"All together Whole"
Jude • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Introduction:
Baseball illustration: “Boys, we left the basics of baseball, what else should we expect for a result?”
Deviation is most cases, is deadly. 2 degrees of deviation on a 10 mile course results in 20 miles off course either to the left or the right. 200 miles over the course of 100 miles intended. Church family, in the book we will be covering today, a similar message is shared. A call to strive for zero deviation from the basics. Our culture is promoting more and more the worldly desires and pleasures through the conduit of “consumerism”. Our social media, televisions, and electronic devices are filled with “how may this benefit the consumer?” And that's exactly what they are, “devices” that if not careful- distract from the basics of holy Christ Centered living. Although difficult topics will be covered within this letter, I truly believe this book is relevant for us believers today.
Jude identified.
-Servant of Jesus Christ (Great example).
- Brother of James (Mark 6:3)
Jude at first did not believe His claims to be the Messiah in the beginning per John 7:3-5
3 His brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 For even His brothers did not believe in Him.
Matthew 12:46-47 and Mark 3:21 express his true viewpoint on his brother Jesus during the beginning stages.
It was most likely after the resurrection that Jude and his brother James came to understand that their half-brother, Jesus, was indeed the Son of God. It was that shift in perspective that motivated Jude to define himself not as “the brother of the Messiah” but as “a servant of Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:1).
Jude went on to become a leader in the early church from which stance He is writing this book. I believe this teaches us that being familiar with Jesus is not sufficient to save us from an eternity in hell. I believe part of what Jude is addressing in this letter is how cultural Christianity places people in close proximity to the truth but many have not allowed that truth change their hearts or redefine them with new identity in Christ. They must be saved by grace through faith just like everyone else who wants to know God (Ephes. 2:8-9). Jude, James and Mary were no exception.
But notice how he addressed himself primarily, a Servant of Jesus Christ. In our culture, titles that are mentioned first, are held to a very high standard and typically when asked, we use the title that we hold dearest and with most value.
Written approx. 67-80 AD
-Written to a mostly Jewish group who had an understanding of the OT law and writings. (Called, Sanctified, and preserved). Jude is the only book to directly write entirely to the focus of the great apostasy. Written to those who are facing the reality of abandonment and renunciation of their faith. Paul writes similarly to the realization of deviation in Galatians 1:6-10
6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
-*Peter wrote 64-66 AD- Why is this significant? Read 2 Peter 2:1-3
1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.
Peter is writing with a warning forward into the future, while Jude is writing in reflection of what Peter wrote about as a reality which had already settled within the church.
Written directly to those who are:
Called
Sanctified
Preserved
Read vs. 3-4. Joyful to somber approach in Jude’s writings.
Central theme: Contend earnestly for the faith. (“Don’t Deviate”)
Reason: Certain men have crept in unnoticed. In conjunction with “consumerism”, attention and detail to appearance is commonly right around the corner. These people have the appearance of being harmless, loving, and even gentle, but are actually creeping in unnoticed with ulterior motives. An unrevealed reason for saying or doing something. This type of motivation usually benefits the individual without sharing it with others.
“One thought characterizes this epistle: be-aware of the apostates. The heresy of Gnosticism had raised it’s head. The Gnostics whom Jude warned against, were denying the Lordship of Christ (vs. 4), exercising sinful license (4, 8, 16), rebelling against authority (vs. 8, 11, and 18), giving in to their sinful desires (Vs. 16, 19), being only concerned with gain for themselves (11-12,16) being divisive (vs.19), fault-finding (vs. 16) and boasting (vs. 16). Gnosticism at the core declared that the Spirit was good and that material was evil. Therefore the spiritual was to be cultivated and fed. In addition Gnosticism, promoted that the flesh do whatever it desires. Thus the heart of apostasy was that it turned the grace of God into license and lewdness.
This is written and entirely given to the focus of the great apostasy.
Jude provides us with 3 OT examples to draw from:
Vs 5- Israelite's rebellion
Vs 6- Rebellious Angels-(Isaiah 14:12-21)
Vs 7- Men of Sodom-(Gen 19:5)
Strange flesh- pursued unnatural desire-not intended as God ordained Godly marriage. Everyone around us currently is waiving their banners, flags, and logos with pride. We must be careful to not be conformed to this world but transformed and not deviate from how God intended love, marriage between a man and woman, and the covenant therein. This does not mean we hate… if anything we love them with the truth and invite them to understand the truth and I encourage us all to do that, realizing this truly is a “contending” issue. Similarly we are called to operate in gentleness and boldness.
