犹大书
【犹1】写信给︰(1)被召的；(2)蒙爱的；(3)被保守的人们。这三样资格是一切信徒所共有的，所以本书是写给一切信徒的。──
牛述光
『为耶稣基督保守的人，』神选召，神爱，神也保守；在异端流行的时候，自己还能站立得住，并不是自己比别人强，乃是神的保守、是神的慈爱、是神的邻悯。当译『在父神里被爱和在耶稣基督里蒙召被保守。』──
牛述光
【犹2】在教会败坏的时候，是多多的需要从神来的怜恤、平安、慈爱，而不是刑罚，因为只有慈爱、怜恤能深感人心，叫人从心里归服，从心里敬爱。──
牛述光
【犹2，21】归根结底，我们所以不陷入异端，还不是自己的可靠，乃是主的怜悯。所以我们要仰望主，求主多多的怜悯我们。──
牛述光
【犹3】『我们同得救恩，』当译作『我们共同有分的救恩』，这题目是犹大所要讲的，但一看到异端流行，就不能不劝圣徒为真道争辩，自己就不能不对伪师加以揭发和警告。在病情危险的时候，只有先开刀才能救疾病的危险。──
牛述光
『真道』原文是信仰。── 牛述光
『我想尽心写信给你们。』『尽心』在原文与『殷勤』同一个字。―― 倪柝声
【犹4~19】异端伪师︰(1)他们对神的信仰(4)；(2)他们对权柄的不服从(5~11)；(3)他们对工作的影响(12~13)；(4)他们对自己行为的败坏(14~19)。── 牛述光
不敬虔的人︰(1)他们的信仰(4)；(2)他们的生命(19)；(3)他们的言语(15~16)；(4)他们的性情(16~18)；(5)他们的交往引人结党(19)；(6)他们的行为妄行(15)；(7)他们的心︰『本性』(10),『私欲』(18)。── 牛述光
【犹9】天使长米迦勒对撒但说了『主责备你罢』这一句话之后，撒但就不敢再抵抗他。所以，这一句话，可以作为我们的祷告，以反抗撒但。我们求主责备撒但。──
倪柝声
【犹10】『这些人』毁谤桌道的；自己知道的又少，好象畜类般的无知。基督徒当把主的道丰丰富富的藏在心里，精通原则，明白规律，对不知道的事要努力学习。──
牛述光
【犹11】『巴兰的错谬』他爱名、爱利、爱地位过于爱神。他自己爱世界，他用法子叫以色列百姓也爱世界。──
牛述光
『该隐的道路』自己不接受，反逼迫信的人。── 牛述光
『可拉的背叛』不承认神所设立的权柄，膏抬自己，擅行祭司职权。──
牛述光
『又为利往巴兰的错谬里直奔。』这些字都是相当重的字。有的人为利直奔。奔，是很快的跑，非常快的，很急的，往巴兰的错谬里直奔。所以神的儿女应当彻底的脱离利的引诱。不然的话，除了错以外，没有别的路好走。―― 倪柝声
【犹12~13】『流荡的星』是那些假的基督教领袖教师，他们好象是星，好象也发光，但他们的光是骗人的。他们是星，但不是坚定的星，没有固定的地位和轨道，它们是流荡的。你若跟随他们，你就被带迷路了；到头来你都不知道要往那里去。流荡的星有一些特征，他们是没有果子的树，是没有雨的云彩。你必须看果子。主耶稣说，凭果子来认树(太七16~20)。我们如果跟随流荡的星，到末了我们的分与他们一样──墨黑的幽暗，直到永远。──《藉活星寻得基督》
爱筵原为相爱，他们却用脚暗踢，是隐伏而极危险的礁石；牧人是牧养羊群的，他们只知喂养自己；云是为着降雨，他们只有彩色而无雨；树是为结果子，他们却死而又死；他们是狂浪；他们是流星；毫无所成。──
牛述光
【犹13】『是流荡的星，有墨黑的幽暗为他们永远存留。』一个正当的星是有一定位置和固定轨道的。有些基督徒好象是星，好象也发光，但他们的光是骗人的，你若是跟随他们，你就被带迷路了；到头来你都不知道要往那里去。他们本身就是流荡的，他们没有立场，没有确定的路，与主一同往前去。要当心﹗你永远无法借着跟随一颗流荡的星来寻得基督。
【犹16】『这些人是私下议论，常发怨言的，随从自己的情欲而行，口中说夸大的话，为得便宜谄媚人。』有许多人口里说夸大的话，说他有多次祷告得着答应，说他行过多少次惊人的神迹奇事，他说这些话实在是为着得便宜。有的人为着要得便宜而谄媚人，就说许多人喜欢听的话。作主工作的人，对于钱的事必须对付得干净。―― 倪柝声
【犹20】『在至圣的真道上造就自己，』我们把主的话藏在心里免得我们得罪主。我们初信主时是新栽上的，是小子，当用主的道教育自己、培养自己，对主的话有原则性的领会，从主的话中找出许多规律、定理来，然后行在其间，就永不跌倒。──
牛述光
信徒不是信了道就完了，还当在至圣的真道上造就自己。除非一个人在真道上有了造就，心中有了真理，以后才会按真理而行，作一个成圣的圣徒。──
牛述光
『在圣灵里祷告。』神的圣灵是住在我们的灵里，与我们的灵调和成为一灵。我们在我们的灵里祷告，也就是在神的圣灵里祷告。
『亲爱的弟兄阿，你们却要在至圣的真道上造就自己，在圣灵里祷告。』这一处圣经说到两件事：一件是在真道上造就自己，这自然就是一个读经的问题；另一件是在圣灵里祷告，就是一个祷告的问题。在圣灵里祷告，就是你和圣灵一同祷告，或者说是圣灵和你一同祷告。
这里的意思就是你不能在你自己里面祷告。换句话说，也就是要有双层人物的祷告。
【犹20~23】对圣徒的劝勉︰(1)对自己要造就，要祷告，要保守，要仰望(20~21)；(2)对一些人要怜悯，要抢救，要惧怕(22~23)。── 牛述光
【犹21，24】我们若能常常保守自己在神的爱中，神就会保守我们永不失脚。──
牛述光
【犹22~23】我们仰望主的怜悯，得到主的怜悯，我们也就要用这怜悯去怜悯别人。──
牛述光
Those we save, says Jude,
are as if snatched from the fire. They must be treated as we would treat a
hamburger patty that falls into the hot coals. We must reach in quickly to
prevent its further contamination, but we must also guard against personal
injury.
