Jude 1-25

Contending for the Faith: Guardians of Grace Standing Firm in the Final Hour Guardians of the Gospel: Against All Odds

Bible Passage: Jude 1–25

Summary: Jude urges believers to stand firm in their faith, warning against false teachers and encouraging a life of holiness and perseverance. This short epistle emphasizes the importance of doctrine, community, and God's grace as believers navigate spiritual challenges.

Application: This message can empower Christians to recognize and confront false teachings in their lives and churches. It encourages them to build their faith on sound doctrine, fostering spiritual growth and resilience in the face of moral and theological challenges.

Teaching: The sermon will teach the importance of contending for the faith by understanding doctrinal truths, recognizing spiritual deception, and cultivating a community that embodies God’s love and grace.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible, this passage portrays Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of grace and mercy, who empowers believers to live out their faith. Jude's references to judgment and redemption echo the New Testament's message of salvation through Christ, highlighting His authority and role in final judgment.

Big Idea: The main idea of this sermon is that believers must actively contend for their faith by embracing truth, resisting falsehood, and relying on God's grace to stand firm in a world of spiritual compromise.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon using Logos, consider exploring commentaries that focus on the themes of apostasy and perseverance found in Jude. Pay particular attention to historical context and the background of the false teachings Jude addresses. Additionally, examining cross-references to similar themes in other New Testament letters might provide useful insights into application and exhortation for your audience.

Summary: Jude's letter serves as a passionate appeal to believers, urging them to remain steadfast in faith as they navigate treacherous spiritual waters filled with falsehoods. The epistle addresses the urgency of maintaining sound doctrine and personal integrity while relying on God’s mercy and strength in preparation for the return of Christ.

Application: This sermon challenges Christians to evaluate their spiritual lives actively, urging them to build a strong foundation in faith and community while remaining watchful against misleading teachings and influences. It offers practical steps for nurturing their relationship with God, deepening understanding of Scripture, and encouraging one another in faith.

Teaching: The teaching emphasizes the need for vigilance and community support in the faith journey. It reminds believers of their responsibility to encourage one another, to discern truth from error, and to depend on the power of the Holy Spirit to uphold their faith amid trials.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Christ is presented as the ultimate defender of the faith and the source of believers' strength. In Jude, He is depicted as the one who is able to keep followers from stumbling and present them before God, thus reinforcing His role as both Savior and Sustainer of the faith community.

Big Idea: The core message of this sermon is that in an age of uncertainty and spiritual deception, believers must actively uphold the truth of the gospel, relying on God's grace for strength and community for support in their faith journey.

Recommended Study: While preparing this sermon with Logos, consider looking at additional biblical passages that discuss perseverance in the faith, such as 2 Peter or Hebrews. Examine commentaries on Jude that highlight its unique context and compare interpretations on the nature of false teachings during the early church. Investigating the historical context of the letter could also deepen your understanding of Jude's exhortation, helping you effectively communicate its relevance to your audience.

Summary: In Jude's epistle, he passionately warns believers about the dangers of false teachings infiltrating the church and the need for unwavering faith. The letter not only addresses the challenges faced by the early Christians but also shows how the grace of God empowers them to stand firm in their beliefs, even when surrounded by opposition and moral decline. The urgency to defend the faith is set against the backdrop of God's ultimate authority and judgment over the ungodly.

Application: This sermon can help Christians confront their own complacency in the face of cultural pressures and false narratives. It encourages believers to reclaim their identity as defenders of truth, emphasizing active engagement in their communities and the importance of discerning doctrinal purity while fostering an atmosphere of love and humility.

Teaching: The main teaching will focus on the necessity of guarding the faith, recognizing false teachings, and maintaining a vibrant, supportive Christian community. It will highlight the role of each believer in preserving theological integrity and nurturing each other in their spiritual journeys.

How this passage could point to Christ: Jude’s message points to Christ as the ultimate protector of the faith, who provides believers the strength to contend against falsehoods. His sacrificial love and authority serve as assurance that believers are upheld in their struggles, reinforcing that fidelity to Christ is foundational in the fight against deception.