*Some believe that vs 6 and vs 7 are linked together through the statement “In a similar manner” and can be traced back to Genesis 6 which includes the wickedness on the earth leading up to the flood.
Vs 8- Moses and Michael interactions while contending with the devil . Mentioned by Origen-an early writer referenced old Greek literature which mentioned this interaction based on earlier writings outside of the OT law. Some scholars believe that there are various OT Scriptures which reference this interaction as well, Like Daniel, Zachariah and Deuteronomy.
Vs 11- Cain, Balaam and Korah.
*So Why is Jude quoting and referencing outside of the OT law with additional sources like 1st Enoch and possibly even Origen who referenced additional manuscripts not found in the canonized Scripture? We must remember that Jews were immersed in religious writings not just the law. Gathering any research of writings that surround or discuss the law.
In essence, all of these stories show people who have rebelled against God’s authority, are sexually immoral, and reject God’s messengers. They are self absorbing and have gone on to corrupt others.
Check out the comparison in Jude’s writings over the next few verses (Vs 12-13) in comparison to those of Peter.
13 and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you,
12 These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots;
17 These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.
12 These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots;
Clouds without water is alot like showing up to dinner with food yet giving nothing away.
Jude describes these men as:
Fruitless
Dead
Rooted Up
Shameful
Left original intended placement
Illustration: “You’ve let them in” (TV code to override parental guidance). Usually not for the better moral material, programs, or info.
Vs 14-16 Ancient warning
Vs 17-19 A recent warning with warning signs of who these people are. Corrupt leaders would arise and distort the good news.
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.
The writer of Hebrews touches the tendency of apostasy further in Hebrews 5-6.
*Read Hebrews 5:11-6:6. ***
We just covered Hebrews in Sunday School class, and we all saw first hand the struggle between following Christ, and going back to what the Jews knew before. A falling back.
So lets get back to Jude’s overall exhortation.
Big idea: Contend earnestly for the Faith-and by doing so keeping yourselves in the love of God.
Jude begins to cover how we can remain firm and intentional in our faith :
Vs 20- Your most Holy Faith “Community of Jesus”.
God’s Grace demands a whole life response- not just intellectual.
Notice that Jude does not cover the corrupt teachers theology or doctrine, but rather their moral choices. This confirms that Jude is writing to a whole life contending for the Faith. The dichotomy is together and is in harmony with following Christ.
15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.
“If you love me, do what I say.
Illustration:
Navy Seal Story:
3 Times through hell week.
Lost 106 lbs in 3 months
Ran 100 Miles in 24 hours as a requirement.
“It Comes down to a daily routine, he says he has to prioritize “trying to run the battle in the morning” This is his starting point in his daily life even today. “Up and run mentality builds discipline”.
He goes on to add that accountability and self evaluation is needed everyday.
We must keep up the discipline he says. He ends with this in an interview:
“A warriors story of perseverance is never finished”.
Do not deviate! Christ gave this great example when He did not deviate on the Christ and instead sought to bestow mercy, peace and love on His beloved”.
Father forgive them for they know not what they…think? DO!!!!
It is finished! Two statements confirming is devotion to contending for the Faith and not deviating from the fulfillment of prophecy and the plan of the Father.
Closing statement: Individual, church, family, husbands, wives, teens, young married’s… you may be battling with deviating in some regard… I join Jude, and encourage you to count the cost, and realize that deviation is deadening and unfruitful. You may be battling or know someone who is battling with the very issues mentioned within this letter. Contend earnestly for the faith and do not deviate. Older person, “Don’t you dare let up- finish well!”
I believe that unbelievers need to see people striving to live altogether whole with more consistency and continuity with the Faith which has been delivered. They need to see us living out our faith. We need to do it for them, our families, our children, and each of us. It encourages us to do the same.
Don’t deviate from the altogether whole living. You are beloved, called, sanctified, and preserved, granted with mercy, peace and love… live like it matters. Don’t deviate from your great inheritance.
I invite anyone would wants to meet regularly to reach out to some one, even myself, and consider contending together. Two by two the animals went onto the ark, and two by two we shall go contend together. (Available most early mornings).
It is time we stop asking the Lord to Bless America, and ask America to Bless God.
Move away from consumerism and into the “bondservant of Jesus Christ Mentality and be all together whole. Be all in!