【犹24】『保守你们不失脚，』失脚就是滑了一下；失脚就是在不知不觉之间碰到一件东西，就颠了一颠。神不只保守我们不跌倒，并且保守我们连滑一滑都不会。──
倪柝声
【犹25】神从亚当所丢失的荣耀、权柄，还要通过基督完全的得回来。──
牛述光
※ 一个教会里有些人这样(4，22)，有些人那样(23)；又这些人(8)，又那些人(19)，试问还余多少好的信徒呢？所以这样的破坏教会，就是异端所造成的。因此我们必须防备异端、制止异端。──
牛述光
※ 本书特别的是用『三』的数字︰(1)三样的祝安︰怜恤、平安、慈爱(2)；(2)三样受刑罚的鉴戒︰不信的埃及人、不守本位的天使和所多玛城、蛾摩拉城的人(5~7)；(3)三个叛道的人︰该隐、巴兰、可拉(11)；(4)劝勉信徒三件事︰在真道上造就自己、在圣灵里祷告、保守自己在神的爱中，又连续的说到圣灵、圣父、圣子(20~21)；(5)基督徒对别人三种不同的态度︰有些人存疑心，你们要怜悯他们；有些人要从火中抢出来；有些人要存惧怕的心怜悯他们(22~23)；(6)颂赞神的三个时间︰万古以前、现今、永永远远(25)。── 牛述光
【本书分段】
一、引言(1~4)︰说出写信的原故
二、叛道的人(5~19)
1.以历史证明他们的结局(5~7)
2.以事实证明他们的罪比古代受刑罚的人有过之而无不及(8~13)
3.以预言证明他们的结局(14~19)
三、圣徒(20~23)
四、结语︰祝福与颂赞(24~25)── 牛述光
一、警告(1~19)
1.教义(3~4)
2.命运(5~7)
3.行为(8~19)
二、劝勉(20~25)
1.对己(20~21)
2.对人(22~23)
3.对神(24~25)── 牛述光
【异端伪师和不敬虔的人】异端伪师︰(1)他们对神的信仰(4)；(2)他们对权柄的不服从(5~11)；(3)他们对工作的影响(12~13)；(4)他们对自己行为的败坏(14~19)。── 牛述光
不敬虔的人︰(1)他们的信仰(4)；(2)他们的生命(19)；(3)他们的言语(15~16)；(4)他们的性情(16~18)；(5)他们的交往引人结党(19)；(6)他们的行为妄行(15)；(7)他们的心︰『本性』(10),『私欲』(18)。── 牛述光
Those we save, says Jude,
are as if snatched from the fire. They must be treated as we would treat a
hamburger patty that falls into the hot coals. We must reach in quickly to
prevent its further contamination, but we must also guard against personal
injury.
The prophecy of Enoch
The judgment of the coming
Lord
I. Contend for the
truth
1.
Evil heresy
2.
Ancestors’ sin
3.
Angels who fell
II.
Woe to the dreamers
1.
Differing destruction
2.
Face severe punishment
3.
Ungodly things
III.
Wait for the mercy of the Lord
1.
Build up in faith
2.
Pray in the Holy Spirit
3.
Keep in God’s love
"THE EPISTLE OF JUDE" Called! Sanctified! And Preserved! (1-2)
INTRODUCTION
1. In several passages throughout the New Testament, we find serious warnings about impending apostasy... a. Jesus warned that false prophets would arise, the love of many would grow cold, and only those who endure to the end would be saved - Mt 24:11-13 b. Paul foretold of many disciples being drawn away - Ac 20:29-30 c. Peter warned about the rise of false teachers, and how many would follow their destructive ways - 2 Pe 2:1-3 2. But by the time the epistles of John and Jude were written, the danger was no longer impending, it was very much in existence... a. Antichrists were present, and false prophets were in the world - 1 Jn 2:18; 4:1; 2 Jn 7 b. Jude was forced to change his original purpose to deal with the crisis - Ju 3-4 3. If the danger of apostasy was already present in the First Century A.D.... a. We should not be surprised that the dangers exists in the twentieth century! b. We would do well to pay close heed to those epistles written to tell us how to deal with it 4. That makes The Epistle Of Jude especially relevant, and with this lesson we begin a series of expository sermons based upon its contents 5. In verses 1-2, Jude begins his letter in typical fashion: a. He identifies himself... 1) As "a servant of Jesus Christ" and "brother of James" 2) It is considered very likely that James was the brother of the Lord who had become prominent in the church at Jerusalem Ga 1:16; 2:9 3) This would mean Jude was also a brother to the Lord Jesus - cf. also Mt 13:54-56 4) That Judas would describe himself as a servant of the Lord and not His brother is typical of the modesty shown by James as well - Ja 1:1 b. He then addresses his original readers... 1) No particular church or individuals are named 2) They are simply "those who are called, sanctified by God theFather, and preserved in Jesus Christ:"
3) For this reason, the epistle of Jude has been categorized as a catholic, or general, epistle (like James, 1st & 2nd Peter, and 1st John) c. He concludes his salutation with a three-fold benediction: "Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you" 6. Before we go any further, the manner in which Jude addressed his readers is worthy of careful notice... a. Jude's purpose is to warn of those "ungodly men" who have crept in b. That a warning is necessary suggests a danger that is real: being led away from the faith c. Yet Jude uses terms in his address that some would say teaches the impossibility of apostasy (especially the phrase: "preservedin Jesus Christ")
[Therefore I would like for us to focus on the concepts suggested bythe three words in the title of our study: "Called! Sanctified! AndPreserved!"
