Jude 17-25

Jude 17–25

Instruction to help believers identify false teachers

17-19 But you, beloved, must remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, not having the Spirit.

Jude reminds the readers that the apostles were warning the churches that mockers would come. [2 Pet 3:3] And these mockers would follow their own ungodly lusts.

[READ 2 Peter 3] Remember Jesus said we will know them by their fruits. They bring division, they bring in worldly concepts to attract the worldly. Seeker sensitive churches used to be the fastest growing in America but they are dropping in attendance because there was no discipleship for growth and people who got saved left these churches to find a place to grow! This is because natural ideas such as marketing or making the church a business is not of the Spirit

2) Exhortation to assist believers and offer healing to others affected by false teaching.

20-23 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. And on some, who are doubting, have mercy; and for others, save, snatching them out of the fire; and on others have mercy with fear, hating even the tunic polluted by the flesh.

a] Stay built up in prayer

The phrase “praying in the Holy Spirit” is not defined exclusively as tongues. It means to stay empowered, directed, and sustained by the Spirit.

Tongues can be one expression of that, but it’s not the only one. When we pray the word at sweet hour of prayer that’s praying in the Spirit.

b] Guard your life so stay within God’s love.

Keep is a verb meaning “to guard, preserve.” It’s an active command, not passive as if you are doing it.

c] Stay inside the sphere of God’s love.

Staying in God’s love means a place or environment you live in. This means we strengthen our trust in God through Scripture, prayer, worship, and fellowship.

Which is why we gather on Sundays and do this home groups! - It guards us in God’s love!

d] Take responsibility for yourselves.

How? Jude emphasizes that believers must be vigilant for themselves and others. Note the following verses.

21- waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. [That is hang in there and don’t give up]

I believe in the following two verses Jude is referring to the damage done to deceived believers who were disillusioned by these false teachers.

22 -And on some, who are doubting, have mercy; [let them share their doubts and try to understand their dilemma - Many Hillsong churches have folded up and left people doubting they could ever go back to church - some believers have experienced a church split or divorce and are pretty discouraged regarding their faith - listen to them and encourage them to hang in there and not give up]

23 - and for others, save, snatching them out of the fire; Then there will be those who have lost faith in themselves and given up, assuming God has but don’t let them go! Pull them out!

23b -and on others have mercy with fear, hating even the tunic polluted by the flesh. Then there will be those who are caught up in the flesh after being fooled by false teaching but you are willing to go to find them in places you would never go - not allowing their addiction or issue affect you personally.

24-25 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, might, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

3) Benediction to believers -

it means “to pronounce a blessing.”

Just like Num 6.24-26 - The Lord bless you

Rom 16:25-27 Most letters end with a benediction or blessing given to the readers

It’s a great tradition