JUDE GOD’S JUDGMENT ON FALSE TEACHERS

WHO WAS “JUDE”? Shortened form of “Judas” Not an apostle (v. 17) “Servant of Jesus Christ & brother of James” Most likely one of Jesus’ 4 brothers Possibly doesn’t say so out of modesty, & b/c Jesus said physical relation to Himself counted for nothing

MAIN THEME: FALSE TEACHERS Wanted to write about “our common salvation,” but circumstances required him to write about a threat to the faith Characteristics of the False Teachers: 1.Undisciplined Behavior – “pervert the grace of God,” immorality & lives inconsistent with the faith; “ungodly passions” (v 18) 2.Distorted Doctrines – “deny our only Master & Lord, Jesus Christ.” Doesn’t say how; possibly same as in 1 Jn. Scoffers who are “devoid of the Spirit” 3.Perverted Attitudes – reject authority, arrogant, greedy, grumblers & malcontents Result: Judgment is sure to come upon them!

RESPONSE TO FALSE TEACHERS Look to Yourself (vs 20-21) – Build yourself up in faith, pray, keep yourself in the love of God, wait for God’s mercy Look to Others (vs 22-23) – Convince doubters, try to reclaim those overcome by false teachings Look to God (vs 24-25) – Realize your need for God’s strength

JUDE’S QUOTES FROM UNINSPIRED SOURCES?? V 9 – Dispute over Moses’ body = from “Assumption of Moses” Vs – Quotes from “1 Enoch” False conclusions: 1. If Jude quotes uninspired writers, he must be uninspired 2. Since Jude is inspired, anything he quotes must be inspired Better conclusions: 1. Inspired writers can use truth regardless of its source (e.g., Paul) 2. Regardless of truthfulness (or lack of), inspired writers can use these writings to express truth (e.g., Jesus’ Parables) 3. Good example for us: Use what people are familiar with

LESSONS FOR TODAY 1.Just b/c evil people seem to succeed, never doubt the reality of God’s _______________. 2.____________ goes a long way toward keep us faithful to Christ. 3.Each of us is responsible for our own ________ health. 4.We can only maintain our spiritual health by relying on _______ to strengthen us.

KEY VERSES “But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” Jude 20-21