Let's begin with the idea of Christians being...] I. THOSE WHO ARE "CALLED"
A. THOSE IN CHRIST HAVE BEEN "CALLED"... 1. We have been called with "a holy calling" - 2 Ti 1:9 2. This calling was not according to our meritorious works 3. It was according to God's own purpose and grace before time began B. THIS "CALL" CAME THROUGH THE GOSPEL... 1. We became God's chosen and called through the means of the gospel - 2 Th 2:13-14 2. By having the gospel preached to "every creature", the call is made available to all - cf. Mk 16:15-16 a. This is consistent with God's desire that "all men be saved" - 1 Ti 2:3-4 b. This is consistent with God's offer of His Son as "a ransom for all" - 1 Ti 2:5-6 c. This is consistent with the Lord's unwillingness that "any should perish", but that "all should come to repentance" - 2 Pe 3:9 C. OUR RESPONSIBILITY, HAVING ACCEPTED THE "CALL", IS TO MAKE OUR"CALLING AND ELECTION SURE"...
1. This requires much diligence on our part - 2 Pe 1:10-11 2. Otherwise, we will be like the Israelites in the wilderness - He 3:12-19; 4:1-2,11 a. All were called by God to enter the Promised Land of rest b. But most were unable to enter because of unbelief that led to lack of diligence! [It is the need for faithful diligence that explains the many warningsagainst apostasy found in the Scriptures. It also helps to understandwhy Jude felt it necessary to write his epistle! Closely related to the concept of being "called", is the idea that byGod's grace we are also...] II. "SANCTIFIED" BY GOD THE FATHER
A. THE WORDS "SANCTIFY", "SANCTIFICATION"... 1. Are translated from the Greek word "hagiazo" {hag-ee-ad'-zo} 2. Which means to make holy, to set apart for a special purpose 3. Therefore, God has set apart those who have been called - Ju 1 B. THE PROCESS OF SANCTIFICATION... 1. Is said to be the work of the Holy Spirit a. "sanctified by the Holy Spirit" - Ro 15:16 b. "sanctified...by the Spirit of our God" - 1 Co 6:11 c. "sanctification by the Spirit" - 2 Th 2:13 d. "the sanctifying work of the Spirit" (NASV) - 1 Pe 1:2 2. Is also said to be the work of the Word of God a. "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." - Jn17:17
b. "that He might sanctify...by the word" - Ep 5:26 3. Since the Word of God is said to be the "sword of the Spirit" (Ep 6:17), the Word is evidently the instrument used by the Spirit to help bring about our sanctification C. THE PROGRESS OF SANCTIFICATION... 1. Some people understand "sanctification" as "all at once" or "in two stages" (e.g., the Wesleyan concept of entire sanctification) 2. The Biblical evidence suggests otherwise: a. The church at Corinth was made up of members... 1) Who were "sanctified in Christ Jesus" - 1 Co 1:2 2) Who had been "sanctified" - 1 Co 6:11 b. Yet, many of these members were "babes in Christ" and "carnal" - 1 Co 3:1-3 3. As written to the Hebrews, those in Christ are "being sanctified" - He 2:11 a. I.e., sanctification is an on-going process b. It begins at conversion, and continues as we grow in the faith 4. As Paul prayed for the Thessalonians : "may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely" - 1 Th 5:23 [Whether God does indeed complete the process of sanctification for those who are called will be determined by whether or not we remain"preserved in Christ Jesus". (Ju 1)
So let's take a closer look at what is involved with being...] III. "PRESERVED" IN JESUS CHRIST
A. THE MEANING OF THE WORD "PRESERVED"... 1. It comes from the Greek word "tereo" {tay-reh'-o} 2. Which means "to guard (from loss or injury)" 3. It is used to describe that which is closely watched and guarded... a. Such as those disobedient angels who are awaiting the Judgment Day - Ju 6 b. Such as the punishment awaiting "ungodly men" - Ju 13 B. THIS WORD SPEAKS OF OUR WONDERFUL ASSURANCE IN CHRIST... 1. We are being carefully "guarded" in Christ! 2. Peter uses a different word (phroureo, froo-reh'-o) to express a similar idea - 1 Pe 1:5 3. Paul used yet another word (sozo, sode'-zo) to express his own confidence in God's preservation - 2 Ti 4:18 3. Indeed, Jesus reassured his disciples that no one could "snatch" them out of His hand - cf. Jn 10:27-29 -- But does this mean that it is impossible to fall away? Do we have no personal responsibility to remain "preserved in Jesus Christ"? C. THERE IS SOME PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY... 1. Jude uses the same word for "preserved" in Ju 21: "keep yourselves..." 2. This indicates that we must cooperate with God a. As Peter indicated, we are "kept by the power of God through faith" - 1 Pe 1:5 1) God provides the power to keep us safe 2) But we must provide the faith b. Jesus' teaching on security is for those who are "believers" 1) No one can "snatch" us away from God against our will 2) But what if "believers" become "unbelievers"? a) Does the promise still apply if the conditions have changed? b) What if we choose to leave or jump out of God's protective hand? c. That "believers" can become "unbelievers", and thereby in danger of losing one's salvation, is clearly taught in He 3:12-19; 4:1-2,11
3. Thus we are "preserved in Jesus Christ"... a. But remaining "preserved" involves personal responsibility! b. It requires that we "keep ourselves" in the love of God! CONCLUSION
1. We who are in Christ are indeed richly blessed: a. We have been "called" by the gospel of Christ, to which call we responded when we obeyed the conditions of the gospel (faith, repentance, confession, and baptism) b. We have been "sanctified" or set apart for a holy purpose by God the Father, as He works upon us through His Holy Spirit in conjunction with His Holy Word c. On the basis of our faith, we are "preserved" in Jesus Christ unto eternal life 2. But dear brethren, forces of Satan are very much at work... a. They seek to undermine our faith in Christ b. They seek to harden our hearts, and to develop an evil heart of unbelief c. They seek to make us spiritually lazy, and not to maintain the diligence necessary to keep ourselves in the love of God 3. Yet God in His grace has preserved His Word to give us ample warning; shall we not heed the warnings found throughout His Word, such as those found in The Epistle of Jude? And as we speak of giving heed...have you given heed to the call of thegospel of Christ? - cf. Ac 2:36-38 Contending Earnestly For The Faith (3-4)
INTRODUCTION
1. As we begin to focus on the purpose of The Epistle Of Jude, we see that his original desire was to write about our common salvation shared in Christ: "Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which wasonce for all delivered to the saints." - Ju 3
2. The need to change his purpose is seen in the next verse: "For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God andour Lord Jesus Christ." - Ju 4
