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Jude

12/22/2015

8 Comments

 
Greetings (1–2)
Jude identified himself as a follower of Jesus Christ and “a brother of James.” Jude was listed among the brothers of Jesus (Mark 6:3). His brother James is the probable author of the epistle of James. Jude gave no geographical designation to his readers, but he presented them as those who were “called,” “loved by God,” and “kept by Jesus Christ.” Jude wished his readers an experience of mercy that would allow them to know the benefits of peace and love.

Occasion for Writing
(3–4)
Jude had prepared to write a letter on the theme of “salvation” when he learned of the entrance of false teachers. He urged his readers to contend for the faith by living godly, obedient lives. He described the false teachers as “godless men,” who stood condemned before God because of their denial of Jesus’ lordship.

Be Alert
(5–16)
Jude pictured the heretics as deserving to receive God’s judgments just as the unbelieving Jews, the sinning angels, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah had merited judgment. He showed that the false teachers were arrogantly defying God by their perverse moral behavior. They disdained angelic creatures whom they failed to understand. Jude commended the example of the angel Michael, who did not deal with the devil’s protests on his own authority. Jude used this story from the apocryphal Assumption of Moses to demonstrate a proper attitude toward the supernatural. In verses 10–13 he used historical examples from the Old Testament to characterize the false teachers as materialistic and immoral. They were as greedy as Balaam and as rebellious as Korah. In verses 14–15 Jude cited a statement from 1 Enoch to prove the reality of divine judgment upon the ungodly. Jude was not necessarily viewing 1 Enoch as inspired, but he was referring to a book his readers would know and respect.

Resist
(17–23)
Jude reminded his readers that the apostles had warned against the divisiveness and spiritual emptiness of the coming false teachers. The recipients were to build themselves up with prayer and obedience. They also were to offer help to wandering believers who need both an experience of divine mercy and the wisdom to avoid corruption.

Doxology
(24–25)
Jude’s mind focused on the power of almighty God who alone could provide the strength needed for full obedience. In verse 24 he praised God for His sustaining power toward believers. In verse 25 he ascribed “glory, majesty, power and authority” to God because of the work of Jesus Christ. 
8 Comments
Tammy
12/22/2015 10:09:38 am

i just had to share and it has nothing to do with today's reading. As I was driving to work today I was praying and I was reminded how blessed I have been this year. It's no secret my husband has been ill most of the year and trying to find a "new normal" for us has been a challenge at times for us as a family. I am exposed to many germs each day......yet our God has kept me healthy this year. I havenT been sick all year....at least to the point where I would have to take any sick days. When my husband had any appointments or surgeries I didn't have to use personal time to take him. God has blessed me beyond measure and realizing this today makes me stand in awe of Him all the more. He's teaching me patience and giving me strength each day to help my family every way I can plus do my job. What a great God we have.

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Bruce
12/22/2015 11:46:00 pm

All to often we forget how good God is to us. Yes we do have a Great God.

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Tammy
12/23/2015 02:52:33 am

unfortunately you are right in that we forget how great He is. Well...I should rephrase that.,,.we know and remember how great he is when things are going good in our lives. We forget how great he is when things seem not so good. I think we must remember that good or bad....God is good. Always. And will get His glory one way or another. :)

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Bruce
12/23/2015 12:04:18 am

Jude 3-4: False teaching or moving the cross from the center of the church as Pastor put it a sermon is not what ( I think anyway ) is what God wanted for us. I think about this a lot with the so called modern church.

I have been watching a lot of documentary's about Jesus and God due to the time of year. As I was telling a friend of mine. I try to put myself in Jesus's place and what he went through when I give thanks for him. It makes it more human for me and more real, because I don't want to send hollow prayers to God. It also makes me think of just how great the gift we received from God is. So, for me I will do my best to keep the cross in the center of my faith and hopefully I will be able to recognize false teachers when I see them. Again for me; reading the bible and following it is the way God wants it, even if its not what is comfortable for me. After all it is not about me. I was created by God for God.

Reply
Jeff
12/23/2015 07:11:24 am

Stay in the Word, stay humble, and stay connected to your faith family, and the false teachers will become evident.

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Tammy
12/23/2015 03:00:20 am

this passage reminds me of pastor Ben.....he recited the doxology each Sunday at dismissal.
"Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before His presence with exceeding joy; to the only wise God our Savior, Be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and evermore."
These verses will be with me as I'm sure a lot of others as well.
As far as recognizing false teachers.....keep in the Word and let the Holy Spirit guide you. He will let you know when something about someone's teaching doesn't add up. Also asking Pastor Jeff is a great way to know also. He is very knowledgeable and knows the Word better than a lot of people I know. He always has the answer....even if he has to research it to help us make sense of it. God is using Him in a mighty way to help us all grow. For that I am thankful to him.

Reply
Jeff
12/23/2015 07:10:32 am

Thanks you for the kind comments....but there is still much I am learning and do not know. And every time I learn something new, it usually raises 5 new questions.

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Tammy
12/23/2015 07:13:19 pm

Keep passing on what you learn to us. And I can relate to your questions. Actually my son asked a lot of tough questions tonight. I love how God gives the answers at just the right time.....and uses us to do it. Thank you for helping us learn.

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