Jude 1:17-25

Introduction

Jude wrote this epistle to exhort the assemblies to contend for the faith that was once delivered - Jude 1:3 “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

The reason he went in this direction was: Jude 1:4 “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

These false teachers are ordained unto condemnation

Ungodly men

They turned the grace of God into lasciviousness

Denied the Lordship of God

After this, Jude focused on the condemnation that they had been ordained to in Jude 1:5-16

In this section, he had to remind them of the judgement of people and angels in the Old Testament that had experienced the goodness and mercies of God but were wicked and unbelievers that were fitted for destruction.

They do not know what they are talking about when it comes to spiritual things contained in the Bible.

Remember v.16-19

“But” - contrast between those he loved and Apostates.

Second time remember is used

shows how easy it is to get caught up in the emotion of an event.

Their talent to speak

murmuring and complaining

Finances

Social, political or economic justice.

Appealing

Walking after their own passions - Not the passions of the Lord!

Their mouth speaking great swelling words

Their advantage is people discover their speeches to be pragmatic.

Pragmatism is the notion that meaning or worth is determined by practical consequences. It is closely akin to utilitarianism, the belief that usefulness is the standard of what is good.

Especially, when we are using pragmatic-ism to discern right from wrong.

Gospel does not always get a positive response

Satanic lies can be quite effective

Majority reaction is no test of validity

Prosperity is no measure of truthfulness.

“Osteen may not have the grasp of theology and church history that some pastors have, but he knows how to connect with ordinary Americans through a therapeutic message that draws heavily from pop culture…”

Their character v.19

Separate - Cause division based upon superiority

Sensual - not necessarily sexual but attracting the physical senses - If it feels good, do it!

Spiritless - not quickened by the Holy Spirit - Operating by the flesh!

How to avoid false teachers v.20-23

Strong Declarations

Build yourselves up - most holy faith

praying in the Holy Ghost

Urgent command - Keep yourselves in the love of God

Consistency commands

“I don’t beat people down,” he says. “I don’t have a lot of condemnation in my message. I don’t believe that we’re supposed to be depressed and broke and poor and suffering. God wants us to be happy and to be a blessing to people.”

Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life

Have compassion

Save with fear