3. That men "crept in unnoticed" should give us pause... a. That such could happen, despite the many warnings given by Jesus, Paul, and Peter b. How much easier, then, for this to happen today when we live in time far removed from those initial warnings! 4. In light of this, Jude's call to "contend earnestly for the faith" becomes even more relevant for us today... a. We ought to appreciate "the need" to contend for the faith b. We should understand "the how" when it comes to contending earnestly for the faith [In this study, "Contending Earnestly For The Faith", it is "the need" and "the how" that we examine more closely...] I. THE "NEED" TO CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH
A. SOME WILL DENY THE ALL-SUFFICIENCY OF THE SCRIPTURES... 1. This I infer from the phrase "the faith which once for all delivered to the saints" a. The expression "once for all" can rightly be worded "one time for all time" b. That is, "the faith" (that body of doctrine which we are to believe) was delivered to the church "one time for all time" -- Revelation was not to be repeated, nor was there more to be revealed later on! 2. That God has revealed all that He would have us know is evident from such statements like those of: a. Paul, telling the Ephesian elders he had not shunned to proclaim "the whole counsel of God" - Ac 20:27 b. Peter, writing that God has given us "all things that pertain to life and godliness" - 2 Pe 1:3 -- If we have "all things", and if we have the "whole counsel of God", what else is there? 3. Thus the Scriptures, which contain the faith delivered "once for all", contains all we need to become what God wants of us! - cf. 2 Ti 3:16-17 4. But when people suggest: a. That God's revelation is incomplete, or it is still in progress b. Or that God's revelation needs to be repeated -- Then our task is to "contend earnestly for the faith oncedelivered"!
B. SOME WILL PERVERT THE DOCTRINE OF GRACE... 1. There were those in Jude's day "who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness (lewdness)" a. Their doctrine of grace gave them excuse to sin b. So much so, that they engaged in that which was openly shameful (lewd) -- Perhaps they said: "Let us sin so that grace may abound!" 2. There are some today who pervert the grace of God... a. To excuse their disregard for the commands found in God's Word b. To justify their lifestyle that is contrary to the principles of the Bible -- For they are likely to say: "God is too loving, His grace is too wonderful, to condemn us when we are so sincere!" 3. But those who "contend earnestly for the faith" will be ever mindful of what the grace of God truly teaches - cf. Ti 2:11-12
a. To deny ungodliness and worldly lusts! b. To live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age! C. SOME WILL DENY GOD'S AUTHORITY... 1. Jude had to deal with those who "deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ" a. The emphasis appears to be on the term "Lord", used to describe God and Jesus b. The term "lord" comes from kurios {koo'-ree-os} 1) Which is related to the word kuros (supremacy) 2) Meaning "supreme in authority" c. These people were denying the authority rightly belonging to God and Jesus 2. Today we often face people denying the authority of God and Jesus a. By their lack of respect to the Word of God b. By their setting up other standards of authority for what they believe or do 1) Such as a synod, convention, council 2) Such as a pope, bishop, minister, or their own person 3. But those who "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered"... a. Will recognize the authority which belongs to Christ - Mt 28:18; Ep 1:21-22 b. Will recognize the authority delegated to His apostles - Jn 13:20; 1 Co 14:37; 1 Th 2:13; Ac 2:42 [Clearly the need to "contend earnestly for the faith" is present, forjust as there were those in Jude's day who... - denied the all-sufficiency of God's Word - perverted the doctrine of grace - denied the authority of God and Jesus ...so there are such people today! How then shall we do it?] II. THE "HOW" TO CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH
A. WE MUST CONTEND EARNESTLY... 1. From the "Believers' Study Bible": a. The vivid expression epagonizomai (Gk.) is translated "contend earnestly" and is related to the English word "agony." b. The term is associated with strife and combat of a most vigorous and determined variety. c. The present tense of the verb indicates that the Christian struggle is to be continuous. d. Jude believed that the foundational tenets of the Christian faith were under attack. Nothing but vigorous counter-contention would be sufficient. 2. The use of such an expression therefore suggests: a. The matter is serious; we are at war! 1) Paul describes the nature of our warfare in 2 Co 10:3-6 2) And again in Ep 6:10-13 b. This is not a time to be unprepared; we must arm ourselves! -- We must therefore contend with vigor, even to the point of agony, for "the faith once delivered to the saints"! B. WE MUST USE THE WEAPONS AT OUR DISPOSAL... 1. Paul defines our weaponry in Ep 6:13-18 a. Girded with truth b. The breastplate of righteousness c. Feet shod with the gospel of peace d. The shield of faith e. The helmet of salvation f. The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God g. Watching with all prayer 2. Notice that most of these things are for our own defense, lest we be lost in the struggle! a. The elements of truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, etc., are needed for our own salvation as much as for those we seek to conquer b. Make sure that you let them "remove the plank for your own eye" so you will be able to see clear "to remove speck out of your brother's eye" - cf. Mt 7:3-5 c. Some people are so quick to take up the "sword", they leave the rest of their armor behind! 3. Paul also has something to say about other weapons that are "mighty in God" a. Such qualities as "the meekness and gentleness of Christ" - 2 Co 10:1-6 b. Making sure that we are first "spiritual", and then displaying gentleness and caution - Ga 6:1 c. Refraining from quarrels, applying gentleness, the Word, with patience and humility correcting the opposition - 2 Ti2:23-26
CONCLUSION
1. The call to "contend earnestly for the faith" is not a license to engage in "contentions" and "outbursts of wrath" - cf. Ga 5:19-21;1 Co 3:1-3
2. But it is a call to vigorously contend with all the weapons at our disposal... a. First and foremost, with the Word of God, applied first to self and then to others b. But also, with the Christ-like qualities that are "mighty in God" to win people over to obedience to Christ 3. It is the fact... a. That many are not obeying Christ as Lord b. But perverting His teaching or setting themselves up as their own authority ...that makes it necessary that we "contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints" Dear friend, whose side of this battle are YOU on? Have you submittedto Him whom God has made both Lord and Christ? Are you continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine? - cf. Ac 2:36-42Reminders Of God's Righteous Condemnation (5-7)
INTRODUCTION
1. Exhorting his readers to "contend earnestly for the faith", in verse4 Jude introduces the reason for them to take such as stand...
