I am Jude

Keeping the Faith in the Last Days

Bible Passage: Jude 17–23

Summary: In Jude 17–23, believers are urged to remember the teachings of the apostles, to be vigilant against false teachings, and to show mercy to those who are wavering in their faith, while also emphasizing the necessity of building one's faith and keeping oneself in God’s love as we await the return of Christ.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to stand firm in their faith amidst a culture that often undermines biblical truth. It offers practical advice on how to counter deception and maintain a genuine relationship with God while helping others who struggle. This is vital for any believer facing doubts, false teachings, or spiritual apathy.

Teaching: The sermon teaches the importance of perseverance in faith, urging believers to actively maintain their relationship with God through prayer and the Holy Spirit, while also emphasizing the communal aspect of faith in caring for one another.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is our ultimate model for perseverance and faithfulness. He embodies the mercy we are called to show to others, and through His sacrifice, we find the power and encouragement to keep our faith alive as we await His glorious return.

Big Idea: In a time of increasing uncertainty and falsehood, believers are called to remember the teachings of Christ, remain steadfast in faith, and extend grace to those struggling with belief.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon on Jude 17–23, consider diving into the historical context of early Christian communities faced with false teachings. You might find it beneficial to explore the specific challenges Jude addresses, using your Logos library to examine commentaries and lexical studies on terms like 'mercy' and 'faith' in this passage. Pay attention to how other scripture references underscore the themes of faith and community care.

1. Remember the Apostolic Warnings

Jude 17-19

You could emphasize the importance of remembering the warnings of the apostles about false teachers who would come in the last days. Perhaps these warnings remind us of the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for discernment. Keeping the faith means recognizing the signs of falsehood and standing firm in apostolic teachings. This awareness should drive us to cling to authentic teaching in a culture of deception.

2. Remain in God's Love

Jude 20-21

Maybe you could focus on the personal responsibility to build oneself up in the holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and keeping oneself in God's love. These verses suggest that maintaining a vibrant relationship with God requires active engagement with His Word and the Holy Spirit. This is essential to preserving our faith while waiting for the mercy of Jesus Christ to bring eternal life.

3. Rescue with Compassion

Jude 22-23

You could highlight the call to mercy, especially towards those who doubt or have fallen prey to deception. These verses suggest a compassionate approach to spiritual rescue, encouraging us to pull others from the flames while being cautious not to be influenced by sin ourselves. Extending grace to others in their struggles reflects Christ’s love and our calling to uplift and restore fellow believers.