Conviction In Compromise

INTRODUCTION:

Today we’re kicking off a new series in the book of Jude entitled “The Contender: Conviction in a World of Compromise.”

The book of Jude is one of the shortest New Testament books (only 1 chapter.) Yet, as one of the most challenging, it’s often overlooked.

I sensed the Lord leading us to this book because the issues of that generation are similar to those we face today.

It was written by Jude, the step brother of Jesus and brother of James to a group of Jewish converts living in Judea.

The timing is debated but I’d place it a few years before the Jewish War against Rome. (62-66 AD)

There’s much you could say about Rome in that period as well as the cultural landscape of Judea.

To put it simply, it was a world of growing chaos and compromise.

In a world of growing compromise, Christians need conviction.

Growing Compromise

Imagine if you were Judean Jew who had become a follower of Jesus (one among thousands who had come to the same conclusion.)

The message and impact of Jesus’ Gospel and resurrection had transformed your life and was spreading throughout Rome.

You believe Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. He would liberate God’s people and usher in the Kingdom of God. Yet that Messiah had ascended to heaven.

His disciples were given a mission to evangelize the world. He sent his Spirit to empower them and the Gospel was spreading like wildfire. By now, decades have passed.

Gospel fires are spreading throughout Asia but your heart has started to cool. The apostles are getting older. Your friends are being persecuted. Some of your friends have even died because of their confession that Jesus is Lord.

First Stephen (Acts 7:54-60; AD 33) then James (Son of Zebedee) (Acts 12:1-2; AD 44) and James (brother of Jesus) (Antiq. 20.9.1; AD 62). Eventually all of the apostles would be martyred except for John. (Eusebius, Histories; 1 Clement)

Politically, the world is in turmoil. Allegiances were shifting. Nero sits on the throne —erratic and ruthless. Enemy #1? Christians and then the Jews.

Many were persecuted and hunted. Most were mocked and scorned. Within your own family and local church, tensions are boiling over.

They’re fed up with Roman oppression. Jewish nationalism is spreading. Political violence is being condoned. Even former naysayers are starting to join the chorus.

The influence of Jewish Zealots grow stronger by the day. They rally the crowds and sharpen their swords as they call for a holy war against Rome.

“Their language is theological. Rome must FALL for Messiah to come! We must purify the land to prepare the way of the Lord.”

They want to purify the land through blood and political force. The method used by Jesus was repentance and faith in the Gospel.

Contending for the Faith

What would you be thinking if you heard “those whispers” in our church halls? A threat within the church, not just outside its walls.

People you know and love, still professing “faith” in Jesus. But the Jesus they preach isn’t the Jesus of the New Testament.

It’s a different kind of Gospel. It’s a different kind of grace. Not only is rebellion tolerated, it’s celebrated for certain sins.

Catchy little phrases that sound spiritual and inclusive corrupt the original Gospel preached by the apostles.

Political violence on one side, moral compromise on the other. Neither look anything like the Kingdom Jesus described.

What began as a revival now feels like creeping, quiet erosion.

When faith gets corrupted, Christians must contend!.

Read The Text

That was the world of Jude and that’s the heart behind his letter.

He had intended to write a different kind of letter (like Ephesians, Colossians or Romans). Instead, he wrote a call to arms that still applies for us today.

Our own world is marked by growing chaos and compromise. (The particulars might be different but the challenges are very similar.)

With pressures beginning to mount on either side of the pendulum, “How should we then live?” is a question we must ask.

That’s exactly what Jude attempts to answer in his confrontational letter.

Jude 1–4 CSB

1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James: To those who are the called, loved by God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ. 2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. 3 Dear friends, although I was eager to write you about the salvation we share, I found it necessary to write, appealing to you to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all. 4 For some people, who were designated for this judgment long ago, have come in by stealth; they are ungodly, turning the grace of our God into sensuality and denying Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord.

Just in these four verses you get some insight on what they faced.

The identity of “some people” gets debated by commentators.

Though we’re not exactly sure who they are, Jude isn’t unclear on what they do.

They are “in the church” in that they are fellowshipping with genuine believers.

They are “designated for judgment” in that they “twist” the grace of God and “deny” Jesus as Lord and Master.

These people “talked the talk” but didn’t “walk the walk.”

That’s probably why they were able to “creep in by stealth,” saying the right things while being wolves in sheep clothing.

CONVICTIONS TO REMEMBER

Our aim, this morning, is to focuses on verses 1-2. Commentators call it “a greeting” but it encapsulates the key message of the letter.

This greeting is unique from others in its length and theological emphases.

Not only does he identify himself as servant of Christ. He identifies his audience those called in Christ, loved and kept by God.