a. "Certain men" have crept in unnoticed b. They were "ungodly men", guilty of: 1) Turning the grace of God into lewdness 2) Denying the Lord God and the Lord Jesus Christ 2. Jude also writes of these men that they were "long ago marked out for this condemnation"
a. Some might infer that Jude meant that these men were predestined to act this way b. However, as Warren Wiersbe in The Bible Exposition Commentary correctly states: "Jude did not write that these men were ordained to become apostates, as though God were responsible for their sin. They became apostates because they willfully turned away from the truth. But God did ordain that such people would be judged and condemned. The Old Testament prophets denounced the false prophets of their day, and both Jesus Christ and His Apostlespronounced judgment on them."
c. Yes, what is ordained is their punishment, that those who turn from God will not escape His righteous condemnation! 3. To reinforce his point, Jude reminds his readers of three examples in which the ungodly did not escape God's righteous condemnation - Ju 5-7 a. Israel in the wilderness b. The angels who sinned c. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah 4. That we might be reminded as well, in this study we shall briefly review what is known about these three "case histories" of divine judgment, and draw some points that can be gleaned from them a. If you feel a sense of "deja vu", it may be because Jude follows a pattern set by Peter in his second epistle - 2 Pe 2:4-6 b. Jude's action is understandable, as he is warning against the very presence of those Peter had warned would one day come [There is a difference, however. Whereas Peter used as one of his examples the people destroyed in the flood, Jude selects the example of...] I. ISRAEL IN THE WILDERNESS (5)
A. THE PARTICULARS OF THIS EXAMPLE... 1. A well known event in Israel's history, God "saved" the nation by bringing them out of the land of Egypt 2. Yet despite their being recipients of His wonderful grace, God "destroyed" those who did not believe a. Their lack of faith required that they wander for 40 years in the wilderness b. So that those over the age of 20 when they left Egypt, none but two (Joshua and Caleb) entered the Promised Land 3. The final "tally": 603,550 men were "saved", but then 603,548 were "destroyed" B. THE POINT TO BE MADE FROM THIS EXAMPLE... 1. God may destroy those He has saved! a. Paul made this point in writing to the Corinthians - 1 Co10:1-12
b. The writer to the Hebrews made the same point - He 3:12-4:2,11
2. The reason? Lack of obedient faith! a. "God destroyed those who did not believe" - Ju 5 b. "they could not enter in because of unbelief" - He 3:18-19 3. While the Bible teaches "the security of the believer" (cf. 1 Pe 1:5)... a. It warns against the believer developing a heart of unbelief b. It teaches "the insecurity of the unbeliever" 4. Therefore the Biblical admonition: "...let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." - 1 Co 10:12 5. A recurring theme throughout the New Testament is this: "Remember what happened to Israel!" [Having reminded his readers that the example of Israel shows thepossibility of "once saved, but destroyed", he then provides an examplethat shows God has a place reserved for the wicked...] II. THE ANGELS WHO SINNED (6)
A. THE PARTICULARS OF THIS EXAMPLE... 1. Very little is known from the Scriptures themselves a. As described by Jude, there were angels who: 1) "did not keep their proper domain" 2) "left their own habitation" b. Peter simply writes that the angels "sinned" - 2 Pe 2:4 c. A very old interpretation is that Jude refers to what is described in Gen 6:1-4 1) Where "sons of God" is understood to refer to angels (as used in Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7) who cohabited with the "daughters of men" 2) This interpretation of Gen 6:1-4 is common in Jewish literature (Enoch 7; 9:8; 10:11; 12:4), and Jude appears to quote from such literature later in verse 14 3) It is also found in intertestamental literature and the early church fathers (e.g., Justin in his Apology 2:5) 4) It fits in with the connection Jude later makes with the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah, that they had "gone after strange flesh" - Ju 7 2. What is clearer about these angels is their condemnation a. God has them "in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day" b. As worded by Peter in 2 Pe 2:4, God... 1) "cast them down to hell" a) The word for "hell" is tartaroo {tar-tar-o'-o} b) "Tartarus, thought of by the Greeks as a subterranean place lower than Hades where divine punishment was meted out, was so regarded in Jewish apocalyptic as well." (BAG, p. 813) 2) "delivered them to chains of darkness" (The NIV renders it "gloomy dungeons") 3) "to be reserved for judgment" a) As Jude puts it, "for the judgment of the great day" b) Similar to the scene described in Lk 16:19-31, where the wicked rich man was in torment awaiting the judgment at the Last Day B. THE POINT TO BE MADE FROM THIS EXAMPLE... 1. God is prepared to render everlasting punishment to the wicked! a. He has the angels in "everlasting chains under darkness" - Ju 6 b. For the "ungodly men" described later, He has "reserved the blackness of darkness forever" - Ju 13 2. Just as He had a place prepared for the angels who sinned, so He has a place prepared for the wicked and unbelievers! - cf. Re 21:8 [So God has demonstrated that He is prepared to punish the wicked. ThatHe will do so is emphasized with one more example: The judgment thatcame upon...] III. THE CITIES OF SODOM AND GOMORRAH (7)
A. THE PARTICULARS OF THIS EXAMPLE... 1. The judgment against these cities is vividly described in Gen19:24-28
