Untitled Sermon (27)

Remaining Authentic Jude (3-4)

2. Agonize for the faith (3c–d)

After mentioning his original intention for this epistle, Jude writes, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith (3c). The word translated contend means “to struggle for something.” The root word is the Greek word from which we get our word “agonize.” The word “earnestly” is added in the kjvto convey the intensity of the struggle.

The word contendis present tense, meaning we have to continually, every day, contend for the faith, even to the point of agony. This is what Paul was writing about in his final epistle, just before he was executed. How does he describe in 2 Timothy 4:7 what it means to agonize for the faith?

We are to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (3c–d). The word translated once (hapax, hap′-ax) means something completed in past time with lasting results. It refers to something that is perpetually complete and valid. This means when someone comes along and says, “We have something new to add to the faith,” or “We have another gospel of Jesus Christ,” you can ask, “Have you read Jude 3?” The faith that was once for all delivered to the saints means it was all deliveredat once—nothing was left out.

Remaining authentic as Christians requires that we defend the faith against all attempts to pervert or dilute it. We are to keep the faith pure and teach it to others with no additions or deletions. The reason is found in 2 Peter 1:3a. Write it below:

There is an old saying: “If it’s new, it ain’t true.” That means if it’s not in the Bible and it claims to be the inspired Word of God, it’s false teaching.

To remain authentic, realize the blessings of salvation, agonize for the faith, and …

3. Scrutinize all teaching (4a)

Jude now gives us the reason for writing this epistle: For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation (4a). From the very first books in the Bible, there are warnings about changing God’s Word and following false teachers. For example, what does Moses tell the Israelites in Deuteronomy 4:2a–b?

False teachers try to slip into Bible-believing churches unnoticed. Then, they seek influential places in the church and even in denominations. They are often sharp, educated people who want to push their own agendas. As Paul gives his farewell address to the Ephesian elders, he warns them that after he leaves, fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock (Acts 20:29). Then, what does he say in Acts 20:30?

These false teachers act as though they just want to be part of the local church, when in fact they want to pervert the Gospel. This is especially true today regarding homosexuality and abortion.

To remain an authentic Christian, realize the blessings of salvation, agonize for the faith, scrutinize all teaching, and …

4. Analyze behavior (4b–c)

False teachers deceitfully sneak in with two purposes. First, they are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God (4b). This means they think of God’s grace as a way to minimize the consequences of their sin. Because of their perverted view of God’s grace, they believe they have a license to fulfill their sinful desires.

However, the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints clearly teaches that by God’s grace we are freed from sin to live a life of holiness. How does Ephesians 1:4 express this fact?

The word translated holy(hagios, hag′-ee-os) means “separated” or “set apart.” We as believers are “set apart” from the attitudes and actions of the world. It basically means we are “different” from the world because we live by the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

Those who sneak in pervert the grace of our God into sensuality. The word translated sensuality, or “lasciviousness” (aselgeia, ah-sel′-ga-uh), means “indecency” or “immorality.” That’s why we see in the news people with white collars and Bibles in their hands performing marriage ceremonies for lesbians and homosexuals. They have turned God’s grace into a license for what the Bible clearly condemns as sin.

A few years ago, I read an article about a pastor in Oklahoma City, which is in the “buckle of the Bible belt.” She said, “The only command in the Bible we have to obey is “ ‘love thy neighbor as thyself.’ ” However, what did the same Jesus who gave us that command also say in the last two phrases of Matthew 4:4?

False teachers have a subtle way of omitting or perverting certain passages of Scripture. Their second express purpose is to deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ (4c). The word translated Master, or “Lord God” (despotēs, des-pot′-ace), is the word from which we get the word “despot,” which means a ruler with unlimited power over other people. The Greek word means “sovereign” or “absolute ruler.” Those who deny the Gospel reject Jesus as the absolute Lord, or ruler, of their lives. How does Titus 1:16a–b describe them?

John explains that if people say they have fellowship with Jesus but continue to live in spiritual darkness, they are lying and do not live according to the truth (1 Jn 1:6).