Contending for the Faith: A Lesson from Jude 1:1-25

Introduction:

Jude urges his readers to "Contend for there faith" against "certain intruders [who] have stolen in among you." He warns about false teachers who twist the grace of Christ as a pretext for wantonness. Jude asks the reader to recall how even after the Lord saved his people out of the land of Egypt, he did not hesitate to destroy those who fell into unbelief, much as he punished the angels who fell from their original exalted status and the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. He also paraphrases (verse 9) an incident apparently from the Testament of Moses about Satan and Michael the Archangel quarreling over the body of Moses.

We are living in a time when the world seems to be spiraling further away from Gods truth and righteousness. This can be disheartening for us as Christians, but it is important for us to remember that even in the midst of such darkness, Gods word remains a beacon of light and hope. Today, we will be diving into the book of Jude, , to learn a valuable lesson from the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. It is a warning against Gods judgment and a call to live upright and holy lives in the midst of a fallen world.

The book of Jude was written to confront false teachers who were promoting immoral behavior and distorting the true message of the gospel. Jude's warning is still relevant for us today as we face similar challenges in our culture. We must be vigilant and prepared to defend the truth at all times.

In Matthew 5:13 ““You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Jesus calls on his followers to live out by faith what he has made them to be, and to do the good works God gives them to do.

In the book of Jude, we see the author, believed to be the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus, writing a letter to a group of believers. Jude purpose in writing this letter was to warn them about false teachers who had infiltrated the church and to encourage them to remain steadfast in their faith.

Jude 1–25“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. In a sim…”

Main Point 1: The Importance of Remaining Faithful (Jude 1:3)

Observation: Jude begins his letter by urging the believers to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. This implies that there is a need to defend and protect the truth of the gospel.

Interpretation: In the early church, false teachers had started to spread heretical teachings, causing confusion and division among believers. Similarly, in our modern times, we see many false teachings and philosophies that try to discredit the Christian faith. But just as Jude exhorted the first-century believers, we too must remain faithful to the gospel that was handed down to us.

Application: We must be vigilant and discerning in our faith, constantly guarding against false teachings and remaining rooted in the truth of Gods Word.

In the Didache, which is considered a work of patristic literature from an unknown Apostolic Father and is part of the second-generation Christian writings known as the Apostolic Fathers wrote:

"But concerning the apostles and prophets, do exactly as in the Gospel of Matthew, therefore also did our Lord say, 'You are to act as My judges.' Therefore for you to examine all things, and to test them by a trial as to what is good and what is evil, is good."

Main Point 2: The Consequences of Rejecting Gods Authority (Jude 1:4)

Observation: Jude goes on to warn the believers about the false teachers who have crept in unnoticed among them. He describes them as ungodly people who pervert the grace of God and deny the authority of Christ.

Interpretation:

These false teachers rejected the lordship of Christ and promoted their own desires above Gods commands. Their heretical teachings led people astray and ultimately resulted in their destruction.

Application: We must be cautious of those who deny the authority of God and His Word. We must also be mindful of our own actions and ensure that we submit to Gods authority and follow His commands.

Introduction:

As Christians, we are called to stand firm in our faith and resist the temptations and false teachings of the world. In the book of Jude, we are reminded of the importance of this as we face challenges in our faith. We will be looking at verses 8-15 as we explore the three main points of this passage.

Scripture Reading: Jude 8–15“In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them. Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. Enoch, the se…”

The Danger of False Teachers (verse 8)

Explanation:

The apostle Jude warns us about the danger of false teachers who have infiltrated the church. These false teachers twist the truth and lead believers astray, causing them to stumble in their faith. They deny Jesus Christ as the only Lord and Savior and promote their own desires and agendas.

Illustration:

Just like how a virus can quickly spread and infect an entire population, false teachings can spread and infect the church if we are not aware and vigilant.