2. Why this terrible judgment? a. The LORD said it was "because their sin is very grievous" - Gen 18:20 b. Jude says that "in a similar manner to these" (the angels who sinned), they had: 1) "given themselves over to sexual immorality" 2) "gone after strange flesh" c. We see a sample of this in Gen 19:4-11 B. THE POINT TO BE MADE FROM THIS EXAMPLE... 1. Both Peter and Jude make the point that Sodom and Gomorrah are an "example" a. Peter, an example "to those who afterward would live ungodly" - 2 Pe 2:6 b. Jude, an example of those "suffering the vengeance of eternal fire" - Ju 7 2. I.e., God has given us an example of the eternal fire awaiting the subjects of His righteous vengeance! CONCLUSION
1. We may be like the original recipients of Jude's letter, well acquainted with these events... a. But Jude wanted to "remind" them - Ju 5 b. And we need to be reminded often as well! 2. And what is it that we need to remember? a. Remember Israel, as an example of those once saved who were destroyed for lack of faith! b. Remember the angels who sinned, as an example of those whose incarceration tells us God has a place prepared for the wicked! c. Remember Sodom and Gomorrah, as an example that God will not withhold the vengeance of eternal fire when the time is right! 3. It is only when we keep such events in mind that we will... a. Take serious the warnings about those who would lead us astray! b. Take serious the admonitions designed to keep us preserved in Jesus Christ! Are you letting these examples serve their intended purpose? Will youlet them motivate you to make whatever changes need to be made in yourlife? The "judgment of the great day" draws nearer...The Ungodly Dreamers (8-16,19)
INTRODUCTION
1. So far in this epistle, we have noticed that Jude has... a. Exhorted his readers to "contend earnestly for the faith" - Ju 3 b. Made mention of "ungodly men" who have "crept in unnoticed" - Ju 4 1) Men who "turn the grace of our God into licentiousness" 2) And who "deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ" c. Reminded them of examples of God's righteous condemnation in the past - Ju 5-7 1) The nation of Israel in the wilderness 2) The angels who sinned 3) The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah 2. At this point, Jude follows the example set by Peter (cf. 2 Pe 2:10-17) and describes these "ungodly men" - Ju 8-16,19
a. In doing so, Jude does more than simply repeat Peter b. He reinforces Peter's words and adds more information about these "ungodly men" 3. In this study we shall consider Jude's description of these "ungodly dreamers", noticing that what is said of them is summarized in verse8:
a. They "defile the flesh" b. They "reject authority" c. They "speak evil" [As Jude elaborates, he starts with the last of these, how...] I. THEY "SPEAK EVIL" (8-11)
A. OF DIGNITARIES... (8-9) 1. The word "dignitaries" comes from doxa {dox'-ah}, meaning "dignity, glory (-ious), honour, praise, worship" a. It can refer to angelic beings, or those in positions of authority b. In either case, these "ungodly dreamers" would not hesitate to speak evil 2. To illustrate the folly of their behavior, the dispute over the body of Moses is given: a. Michael, the archangel, dared not bring a reviling accusation against the devil b. Saying only "The Lord rebuke you" -- How foolish, then, for these "dreamers" to speak evil of those in authority B. OF WHATEVER THEY DO NOT KNOW... (10-11) 1. Unafraid to speak evil of dignitaries, they do not hesitate to speak evil of things they know nothing about! 2. And what they know naturally, in that they corrupt themselves! - cf. 2 Pe 2:12 3. In conducting themselves in this manner... a. They have gone in the way of Cain 1) Whose works were evil - 1 Jn 3:12 2) Who did not act out of faith - cf. He 11:4 b. They have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit 1) Who loved the wages of unrighteousness - 2 Pe 2:15-16 2) Who put a stumblingblock before the children of Israel - cf. Re 2:14 c. They have perished in the rebellion of Korah 1) A rebellion that was ostensibly against Moses and Aaron - Num 16:1-45 2) But was really against the Lord Himself - cf. Num 26:9 C. DOES THIS NOT CAUTION US ON HOW WE SPEAK OF OTHERS? 1. James warned us about the dangers... a. Of the tongue - Ja 3:2-12 b. Of speaking evil of brethren - Ja 4:11-12; 5:9 2. Paul also wrote Titus to counsel Christians not to speak evil others - Ti 3:1-2 -- When we add the example of the "ungodly dreamers" and their quickness to speak evil of others, shouldn't we be very cautious of how we speak about others? [As we continue, we also notice concerning these "ungodly dreamers" that...] II. THEY "DEFILE THE FLESH" (12-15,19)
A. THEY WERE "SPOTS" IN THE LOVE FEASTS... (12,19) 1. Feasting "without fear, serving only themselves"; they were also "sensual persons" 2. In prophesying of their behavior, Peter elaborates: a. "carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you" - 2 Pe 2:13 b. "having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, beguiling unstable souls" - 2 Pe 2:14 3. They took advantage of brethren's hospitality to engage in their lustful thoughts B. THE EXTENT OF THEIR DEPRAVITY VIVIDLY ILLUSTRATED... (12-13) 1. "Clouds without water, carried about by the winds" a. Offering promise of blessing b. But not leaving any 2. "Late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots" a. Barren when fruit should be expected b. But even worse, beyond fruit-bearing because they are dead and cut off from any source of nourishment 3. "Raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame" a. Like the flotsam and jetsam spewed by the waves b. So their shame comes forth by their words and behavior 4. "Wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever" a. Shining for a moment b. But without direction or orbit, they will eventually be gone forever! C. THEIR CONDEMNATION PROPHESIED LONG AGO... (14-15) 1. By Enoch, the man "who walked with God; and he was not, because God took him" - cf. Gen 5:24 2. Enoch prophesied of the Lord's Coming... a. Coming with ten thousands of His saints (angels?) - cf. 1 Th 3:13; 2 Th 1:7 b. Coming to execute judgment on all - cf. 2 Th 1:8-9 c. Coming to convict all who are ungodly (such as these ungodly dreamers) 1) Of their ungodly deeds committed in an ungodly way 2) Of harsh things spoken against the Lord by ungodly sinners [So the judgment is sure upon these "ungodly dreamers" who speak eviland defile the flesh. But if that were not bad enough, we also learnfrom Jude that...] III. THEY "REJECT AUTHORITY" (16,19)