It’s as if Jude is saying in this into, “Don’t you ever forget who you are in Jesus Christ.”

Said differently, he reminds them of WHO they are, WHY that is and WHAT God can do.

In other words, to be a real Contender there are things you must REMEMBER.

One of the reasons I think Jesus gave us things like baptism and communion is because our hearts are prone to forget what matters.

That’s why Jesus said of the bread and the cup, “Do this in remembrance of me…”

This is why Paul said, “when you eat the bread and drink the cup you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes…”

We’re not proclaiming a new message we’re remembering an old one.

We’re not seeking after new knowledge we’re having old knowledge revived in our heart.

That’s the work I’d like to do this morning. We need to remember our chains, remember our call and remember the comfort we have in God.

Remember Your Chains

Let us begin by remembering WHO we are in Jesus Christ.

Jude says, “I am a bond-servant” of Jesus Christ. (Jude 1) (ESV=Servant; NLT=Slave)

Most people hear “slave” and think “chattel slavery” (a stain on American history.) But words get their meaning from their context not the dictionary!

In classic Greek, doulos referred a defeated bird in a cockfight. In the 1st Century it described the “legal status” of one attached to a master. (In the ancient world you were either slave or free - born that way or made that way later on.)

New Testament authors use this word to describe their relationship with Christ. They were a doulos of Christ in that they were attached to him as Master.

The word is so helpful because it conveys the idea of allegiance, humble submission and total surrender to the will of a master.

That is the essence of genuine Christian faith.

To be a real contender we must remember our chains.

Not only does Jude refer to himself as a slave. He assigns Jesus the title of “The Christ.”

Contrary to popular belief, The Word “Christ” isn’t Jesus’ last name. It’s a royal title for God’s anointed King prophesied in the Old Testament.

To call yourself a slave and Jesus “the Christ” would’ve been hard for any Jew. But it would be especially hard if Jesus was your brother!

When Jesus was alive claiming to be the Messiah I’m sure it would’ve been embarrassing to claim Jesus as a brother.

But after Jesus’ resurrection, I’m sure it had some perks. (spiritual leadership, political status, social fame, etc)

Proximity to power is usually leveraged for your benefit. But, in the Kingdom of God, earthly status is irrelevant.

Jesus told his disciples, “Those who want to be greatest in the kingdom of heaven must become the least.”

So James and Jude and Peter and Paul all joyfully embrace their status as a “slave.”

Sovereign King

I almost wish we we could bring this language back. It’s a helpful clarification on the nature of genuine faith.

When modern people say, “I’m a Christian and believe in Jesus,” they’re often defining faith very differently than the New Testament.

Biblical faith isn’t “agreement with a set of propositional statements.” AKA, “I believe this about Jesus/Bible and therefore I’m a Christian.”

The word for “faith” (pistis) in the NT is better translated as “allegiance.” Think “loyalty” or “fidelity” to the thing/person being believed.

Real faith shows allegiance to Christ as sovereign King.

The Gospel isn’t an invitation to “accept Jesus” like a birthday gift. I’ve never loved the language of “accepting Jesus into your heart.”

The Gospel is a public announcement that Jesus Christ is King. Those who would be reconciled to God must come and bow the knee.

This is why many don’t believe the Gospel. They may “agree” with Jesus’ teaching but won’t give him their allegience.

Sometimes I wonder if we’re ineffective because we’ve neglected this core truth?

Being a Christian isn’t about power, authority or the attainment of personal status.

That was the message of the Zealots in Jude’s context. They were chanting “No King but God.” Join us so we can overthrow these oppressors and put that authority in hands that deserve it.

A Christian Contender is different. It’s not about titles and high positions. It’s about humility and true surrender. Virtue over vanity. Others instead of self.

If you want to be a contender in a world of chaos and compromise - it begins with remembering who you are in Christ. Never forget your chains and allegiance to Christ as King.

Remembering Your Call

But it’s also important to remembering WHY you are. That’s what Jude does next after identifying himself.

After explaining his own position he explains that of his audience.

Jude 1 “…To those who are the called, loved by God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.”

When you read this in the original language there’s a huge gap between the definite article “the” and the word “called.”

Between them are two adverbial clauses. “those loved by God who is Father… those kept for Jesus who is the Christ.” It’s like a theology sandwich!

This style of writing isn’t unique to Jude but he does this again and again. (Jude 1, 12, 23, 7, 10, 20, 23, 4, 9)

The primary emphasis seems to be on their calling (another biblical word commonly misunderstood.)

To be a real contender we must remember our call.