Application:

We must be grounded in the truth of Gods Word and have discernment to recognize false teachings. Let us not be swayed by the smooth words of false teachers, but rather, stand firm in the truth and resist their deceptive ways.

Main Point 2: The Consequences of Sin (verses 9-10)

Explanation:

Jude then reminds us of the consequences of sin through the examples of the rebellious angels and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. These entities, which were once in the presence of God, fell from his grace due to their disobedience and were ultimately punished by God.

Illustration:

Just as a fire spreads and destroys everything in its path, sin also spreads and destroys our relationship with God.

Application:

Let us not take sin lightly but instead, remember the grave consequences that come with it. May we continuously strive to live holy and honorable lives to honor God and avoid the same fate as the fallen angels and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

In Verses 11-13

Explanation:

Jude goes on to describe the judgment that will come upon false teachers and those who follow in their ways. They will face eternal punishment for their rejection of God and their disobedience. But for those who remain faithful and endure, they will receive the promise of eternal life.

Illustration:

Just like how a farmer separates the wheat from the chaff, God will separate the true believers from the false ones.

Application:

Let us not be deceived by the temporary pleasures and promises of false teachings. Rather, let us cling to the truth of Gods Word and trust in His promises of eternal life.

Scripture Reading: Jude 16–24 “These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—”

Explanation: In this passage, Jude describes false teachers as grumblers, malcontents, and loud-mouthed boasters who seek their own gain and cause division among believers. These false teachers have crept into the church unnoticed and deny the lordship of Jesus Christ. They twist the grace of God into sensuality and reject sound doctrine.

Illustration: Just like how ravenous wolves disguise themselves in sheeps clothing, false teachers often appear as righteous and knowledgeable, but their motive is to deceive and lead people astray. They may sound convincing and may even use Scripture to support their teachings, but they distort its meaning and deceive many.

Application: As believers, we must be vigilant and discerning. We must critically examine everything we are taught and compare it to the truth of Gods Word. Do not be easily swayed by impressive words or popular teachings. Instead, hold fast to the truth and guard your hearts against false teachings.

Explanation: Jude reminds us to remember the words of the apostles and the instructions of our Lord Jesus Christ. These words are our foundation for discerning truth from lies and for living our lives according to Gods will. We must not be arrogant or deceived by those who reject these teachings, but instead, we must have compassion and desire to save them from the snare of falsehood.

Illustration: Just like a good soldier diligently studies and follows the orders of the commanding officer, we too must continuously study and obey Gods Word. We cannot afford to be passive or ignorant, for the enemy is constantly seeking to deceive us. Without knowing the truth, we will easily fall prey to false teachings.

Application: Let us seek to know Gods Word more deeply and be fully convinced of its truth. May we hold unwaveringly to its teachings and share it with those who are being led astray. Let us also pray for those who have been deceived, that God may open their eyes and hearts to the truth.

Explanation: Jude ends his letter with a call to persevere in our faith. He reminds us that God is able to keep us from stumbling and to present us blameless before His glorious presence. We are to persevere in faith, hope, and love, building ourselves up in prayer and waiting patiently for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Illustration: Just like how an athlete trains diligently to win the prize, we too must strive and endure in our faith. There may be difficulties and trials along the way, but we must remain steadfast and persevere until the end.

Application:

Let us not lose heart or lose our faith when faced with trials and false teachings. Instead, let us remember that our God is faithful and He will strengthen us to endure. Let us also encourage one another and spur each other on towards love and good deeds.

Transition:

As we conclude our examination of Judes letter, let us remember the importance of contending for the faith, remaining faithful to Gods Word, and persevering in our faith, no matter the circumstances.

Conclusion:

We may face challenges and temptations, but we must not waver in our faith. Let us continue to stand firm in the truth, contend for the faith.

As we go out into the world this week, may we remember the lessons from Judes letter and apply them in our daily lives. Let us be discerning in our faith, submit to Gods authority, and persevere in our walk with Him, always striving to bring glory to His name. Amen.