JUDE: CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH PART 5

Speaker: Rich Gartman

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Scripture:

Main Idea:

Intro

Good morning, everyone! It’s wonderful to see you all today. Before we begin, I’d like to share a little joke. A pastor was preaching about the end times and asked his congregation, “Who wants to go to heaven?” Everyone raised their hands except for one little boy in the front row. The pastor asked, “Son, don’t you want to go to heaven?” The boy replied, “Oh, I do, but I thought you were getting a group together to go right now!”

Today, we’re going to talk about a passage in Jude that addresses the certainty of judgment, particularly focusing on Jude 1:14-16. These verses remind us of the coming judgment on the ungodly and serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of living righteously. Let’s delve into three key points: the prophecy of judgment, the character of the ungodly, and the call to righteousness.

Bible Verse

14 It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16 These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.

The book of Enoch

Explanation – Point 1

Jude 1:14-15 cites a prophecy from Enoch, the seventh from Adam, who foretold the coming of the Lord with thousands of His holy ones to execute judgment on all. This prophecy emphasizes that judgment is not a distant possibility but a guaranteed event.

Illustration – Point 1

Imagine a student who has been warned repeatedly about an upcoming exam but chooses to ignore the warnings, believing the exam will never happen. When the exam day arrives, the student is unprepared and faces the consequences. Similarly, Jude's prophecy serves as a warning that judgment is inevitable, and we must be prepared.

Application – Point 1

We need to live our lives with the awareness that we will be held accountable for our actions. This prophecy calls us to examine our lives, repent where necessary, and align ourselves with God's will. Let’s live in a way that honors God, knowing that He will come to judge the living and the dead.

Enochs Ungodly

Explanation – Point 2

Jude 1:15-16 describes the ungodly as those who commit ungodly deeds, speak harsh words against God, and follow their own sinful desires. They are grumblers, malcontents, and loud-mouthed boasters who show favoritism to gain advantage.

Illustration – Point 2

Consider a spoiled child who constantly complains, never satisfied with anything, and always wants things done their way. This child’s behavior disrupts the peace and harmony of the household. In a similar way, the ungodly disrupt the peace and unity of the church with their actions and attitudes.

Application – Point 2

We need to be vigilant in identifying and addressing ungodly behaviors in our own lives and within our community. By cultivating humility, contentment, and genuine love for others, we can counteract the negative influence of the ungodly. Let’s encourage one another to live lives that reflect the character of Christ.

Point only to Christ

Explanation – Point 3

While Jude’s prophecy warns of judgment, it also implicitly calls believers to live righteously. By contrasting the ungodly with the expected behavior of believers, Jude urges us to pursue godliness and righteousness.

Illustration – Point 3

When Leonardo da Vinci was forty-three years old, the Duke Ludovico of Milan asked him to paint the dramatic scene of Jesus’ last supper with his disciples: Working slowly and giving meticulous care to details, he spent three years on the assignment. He grouped the disciples into threes, two groups on either side of the central figure of Christ. Christ’s arms are outstretched. In his right hand, He holds a cup, painted beautifully with marvelous realism. When the masterpiece was finished, the artist said to a friend, “Observe it and give me your opinion of it!” “It’s wonderful!” exclaimed the friend. “The cup is so real I cannot divert my eyes from it!” Immediately Leonardo took a brush and drew it across the sparkling cup! He exclaimed as he did so: “Nothing shall detract from the figure of Christ!” (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #1344).

Application – Point 3

We must strive to be examples of godly living in a world filled with ungodliness. By dedicating ourselves to prayer, studying Scripture, and living out our faith in practical ways, we can be the light that leads others to Jesus. Let’s commit to being steadfast in our faith and unwavering in our pursuit of righteousness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jude 1:14-16 serves as a powerful reminder of the certainty of judgment and the call to live righteously. By heeding the prophecy of judgment, recognizing the character of the ungodly, and embracing the call to righteousness, we can prepare ourselves and others for the coming of the Lord.