Big Idea: The central idea of this sermon is that God equips and calls every believer to be vigilant guardians of the Gospel, standing firm against adversity and falsehood with the strength that comes from His grace and the support of the Christian community.

Recommended Study: As you prepare using Logos, explore commentaries that focus on themes of struggle and perseverance in Jude, considering how they relate to contemporary issues of faith. Pay attention to the social and historical context of the letter, including the nature of the false teachings threatening the early church. This will enhance your understanding of Jude’s urgency and relevance for believers today.

1. Contend for the Faith

Jud 1 JUDE, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

2 mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 1

Jude’s threefold description of his readers is the first of many triads that distinguish the style of this letter. These triads present an impression of completeness and well-rounded thought.

The Holy Spirit called Christians in the past (cf. v. 3), God the Father loves them in the present (cf. v. 21), and the Son will keep them secure for the future (cf. vv. 14, 21, 24).

The knowledge of God’s calling, loving, and keeping brings believers assurance and peace during times of apostasy.

“Servant of Jesus Christ.” The word “servant” is translated from the Greek “doulos” which is bondslave, the lowest rank of servant. Third, the modesty of Jude. “Brother of James.” This is not the James who was one of the twelve and the brother of John. This is the James who was our Lord’s half brother, a leader of the early church in Jerusalem, and writer of the epistle of James. The modesty is in the fact that Jude was a half-brother of Jesus Christ, but like James he did not use that prestigious relationship in identifying himself.

Jude does not speak of the country/earthly location of these people but of their conversion. He was writing to believers. First, their salvation. “Sanctified.” Salvation cleans up a person both judicially and practically. Second, their security. “Preserved in Jesus Christ.” This speaks of their security in Christ. It is part of the once-saved-always-saved truth. Third, their summons. “Called.” This speaks of the invitation they were given by God for salvation.

John G. Butler, Analytical Bible Expositor: 1, 2, 3 John & Jude (Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2010), 342.

The Book of Jude has been called the Acts of the Apostates because it provides such a graphic description of the false teachers who plagued the Christian community in the First Century.

Ralph W. Harris, ed., Hebrews–Jude, The Complete Biblical Library: Study Bible (World Library Press, 1989), 457.

Despite his humility, Jude is far from reticent when it comes to speaking out against false teaching and teachers. His denunciation is blunt and powerful. And, in this day of ours when many seem willing to surrender truth in exchange for the sake of harmony, Jude’s words may be especially important for us to heed.

Lawrence O. Richards, The Bible Reader’s Companion, electronic ed. (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991), 899.

Verse 2

They are not self-acquired Christian virtues, but the gifts of God, which, the author prays, may be abundantly bestowed upon his readers.

The word “multiplied” means to increase. You can never have enough of these spiritual blessings. However, to observe some saints, you would think they feared having too much spirituality and feared having too little worldliness.

John G. Butler, Analytical Bible Expositor: 1, 2, 3 John & Jude (Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2010), 342.

Though mercy is mentioned in a greeting only four other times in the NT, those occurrences are important because they also precede a warning against false teaching (1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4; 2 John 3).

Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 1726–1727.

Verse 3

It is enjoyable to talk about salvation and other positive subjects. Nevertheless occasionally a particular situation compels us to speak about a danger that God’s people need to appreciate.

The faith handed down to the saints is the special revelation of God that Scripture contains and the apostles preached (cf. Gal. 1:23; 1 Tim. 4:1). Jude’s readers needed to struggle to maintain this faith, like a champion athlete strives to dominate and to subdue his or her challengers (cf. 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:7–8; 2 Pet. 1:5).

The simple form of the Greek verb (agonizomai) used for the phrase “Earnestly contend for” is normally appears as ‘agonize’ in its English form.

This word was commonly used in connection with the Greek stadium to denote a strenuous struggle or conflict to overcome an opponent, as in a wrestling match.