A. EVIDENCED BY THE WAY THEY SPEAK... 1. We have seen that they were quick to speak evil, contrary to apostolic teaching 2. Jude's description of them as "murmurers, complainers" also shows a lack of respect for apostolic authority - cf. 1 Co 10:10; Ph 2:14
3. Their use of flattery likewise was condemned by the apostles - cf. Ro 16:17-18 B. EVIDENCED BY THE WAY THEY WALK... 1. "Walking according to their own lusts", as "sensual persons", clearly this was a rejection of apostolic authority and teaching - cf. 1 Pe 2:11; 1:14 2. The same was true in "causing divisions" - Ro 16:17-18 CONCLUSION
1. The last phrase of verse 19 truly sums up the condition of these "ungodly dreamers": "...not having the Spirit" a. Yes, when they "defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil..." - Ju 8 b. They demonstrate that they are walking "according to the lusts of the flesh", not "according to the Spirit" - cf. Ga 5:16-23 2. The end of these "ungodly dreamers" is clearly stated in the Scriptures... a. As emphasized by the apostle Paul: "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" - Ga 5:21 b. As stated by Peter: "...to whom the gloom of darkness is reserved forever." - 2 Pe 2:17 c. As stated by Jude: "...for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever" - Ju 15 3. In our next study, we shall consider Jude's counsel on how we can avoid being misled by such "ungodly dreamers" Does Jude's characterization of these "ungodly dreamers" hit a littletoo close to home in some areas? If they do, why not make things rightwith God...?Exhortations To The Beloved (17-23)
INTRODUCTION
1. Up to this point, Jude has established the "need" for his readers to contend earnestly for the faith... a. With reminders of God's righteous condemnation of the ungodly - Ju 5-7 b. With a vivid depiction of the ungodly men who have crept in unnoticed - Ju 9-16,19 2. Now Jude provides a series of exhortations designed to make sure that they stand strong in the faith "once for all delivered to the saints" - Ju 17-23 3. Twice in these verses, Jude addresses his readers as "beloved" - Ju 17,20 a. As an appellation, the term "beloved" is used frequently in the Scriptures 1) By Paul in Ro 12:19 2) By the author of Hebrews - He 6:9 3) By Peter in 1 Pe 2:11 4) By John - 1 Jn 4:1,7,11 5) And by Jude at the beginning of his epistle in Ju 3 b. It describes those addressed as being very dear to the heart of the one using it 4. It is with such love in his heart that we find Jude giving the exhortations necessary to keep from being misled by the ungodly [As we consider these "Exhortations To The Beloved", let us bear inmind that as God's children we too are "beloved" (beloved of God - Ro1:7) and that these exhortations are therefore directed to us as well.
The first exhortation, designed to keep us from stumbling, is to...] I. REMEMBER THE WORDS SPOKEN BEFORE (17-18)
A. REMEMBER WHO SPOKE THEM... 1. They were the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. That is, those duly appointed and sent out by Jesus Himself 3. To heed them is to heed the Lord Himself - cf. Jn 13:20 B. REMEMBER WHAT THEY SAID... 1. That there would be mockers in the last time - cf. 2 Pe 3:1-3 2. That they would walk according to their own ungodly lusts - cf. 2 Ti 3:1-5; 4:3-4 [For us today, we must remember what they wrote. This implies diligentstudy of the Word of God on our part. The need for such study is alsoimplied in the next exhortation...] II. BUILD YOURSELVES UP IN THE MOST HOLY FAITH (20)
A. TO "BUILD UP" SUGGESTS GROWTH... 1. It is not enough to just lay down one level of knowledge and understanding 2. We must continue to build upon it, as Peter expressed it: "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" - 2 Pe 3:18 3. We therefore need to take advantage of opportunities to study and learn B. TO BUILD UP "YOURSELVES" SUGGESTS PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY... 1. While God, family, and brethren will be there to encourage you 2. You must accept personal responsibility and make the effort C. "THE MOST HOLY FAITH" IS THAT "FAITH ONCE DELIVERED..." 1. It is that body of doctrine in which our personal faith is to rest 2. It is that body of doctrine which has been revealed "one time for all times" 3. Which of course pertains to what our Lord Jesus Christ has done and will do for us! [These first two exhortations stress the importance of our "continuingsteadfastly in the apostles' doctrine" (Ac 2:42), that is, to study
diligently and apply the Word of God to our lives. But Bible study alone will not suffice; there is also the need to...] III. PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT (20)
A. PRAYER IS THE NECESSARY COMPLEMENT TO THE WORD OF GOD... 1. By the Word of God, God speaks to us; by prayer, we speak to God 2. The Word of God is a source of strength and comfort to us; but then, so also is prayer - cf. Ph 4:6-7 3. Think of prayer and the Word of God as the "two legs" upon which our spiritual well-being stands; both are need to be well-balanced in our spiritual growth B. WHAT IS MEANT BY PRAYING "IN THE SPIRIT"? 1. Jude does not elaborate, nor does Paul, who uses the expression in Ep 6:18 2. But Paul does use the expression "walk in the Spirit" (Ga 5:25), which suggests walking or living according to the