These days people talk about God’s calling as a “strong feeling in their heart.” (That’s not necessarily wrong but that’s not the usual meaning in the New Testament)

The New Testament uses this word to convey the idea of “election” or being “chosen” by God.

The Jews would’ve thought of Abraham’s call in Genesis 12. They were chosen by God, elected to serve his purpose. It required Abraham to freely respond but it began with God’s call.

Paul applies this word to Jews AND Gentiles. Both are called by God to share in salvation. Just like Abraham, we must respond with faith in Jesus. (Rom 1:7; 8:28; 1 Cor 1:2, 24)

But those who repent of their sin and believe on Jesus experience God’s grace and are God’s chosen in Christ.

Sovereign Choice

Because this idea is extremely broad, Jude narrows his focus. Those called are loved by God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.

KJV and NKJV translates “loved by God” as “sanctified” by God because of a manuscript discrepancy (their Greek spellings are very similar)

Either way there a focus on both the Father and the Son. The Father loves us and keeps us for the sake of his Son.

Both of these participles are in the “perfect tense” which means God’s love and protection began in the past and have continuing abiding effects.

This is not something we have to maintain through moral efforts - this is a gift of free grace that will not fade with time and circumstance.

The Greek word for love is the word “agape.” It’s a covenantal love, granted to the beloved regardless of wether they deserve it or not. It is a love without boundary or barrier (geographic, racial, cultural or social)

I think that’s why he modifies the word God with the word for Father. God loves unholy sinners with a Fatherly love and affection. Though we don’t deserve it and could never hope to earn it - the Father loves us with a strong forever love.

Not only are we loved by God the Father we’re also kept for Jesus Christ. The word translated “kept” is a favorite word for Jude.

Originally the word applied to a prison guard keeping prisoners. But in the NT it conveys the idea of preservation for a future event.

So it’s not just that God protects us in a general sense so that we won’t experience discomfort. Rather, he preserves our faith and calling until Jesus comes again.

Both of these truths would’ve been important reminders for that original audience. They were feeling pressure from other forces on either side.

Real faith finds assurance in God’s sovereign choice.

Their calling reminded them of God’s love. “He chose you, he loves you, he has acted so you could be with him. Why would you abandon such incredible divine love?”

Not only that God keeps you. He is saving you for that day. Whatever this world throws at you - nothing will separate you from that inheritance. God is keeping you for Jesus, who died to save his bride.

Application

There might’ve been Jewish Zealots using the name of God to advance their interests or false teachers twisting Scripture to justify bad behavior.

But Jude is reminding these Jewish converts - don’t be deceived. You know that Christ is King, you know that God is FOR YOU and you know Christ will come again.

There may be some really crazy things that happens these next few years. But nothing will separate you from God’s love or pluck you from his hand.

And I want to remind each Christian of that same truth today.

We live in a world of competing messages. Shut out the noise and remember this. You are loved by God and nothing will ever change that fact. Not your failures, not your suffering, not anything in this world.

Life may be hard and the future unknown but you are NOT alone. You have a savior who loves you and is always faithful. You’ll be united with him some day.

In a world of growing compromise, we should always remember our calling. Find assurance in God’s sovereign choice.

Remember God’s Compassion

But he doesn’t stop there. We must remember our chains. We must remember our calling. We remember who we are and why we are that way.

But there’s one more thing. We must also remember what God has promised.

Jude 2 presents it as a short simple prayer. “May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.”

Many letters in the ancient world would extend an wish of peace. (We still do the same thing today … hope you’re doing well…)

But Jude uses three particular words and these themes show up again and again in his letter. (Jude 17-23) Paul does the same thing in many of his letters. (Eph 1:2; 4:3; 6:15, 23)

Why is peace and mercy and love so important to these authors? It goes beyond the virtue of good manners and politeness. Peace is intrinsic to the Gospel message we preach. That’s why conflict and division are so damaging in the church!

Jesus came and died to make “peace” through the blood of the cross. (Col 1:20) How can we preach that message and be at war with one another. How can we preach that message and advocate violence in the name of God?

To be a real contender you must remember God’s compassion.

The word “compassion” is used more than any other word to portray the mindset of Jesus Christ our Lord.

He had “compassion” on the crowds, he showed “mercy” to tax collectors and sinners. The kingdom he came to bring is a kingdom of mercy, peace and love.

Each of these words are pregnant with theological substance. Especially given the contrast of the people Jude is addressing.

The Jewish Zealous were preaching an “end times message” that required violence and political force. Jesus preached a message of mercy and compassion. The two could not be more opposite from each other.

I’m not saying that human governments don’t have an obligation to use violence. But we should be wary of doing so in the name of Christ. The kingdom of Christ advances to love not political force.

