Formula for Resisting False Teaching Verses transition us from Jude s warnings to his formula for resistance. These verses contain a practical set of spiritual tools we can apply to the presence of false teachers and their teachings. The steps within the formula are fully inspired by the Holy Spirit. When followed, they enable us to stay strong in the Lord and win the battle with the spirits within the false teachings and the schemes of their teachers. Jude But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: {18} how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. {19} These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. {20} But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, {21} keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. {22} And on some have compassion, making a distinction; {23} but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. The Six Steps of Jude s Formula 1. Verses 17-19: Remember the warnings of those in spiritual authority, from the first apostles to today s church leaders. They warn about people who would mock us for our beliefs, as the ways they live their lives mocks Christ. They would divide us if we allow them to. They are without the Holy Spirit and their power only comes if we accept their lies. 2, Copyright Robert Abramson 2014 All rights reserved.

3 2. Verse 20: Building ourselves up - We are to build ourselves up on the foundation of our faith. 3. Verse 20: Praying in the Holy Spirit - Jude extols us to build ourselves up by praying in the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives us the power to strengthen ourselves in this building process. 4. Verse 21: Keeping ourselves - This speaks of our determination to protect the boundaries of holiness within which we live. Jude tells us to define, protect and strengthen these boundaries in the love of God. The love of God is eternal and all sufficient, even when everything else fails (1 Corinthians 13:8a). 5. Verse 22: Be discerning with how you apply your compassion. Understand the spirits working in false teachers or those following them. When you discern there is an opportunity to help them escape this evil influence or even demonic possession, have compassion and act. Compassion may be defined as care and concern, accompanied by action. 6. Verse 23: Save some of those who are caught up in this false teaching. Stay strong in your deep reverence for God. This will help you choose who it is you should help, and what methods you will use. The fear of God will insure that you make good decisions and God will be with you. These six steps are powerful weapons in the hands of God s servants. Use them in faith and love to make a difference. The Doxology Now we will move to the final two verses of Jude. In my opinion (Dr. Abramson s), these final two verses provide arguably some of the most powerful declarations of the glory and power of the Lord Jesus Christ that can be found in the Bible. They are a doxology, which is a liturgical formula of praise. This simply means they have been sung or voiced, both in groups and individually. They are also found as parts of other epistles in the New Testament. In a tradition going back thousands of years, they have been seen and heard for the purpose of giving praise and glory to God. They strengthen our faith and confidence to use what God has given us to win the battle and continue on the path to glory. 3, Copyright Robert Abramson 2014 All rights reserved.

4 Here s the Doxology. As you read it, take your time and taste the meaning of the words. Dwell over them. Savor them. Thank God for them. Note that a doxology contains our words to God s ear. Jude Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, {25} To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen. The New Living Translation of Jude Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. {25} All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. There are no words worthy to explain the fullness of the Doxology, but here are some humble thoughts on it: 1. Jude cries out, giving all glory to God. The word all shows that there nothing is held back and everything that praises the person of Jesus Christ is to be cast to His feet in adoration and thanksgiving. It s an encouragement to us to as we let this kind of praise and worship define our lives. 2. The Doxology gives us a guarantee far beyond any worth we could ascribe to it. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Jude says that God is able to keep you from stumbling or falling away. The Doxology also carries the guarantee that God will present you faultless or without a single fault into the glorious presence of Christ for all eternity! This is another of countless biblical references to the saving grace and power of Christ. It s what the scarlet thread of redemption is about, as it weaves its way through the entire Bible. This is an incredibly significant verse. It brings us to the final verse of the Doxology 4, Copyright Robert Abramson 2014 All rights reserved.

5 and a fitting way to end the Book of Jude. Perhaps this final verse has been shouted more often than sung or read aloud. Reading it now should make all of us shout! He is worthy, worthy, worthy! To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen! Please continue to The Message of Peter. 5, Copyright Robert Abramson 2014 All rights reserved.