Spirit's direction as found in the Word of God 3. Perhaps "praying in the Spirit" simply emphasizes that our prayers be in harmony with what the Spirit teaches in the Word of God, which is akin to what John wrote in 1 Jn 5:14 [Diligent Bible study and prayer are certainly essential to keep fromfalling. But as we continue to consider Jude's "Exhortations To TheBeloved", we learn there is more we need to do...] IV. KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD (21)
A. AGAIN, WE SEE THE NEED FOR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY... 1. We are called upon to "keep yourselves..." 2. The word for "keep" is the same word translated "preserved" in Ju 1 3. So while we are indeed "preserved in Jesus Christ", our remaining preserved in Christ is affected by our willing cooperation with God 4. As Peter wrote, we are "kept by the power of God through faith" - 1 Pe 1:5 a. The power of God is the divine contribution to keeping us safe b. Remaining faithful is the human contribution to being kept safe B. KEEPING OURSELVES IN GOD'S LOVE... 1. Jesus taught that keeping the commandments is the key to abiding in God's love a. It is how we will be loved by our Father - Jn 14:21,23 b. It is how we will loved by the Son - Jn 15:9-10 2. This is not legalism, but a simple recognition of the importance of doing what God (and Christ) commands... a. Observing the commandments of Christ are an essential element of recognizing the Lord's authority and keeping the Great Commission - Mt 28:18-20 b. Keeping the commandments of God is what really matters, as far as Paul is concerned - 1 Co 7:19 3. It is also the ultimate proof that we love God and His children - cf. 1 Jn 5:2-3 [So to Bible study and prayer we must add the actual application of God's Word to our lives if we wish to keep from falling. But to avoid turning our efforts to keep the commandments of God intolegalism or thinking that we somehow earn our salvation, we need toheed the next exhortation...] V. LOOK FOR THE MERCY OF OUR LORD (21)
A. WE MUST ALWAYS BE LOOKING FORWARD... 1. Looking forward to "the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" - cf. Ti 2:11-13 2. Looking forward to "the coming of the day of God" - 2 Pe 3:10-12
3. Looking for that "new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells" - 2 Pe 3:13-14 B. ESPECIALLY AS IT PERTAINS TO ETERNAL LIFE AND MERCY... 1. Eternal life is not something we earn, but is graciously given in Christ Jesus - Ro 6:23 2. We are saved, not by works of righteousness, but according to mercy, that we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal- Ti 3:4-7 3. Thus, the prayer that Paul had for Onesiphorus should be the prayer that we all have for ourselves: "The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lordin that Day" - 2 Ti 1:18
[The final exhortation speaks not so much to what we can do to keepourselves from falling, but what we should do to save others in danger...] VI. BE COMPASSIONATE, WITH FEAR (22-23)
A. THE NEED FOR COMPASSION... 1. First, to save ourselves, for mercy will only be shown to the merciful - Ja 2:13 2. But also to save those who are in danger a. Compassion is needed to move us to action - cf. Mt 9:36-38;10:1
a. Compassion is needed to properly handle those in danger - Ga 6:1; 2 Ti 2:24-25 B. THE NEED FOR FEAR... 1. Lest we be caught up in the same error of the wicked - cf. Ga 6:1 2. That we might be motivated to persuade those in danger of being lost - cf. 2 Co 5:10-11 CONCLUSION
1. Here, then, are Jude's final "Exhortations To The Beloved"... a. Remember the words spoken before (17-18) b. Build yourselves up in the most holy faith (20) c. Pray in the spirit (20) d. Keep yourselves in the love of God (21) e. Look for the mercy of our Lord (21) f. Be compassionate, with fear (22-23) 2. These exhortations might easily be called: a. "How To Keep From Falling" b. "How To Contend Earnestly For The Faith" -- For that is what Jude is seeking to do in writing these words of exhortation 3. Do we not see the need for heeding these same exhortations ourselves? a. Do we not face the same danger today? b. Do we not desire the same blessings promised to the original recipients of this letter? 4. May these words of Jude to his beloved serve as a guide for us today... a. Imagine the blessedness of a congregation in which every member is heeding these exhortations! b. Imagine the blessedness of seeing everyone in this congregation receiving the mercy of the Lord on that Day! Beloved, are you keeping yourselves in the love of God today by keepingHis commandments...?Jude's Closing Doxology (24-25)
INTRODUCTION
1. In the course of his short epistle, Jude has had to write some necessary, and to some degree, unpleasant things... a. A plea to contend earnestly for the faith - Ju 3 b. A warning about ungodly men who have crept in unnoticed - Ju 4 c. A reminder of God's righteous condemnation in times past - Ju 5-7 d. A description of the depravity of the ungodly dreamers - Ju 8-16 e. Counsel on how to keep from stumbling - Ju 17-23 -- One might think that such unpleasant tasks would leave him in a depressed state of mind 2. Yet we find that Jude is moved to end his epistle with a "doxology"... a. The word means "an expression of praise to God" b. Doxologies are common in Scripture 1) Usually at the end of an epistle - cf. Ro 16:25-27 2) Sometimes in the middle of one - cf. Ep 3:20-21 c. The format of a doxology is usually in two parts: 1) An address to the one being praised, including reasons for the praise being offered 2) The expression of praise itself 3. In "Jude's Closing Doxology", we find this epistle closing... a. On a very high note, not in doubt and fear b. With a beautiful expression of faith and hope 4. That we might be sure to live with a strong assurance of faith and hope, let's take a few moments to carefully examine this "expression of praise" preserved for us in this epistle [Jude begins his doxology by describing...]