This is why Jesus condemned the religious Pharisees who prided themselves on giving a 10th of their spices but neglected the weightier matters of the Law like mercy, justice and faithfulness. (Matt 23:23)

Fighting With Mercy?

I know in a series titled the “Contender” the idea of fighting with mercy is a paradox at best. It seems like nonsense.

And yet that’s exactly what Jude identifies as the tools of our trade. “Have mercy on those who waver.” (Jude 20-23)

It’s no surprise then that the prayer is that such mercy be “multiplied” to us. Other translations use the word “lavish.”

We need God to “pour it out in lavish measure” because suffering and conflict has a tendency to dry it up.

As a pastor I’ve had the privilege and the duty of walking with people through mountains and valleys. In every situation God’s mercy, peace and love are present if you’ll see it.

Some of the most mature Christian I know are those who had eyes to see God’s mercy, even in the fog of hardship.

In fact, some were even able to see God’s compassion “multiplied.”

I recently did a funeral for an older lady in our church who died suddenly after a brain bleed and other health complications. The family, though sad, pointed to God’s mercy because she had been spared of a lengthy drawn out death.

There’s another family in our church walking with a loved one through dementia. It’s a terrible and devastating disease. Slowly their mind is eroding and she’s losing more of themself each day. Yet that caretaker stopped focusing on what was being lost and instead began to focus on God’s mercy, peace and love. As a result, everything was different. The suffering was still there but their response changed their perspective.

This is what is looks like to “contend for the faith.” We must fight and defend the Gospel but not through worldly means.

Sovereign Care

Real faith will appeal to God’s sovereign care.

Appeal to God for peace and mercy and an outpouring of his love. It’s what our world needs today just as it needed then.

That’s not to say we should not RESIST evil. We will certainly see that as well.

It’s not to say we should all be pacifists or that there’s never a ground for just war.

Jude is not addressing those secondary questions in this letter or his greeting. He’s reminding believers of what we tend to forget in a world of growing compromise.

Don’t forget your chains - show allegiance to Christ as King.

Don’t forget your call - find assurance in God’s choice.

Don’t forsake compassion - appeal to God’s care and comfort.

As you’ll probably agree these are usually the things that are the first to go. We’re so prone to reorient ourselves around worldly means and methods.

The letter of Jude is a call to arms for a different kind of fight.

CONCLUSION:

Let me take you back nearly a generation after Jude was written. The apostles are gone. The churches are scattered. And Rome’s hatred has only intensified.

The Zealots had inspired a Jewish War against the Roman Empire and the response was the crush it and intensify their persecution.

It’s the year AD 155 in the city of Smyrna, a wealthy, idolatrous port town in Asia Minor. The Roman games are underway. Crowds roar in the amphitheater.

Blood is entertainment. Loyalty to Caesar is demanded. And Christians are the choice targets for persecution.

A name begins to circulate among the masses: Polycarp, the bishop of the church in Smyrna. He had been a disciple of the apostle John himself. Now he is the last living link to the apostolic era.

He’s 86 years old—frail, hunched, and beloved. He’s no threat to anyone. And yet, he’s arrested, dragged into the stadium, and brought before the proconsul.

The official pleads with him: “Swear by the genius of Caesar. Take the oath and I will release you. Revile Christ!”

Polycarp stands silent. The crowd is watching. The tension is thick. One word could save his life. But he remembers his chains, his calling and God’s compassion.

“Eighty and six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”

That’s not sentiment—it’s allegiance. That’s not nostalgia—it’s conviction. That’s not defiance for defiance’s sake—That’s a Christian Contender.

When threatened with the fire, he answered:

“You threaten me with a fire that burns for a season and is quickly quenched. But you are ignorant of the fire of everlasting punishment reserved for the ungodly.”

The officials bound him to the stake. As the flames rose around him, witnesses said his body did not burn like others—they claimed it glowed. Like incense offered to God.

Polycarp didn’t write epistles. He didn’t command armies. But he stood firm having chosen to never forget.

Christians will never escape confrontation. Real faith is advanced through our decision to stand.

Application

It was Church father Tertullian who said “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” That’s what it means to be a true contender.

So what about you? You may never be dragged into a Roman stadium… But you will be confronted with a choice to stand or fall.

Jesus has not called us to fight through physical violence. He has called us to take a spiritual stand.

Take a stand against the tide of cultural compromise and decay. Take a stand in your workplace. In your school. In your home.

Take a stand before your friends, your relatives or your boss. Take a stand like Polycarp because in Christ there’s nothing to lose.

That’s the call of Jude. That’s the path of a contender. That’s the kind of Christian our world desperately needs.