THE BOOK OF JUDE

Author “Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James…” Jude then was likely the physical half-brother of Jesus… Why would Jude not mention this? The relationship of a bond-servant was more important to Jude. Date No actual events are mentioned that would date the book Based upon common themes, the book is thought to have been written about the same time as 2 nd Peter, AD.

THE BOOK OF JUDE Purpose “ 3 Beloved, being very eager to write to you of our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (RSV)

THE BOOK OF JUDE Outline Introduction and Salutation (1-2) Occasion and Purpose of the Letter (3-4) History of God’s dealings with men demonstrates He judges the wicked (5-7) Harsh Condemnation of false teachers among them & their doctrines (8-13) Assurance that God will judge the wicked (14-19) Exhortations to brethren to increase in righteousness & service (20-23) Doxology and Conclusion (24-25)

THE BOOK OF JUDE – MAJOR POINTS 1.Christians have a common salvation based upon a faith delivered once for all. All men need the same salvation. Romans 3:23 – “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death…” Salvation comes through the blood of Jesus, but contacting that blood requires the faith delivered through the gospel. Each Christian must have an individual faith to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) Yet, Jude refers to only one faith – doctrine and set of principles – that describe the plan of God including the commands for man to follow. (Ephesians 4:5) Romans 6:17 – “But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to the form of teaching to which you were committed.” Verses quoted from the New American Standard Bible

THE BOOK OF JUDE – MAJOR POINTS 2.We must contend for the faith because men have a history of rejecting it. The faith is the objective set of beliefs, principles or doctrine of Christ. We are expected to contend – fight for – the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7-8, 1 Timothy 6:12) Why does the faith need to be fought for? “ 4 For admission has been secretly gained by some who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly persons who pervert the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (RSV) Some were teaching and practicing things that opposed the faith. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) The character and actions of these men are listed in verses 4, 8, 10, and They are not the first though to reject God’s will. Verses quoted from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise noted

THE BOOK OF JUDE – MAJOR POINTS 3.God’s punishment of rebellious men has been consistent. God has always dealt firmly and justly with people who have rejected His will. Children of Israel – Were delivered from Egypt, but perished in the wilderness Angels – Given a place by God, but removed due to their abandonment Sodom and Gomorrah – Were destroyed for rejecting God’s moral laws God had punished those who follow their own desires. Cain – Religious unbelief Balaam – Covetous unbelief Korah – Rebellious unbelief Verses quoted from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise noted

THE BOOK OF JUDE – MAJOR POINTS 4.Keep yourselves in the love of God. 20 But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; 21 keep yourselves in the love of God; wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And convince some, who doubt; 23 save some, by snatching them out of the fire; on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. ” (RSV) Build – Make progress or grow in faith (2 Peter 3:18) Pray – Grow closer to God through prayer Keep – Practice self-discipline, being obedient, and staying in the love of God (1 John 2:5) Wait – Direct our eyes to the coming of Jesus while we live Verses quoted from the New American Standard Bible

THE BOOK OF JUDE – MAJOR POINTS Conclusion “24 Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you without blemish before the presence of his glory with rejoicing, 25 to the only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and for ever. Amen.” (RSV) Verses quoted from the New American Standard Bible