Thus, this unique compound verb pictures a person taking his or her stand on top of something that an adversary desires to take away, and fighting to defend and retain it.

It seems Jude’s original intent was to write about our “common salvation.” That is, his was to be a letter celebrating the grace and goodness of God. But it took a different turn when an issue arose that he felt pressed to address.

Jon Courson, Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2003), 1647.

He wrote to “exhort” them (Jude 3). In the Greek language, this word was used to describe a general giving orders to the army; hence the atmosphere of this letter is “military.” Jude had started to write a quiet devotional letter about salvation, but the Spirit led him to put down his harp and sound the trumpet! The Epistle of Jude is a call to arms.

Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 548.

instead of writing an epistle expounding on the Gospel truths, changed his design to writing an epistle exposing the false teachers/apostates whose doctrine was so perilous to mankind.

John G. Butler, Analytical Bible Expositor: 1, 2, 3 John & Jude (Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2010), 343.

The faith here does not have its usual sense of personal belief in Christ for salvation; here it means the body of teaching passed down in the church by the apostles (v. 17).

Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 1727.

Verse 4

4 crept in to the local churches, posing as believers, though in reality they were ungodly (i.e., unsaved, cf. v. 19). They taught that the more believers sinned the more they magnified grace. deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. The Greek word here for Master may be translated “despot” (cf. Acts 4:24; 1 Tim. 6:1) and is applied here to Jesus. To deny Jesus as Lord was to disbelieve the most basic Christian tenet.

Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Bible, 1995 Update, Expanded ed. (Chicago: Moody Press, 1995), 2006.

The verb crept in (Gr. pareisedusan) “… indicates a secret, stealthy, and subtle insinuation of something evil into a society or a situation.”

“That which is peculiarly striking in the Epistle of Jude is that he pursues the corruption of the assembly from the creeping in of some unawares on to its final judgment, showing withal that it is not arrested but passes through its various phases to that day.”

behavior completely lacking in moral restraint

False teachers had crept into the early church, seeking to rob and rip off God’s people, seeking to pervert their understanding and keep them from enjoying God’s blessing.

Jon Courson, Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2003), 1647.

The heresy Jude addresses resembles that proclaimed by false prophets in the Old Testament: judgment would not come on God’s people because of his special favor for them—a doctrine that led to sin (Jer 6:14; 8:11; 23:17; Ezek 13:10, 16; Mic 3:5). Biblical grace means forgiveness and power to overcome sin, not permission to act immorally.

Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), Jud 3–4.

While these men claimed to belong to God, they were, in fact, ungodly in their thinking and their living.

The Greek word means “to slip in secretly, to steal in undercover.” Sometimes Satan’s undercover agents are “brought in secretly” by those already on the inside (Gal. 2:4), but these men came in on their own.

Why did they enter the churches? To attempt to change the doctrine and “turn the grace of our God into lasciviousness”

This body of truth was delivered (Jude 3) to the saints. The word means “to be entrusted with.” The church collectively, and each Christian personally, has a stewardship to fulfill. “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel, even so we speak” (1 Thes. 2:4).

God committed the truth to Paul (1 Tim. 1:11), and he shared it with others, such as Timothy (1 Tim. 6:20). He exhorted Timothy to entrust the Word to other faithful men (2 Tim. 2:2).

The church is always one generation short of extinction. If our generation fails to guard the truth and entrust it to our children, then that will be the end!

Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 550.

Deceit is always a trait of evil. Apostates are crafty and clever ministers who often deceive naive believers. Evil must and usually does use deception to make itself acceptable. Without deception, evil is quickly exposed as evil.

The tactics and teaching of the apostates is condemned and has been condemned “before of old.

They do not truly respect God but disdain Him. Everything they do religiously is only outward show to cover their dislike of God and His ways.

If evil can be disguised as religion, it becomes more difficult for the innocent to discern.

Apostates all sooner or later attack the truth about Jesus Christ.

John G. Butler, Analytical Bible Expositor: 1, 2, 3 John & Jude (Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2010), 344.

Pareisedusan was used for one who entered a place without being noticed.

