Jude

Background Theme: Fight for the faith Author: Jude (Judah) the brother of James – Matthew 13:55 We don’t know when this was written, but it seems to have been after 2 Peter which was likely written between 64 AD and 68 AD Excellent book for Evangelism motivation

Jude 1-6 1. Compare the prophecy statements of 2 Peter with statements in Jude about their fulfillment. Write down the fulfillment after the prophecy. 2 Peter 2:1 “There will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce . . . heresies.” Jude 4 Certain men…have secretly slipped in among you 2 Peter 2:1 “even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them” Who…deny Jesus our only Sovereign and Lord 2 Peter 2:3 “Their condemnation has long been hanging over them.” Men whose condemnation was written about long ago 2 Peter 3:3 “In the last days scoffers will come.” Jude 17,18 Remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “in the last times there w will be scoffers.”

2. What is the purpose of this epistle? (verse 3)  Jude urges his fellow Christians to contend for the faith 3. What were the false teachers advocating? (verse 4) They promoted immorality – license to sin, debauchery – following carnal lusts They denied the deity of Christ Note: they were from among those in the church

4. Jude reminds his readers that this sort of thing has happened in the past. What two examples does he give? (verses 5,6) What will happen to such people?  Many whom God delivered from Egypt were wicked – they were destroyed  Many of the angels fell away – they were cast into hell The same awaits the wicked who infiltrate God’s church 5. How can Jude’s greeting in verse 1 provide comfort for Christians of all eras? We are loved by God and kept safe by Jesus

Jude 7-13 1. Jude preaches a strong message to those who reject the Lord. What will happen to them?  They will undergo justice - destroyed 2. According to verse 8, what is one of the main sins of the false teachers?  They defile the flesh and think they know more than they do 3. Why does Jude introduce the account of Michael, the archangel? He is an example of humility. He knew how far his authority went and left the rest in God’s hands

4. Describe the sins of the false teachers from the pictures Jude uses to describe them. “The way of Cain” Genesis 4 God rejected him because he rejected God “Balaam’s error” Numbers 22-25 Tried to accept a bribe to curse Israel – Israel destroyed him “Korah’s rebellion” Numbers 16-17 Korah rejected Moses’ God given authority and was destroyed

5. What do each of the following pictures say about false teachers? “Shepherds who feed only themselves” They were selfish and preached for gain “Clouds without rain” Full of empty promise “Autumn trees” No fruit and need to be uprooted “Wild waves of the sea” Promise power but foam up shame “Wandering stars” Useless for navigation – come and go to darkness

6. Jude says that what the false teachers do understand will ultimately destroy them. What does he mean by that? What parallels do we find in our society today? They have “wisdom”, “intelligence”, “man made – knowledge” on their side, but it is empty and will lead to hell Evolution, homosexuality is OK, works righteousness

Jude 14-25 1. What is the key word in Enoch’s speech? What is the key thought in Enoch’s speech?  ungodly  The ungodly will be destroyed 2. What are some characteristics of the false teachers? (verse 16) Think of selves, grumble about others, find fault, flatter to suit their selfish purposes, boast about themselves and follow evil desires

3. “Remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold” (verse 17). What did they foretell according to the following passages: Acts 20:29; 1 Timothy 4:1,2; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Peter 3:3?  Wolves will find their way into the flock  wickedness will increase Appearance of godliness that is powerless Scoffers will appear 4. What does Jude tell his readers to do in verses 20 and 21?  build themselves up in the faith  Keep themselves in God’s love 5. Why should Christians show mercy mixed with fear? (verse 23) Show understanding which calls people to repentance and faith in Jesus

6. Who alone is able to keep us in the faith and bring us safely to heaven?  The Lord 7. Identify people who doubt or who are playing with the fire of sin. What can you do to help them?  Pray for them Speak lovingly and clearly Try to remove the “baggage”