Ralph W. Harris, ed., Hebrews–Jude, The Complete Biblical Library: Study Bible (World Library Press, 1989), 459.

They twist God’s grace into a license to sin (ignoring Titus 2:11–13). The final step in their shameful path is to deny Jesus as their Lord and Master. Kurion is a title of honor; despotēn emphasizes a master’s power over his subjects. The apostates about whom Jude wrote denied the lordship of Christ.

Ralph W. Harris, ed., Hebrews–Jude, The Complete Biblical Library: Study Bible (World Library Press, 1989), 459.

These false teachers not only lived immorally; they rejected the authority of Christ. The first Greek word translated Lord here means “Master.” It identifies one who possesses absolute power and thus commands obedience.

Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 1727.

1. Recognize and Resist

Jude 1-4

You could encourage your listeners to be vigilant by identifying the creeping influence of false doctrines and deception within the church. Highlight Jude’s call to contend for the faith and the importance of recognizing the grace given through Christ to stand firm against these challenges. Emphasize that actively defending the truth safeguards the church's integrity and strengthens believers in their walk with God.

1. Urging Unity Against Untruth

Jude 1-4

You could explore how Jude introduces the imminent danger posed by false teachings, urging the faithful to defend their beliefs unwaveringly. This section lays the foundation for understanding the critical need for vigilance in discerning truth from misleading doctrines, highlighting Jesus as both the source and foundation of truth. Encourage believers to identify and reject deceptive influences by staying rooted in biblical teachings.

Jude 1–4

Perhaps you could start by highlighting Jude's urgent call to contend for the faith, delving into how false teachings were infiltrating the church then, similar to today's challenges. Emphasizing that Jude establishes the context by addressing the necessity of defending the true Gospel can set the stage nicely. He warns about the ungodly people who pervert God's grace. This backdrop reinforces the sermon's big idea that every believer is called to remain vigilant, guarding the faith with God's strength and community support.

5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them, in like manner giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Jud 8–10.

2. Reflect on History

Jude 5-7

Perhaps remind your congregation of the historical examples of unbelief and divine judgment that Jude presents. Encourage them to reflect on these stories as warnings and lessons, underlining the gravity of turning away from God's truth. This can serve as a powerful motivator to cling to Christ, who embodies grace and salvation, and avoid the pitfalls of spiritual complacency.

2. Remembering Rebellion's Ruin

Jude 5-10

Perhaps, focus on the historical examples of rebellion and punishment, emphasizing the importance of learning from past errors. This passage uses history to illustrate the consequences of straying from God and serves as a stark reminder to rely on Christ’s truth. Encourage the congregation to reflect on these lessons, fortifying their faith by remembering God’s justice and mercy.

2. Remember the Past Failures

Jude 5–10

In this portion, you could use historical examples Jude mentions—like the Exodus, fallen angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah—to illustrate past instances of rebellion against God. Jude reminds believers of these events to underscore the assurance that God judges ungodliness. This is an opportunity to emphasize how God's justice serves as both a warning and comfort, empowering believers to remain steadfast even when facing adversities or temptations.

11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

12 These are spots in your feasts of charity when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

13 raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

15 to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.

3. Discern Danger

Jude 8-10

Affirm the necessity of spiritual discernment in identifying and addressing those who rely on dreams or reject authority, as described by Jude. Teach that through Christ’s example and the Holy Spirit's guidance, believers have the tools they need to stand firm and uphold the truth, avoiding the paths of spiritual error and arrogance.

3. Recognizing Rebellious Radicals

Jude 11-16

Maybe highlight the characteristics of false teachers, drawing parallels to contemporary challenges. These verses issue a grave warning against those who corrupt through deceit. By pressing for a critical examination of modern influences and aligning with Christ’s standards, this point reinforces the call for discernment and adherence to godliness.

3. Identify the Deceivers

Jude 11–13

Consider how Jude uses vivid imagery to depict the character of false teachers, referring to them as dangerous reefs, waterless clouds, and fruitless trees. This section reiterates that false teachings have always infiltrated communities under the guise of righteousness. Believers are encouraged to discern and avoid these hazards. By drawing parallels to modern falsehoods, you can suggest practical steps for staying rooted in truth and combating deception.

17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

18 how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

4. Corruption’s Consequences

Jude 11-13

Maybe explore the cautionary tales of Cain, Balaam, and Korah Jude uses to illustrate the consequences of corrupt ambition and rebellion. Challenge your audience to prioritize Godly attributes like love, humility, and community over personal gain or recognition, celebrating how Christ exemplified these virtues.

4. Recalling Righteous Reminders

Jude 17-19

You could stress the importance of recalling apostolic teachings to avoid being swayed by deceitful scoffers. This brief recollection calls believers to remain anchored to the teachings of Christ passed down through the apostles. Emphasize the role of Scripture and tradition in maintaining spiritual stability and continuity.

4. Trust in God's Judgment

Jude 14–16

Jude invokes the prophecy of Enoch to remind the church of God's promise to execute judgment on ungodliness. This reinforces the big idea by instilling hope that, despite current struggles, God’s ultimate justice prevails. You might inspire the congregation by focusing on God's righteousness, encouraging them to remain assured that truth will triumph, and to trust in Christ's authority to overcome evil.

20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

23 and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

5. Prepare for Judgment

Jude 14-16

You could unpack the prophetic declarations of judgment against the ungodly, underscoring the hope and assurance believers have in Christ's return. Encourage your congregation to remain steadfast and prepare their hearts for the day of the Lord by living out their faith authentically and courageously.

5. Building Bold Believers

Jude 20-23

Perhaps, delve into the encouragement to build faith, pray, and rescue others from spiritual peril. This exhortation highlights the necessity of active faith practices and community support, modeling Christ’s mission of restoration. Encourage believers to foster an environment of mutual support and care within their spiritual communities.

5. Heed the Apostolic Warnings

Jude 17–19

By recalling the apostles' warnings, Jude emphasizes that division and deception should, in fact, be expected. His remarks prepare believers by reinforcing the context of perseverance in an often-hostile world. You could lead into strategies believers might adopt to cultivate discernment and resilience. Jude calls for awareness not only to defend against deceit but to unify the faithful amid adversity through community and a shared commitment to the Gospel.

24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

25 to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

6. Cultivate Community

Jude 17-23

Challenge your listeners to build themselves up in faith, prayer, and love, while showing mercy to those wavering or doubting. Stress the role of community in fostering spiritual maturity, with Christ as the perfect model of love and mercy, enabling believers to extend grace and seek the salvation of others.

6. Glory in God's Guarding

Jude 24-25

Focus on the glorious assurance of God’s protection and the ultimate salvation through Christ. These closing verses provide comfort and confidence in God’s ability to sustain the faithful, urging them to lean on Christ’s power during trials. Remind the congregation of the security found in God’s unfailing grace and promise.

6. Build and Rescue

Jude 20–23

This passage shifts to actively building oneself in faith through prayer and love. You might stress the role of practical faith-building activities, suggesting ways to foster personal and communal spiritual growth. Perhaps emphasize how one can save others by showing mercy, rooted in the love and conviction of Christ, aiding those trapped in doubt or sin, and thereby extending the grace that God offers to all.

7. Confidence in Christ

Jude 24-25

End with the assurance of God’s ability to protect and present believers blameless before His presence. Reiterate the victorious and sustaining power of Christ, who secures our salvation and invites us to rejoice in His glory and majesty forever. This serves as a reminder to trust and glorify God in all circumstances.

7. Rejoice in Divine Assurance

Jude 24–25

Maybe end by celebrating God's power to keep believers from falling and to present them blameless. Jude’s doxology is a profound expression of assurance, providing hope and grounding the sermon's big idea with a focus on Christ's power and faithfulness. Encouraging your audience to draw strength from God's glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, they are reinforced as guardians of the gospel by His grace, not solely their efforts.