Salvation Built by Faith & Unity in Christ

(ESV)

20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. 24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Goal: For the Hearer to Understand that being faithful and unified in Christ is The ONLY path to salvation.

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Good Morning Sons & Daughters of St. Paul’s … May the Grace & Peace of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all … Let Us Pray.

Goal: for the Hearer to Understand that being faithful and unified in Christ is The ONLY path to salvation.

It’s great to see that you all survived Thanksgiving and the start of the “official start” of the Holiday shopping season. Today is the last Sunday in the Church year. We will be starting a Advent Sermon Series next Sunday that will take us through Christmas … Whoa! I can’t even believe that I just said that word … Where has the year gone? Anyway, I was sitting in my office and I was reading through our Epistle reading for today and I was really drawn to it. I also don’t think that I have ever preached from the Letter of Jude … So here goes.

This passage is amazing, and it says a great deal of things that I hope you all picked up on. Jude passionately tells his audience to keep themselves in the love of God. He talks about a most holy faith. We must always remember that the Christian faith is set apart from the world’s unbelief. We, as Christians, are very different from those in the world … (Hopefully). We are driven to serve others, instead of self. We don’t need proof of the existence of God or Jesus Christ. We believe in their existence based on our faith in their existence. We must remember that such faith is not common to the world; it is holy as I just said. Jude also talks about how we should be praying and who we should be praying to. The Holy Spirit teaches what we are to pray for, and how. Praying according to God’s Word, which the Spirit inspired. That is a very important thing to remember … Praying in and in alignment with God’s Word is key to your prayers actually being answered. If we pray for ridiculous things, you can already guess what His answer will be. But there is also a great deal of misinformation in our world regarding God and what His word says.

Good Morning Sons & Daughters of St. Paul’s … May the Grace & Peace of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all … Let Us Pray.

We need to be on Guard against any and all false teachings that lead us away from the love of God in our Savior. We must also exhibit mercy when it comes to those who don’t believe. Some Christians might even have questions … some probably have doubts just like others that are ignorant of the True Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those questions should be treated with patience so that faith might overcome their doubts. We need to reflect the Gospel to all. That is truly what I hope you are here for … to learn and then spread the word.

Our faith is meant to be shared by all in Christ. Although we are different from the world, we are also different to each other in many different ways. But there is also unity in that difference. The unity is the bond of Christ.

Its great to see that you all survived Thanksgiving and the start of the “official start” of the Holiday shopping season. Today is the last Sunday in the Church year. We will be starting a Sermon Series next Sunday that will take us through Christmas. I cant even believe that I just said that word … Where has the year gone? Anyway, I was sitting in my office and I was reading through our Epistle reading for today and I was really drawn to it. I also dont think that I have ever preached from theLetter of Jude … So here goes.

This passage is amazing and it says a great deal of things that I hope you all picked up on. Jude fervently exhorts his audience to keep themselves in the love of God. He talks about a most holy faith. We must always remember that the Christian faith is set apart from the world’s unbelief. We, as Christians, are very different from those in the world … (Hopefully). We are driven to serve others, instead of self. We dont need proof of the existence of God or Jesus Christ. We believe in their existence based on our faith in their existence. We must remember that such faith is not common to the world; it is holy. Jude also talks about how we should be praying and who we should be praying to. The Holy Spirit teaches what we are to pray for, and how. Praying according to God’s Word, which the Spirit inspired.

Jude fervently exhorts his audience to keep themselves in the love of God

: verses 24-27 Tells us ...

The Holy Spirit teaches what we are to pray for, and how. None can pray aright save by being in the Spirit, that is, in the element of His influence. Chrysostom states that, among the charisms bestowed at the beginning of the New Testament dispensation, was the gift of prayer, bestowed on someone who prayed in the name of the rest, and taught others to pray. Moreover, their prayers so conceived and often used, were received and preserved among Christians, and out of them forms of prayer were framed. Such is the origin of liturgies

He talks about a most holy faith. We must always remember that the Christian faith is set apart from the world’s unbelief. Such faith is not common to the world; it is holy. He talks about how we should be praying and who we should be praying to. The Holy Spirit teaches what we are to pray for, and how. Praying according to God’s Word, which the Spirit inspired.

We need to Guard against any and all false teachings that lead us away from the love of God in our Savior. We must also exhibit mercy when it comes to those who dont believe. Some Christians might even have questions … some probably have doubts just like others that are ignorant of the True Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those questions should be treated with patience so that faith might overcome their doubts. We need to reflect the Gospel to all. That is truly what i hope you are here for … to learn and then spread the word. We truly need to remember that All who commit sin are urged to repent so that they might receive forgiveness, lest they remain in the fire and lose their faith. Correcting one another must be done with fear, because all Christians are sinners, attracted to sin. Sin is not to be toyed with or dallied in. Unrepented sin is like a stain on our robe of righteousness, which we have from Christ. Only His blood can make it white again with His forgiveness.

24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.

Our faith is meant to be shared by all in Christ. Although we are different from the world, we are also different to each other in many different ways. But there is also unity in that difference. The unity is the bond of Christ.

Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 546). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 2192). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.He talks about how we should be praying and who we should be praying to. The Holy Spirit teaches what we are to pray for, and how.

Guard against false teaching that leads away from the love of God in our Savior.

Some Christians might even have questions … some probably have doubts just like others that are ignorant of the True Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those questions should be treated with patience so that faith might overcome their doubts.

All who commit sin are urged to repent so that they might receive forgiveness, lest they remain in the fire and lose their faith. garment stained by the flesh. Correcting one another must be done with fear, because all Christians are sinners, attracted to sin. Sin is not to be toyed with or dallied in. Unrepented sin is like a stain on our robe of righteousness, which we have from Christ. Only His blood can make it white again with His forgiveness. See notes

: verses 24-27 Tells us ...

Did you hear that? We are all one in Christ Jesus. That means our skin may be a rainbow of different colors, but the core of the Christian is not based on that skin color …we can be a man or a woman … it’s based on the unity of being ONE in Christ Jesus. That and that alone is what unites God’s “True” believers.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 2192). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.

24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise

We must be clear though …

Did you hear that? We are all one in Christ Jesus. That means our skin may be a rainbow of different colors, but the core of the Christian is not based on that skin color …we can be a man or a woman … its based on the unity of being ONE in Christ Jesus. That and that alone is what unites God’s “True” believers. We must be clear though.

· Those who believe that Jesus was just a prophet are NOT included in this Unity.

Those who believe that Jesus was just a prophet are NOT included in this Unity.

· Hindu’s who worship Shiva are NOT included in this Unity.

Hindu’s who worship Shiva are NOT included in this Unity.

· Muslims who worship Allah are NOT included in this Unity.

Muslims who worship Allah are NOT included in this Unity.

· Buddhists who worship the Buddha are NOT included in this Unity.

Buddhists who worship the Buddha are NOT included in this Unity.

· Mormons who worship John Smith and hist “restored “ vision are NOT included in this Unity.

Mormons who worship John Smith and hist “restored “ vision are NOT included in this Unity.

· New Agers that worship a combined belief Buddhism, Hinduism, and Pantheism are NOT included in this Unity.

New Agers that worship a combined belief Buddhism, Hinduism, and Pantheism are NOT included in this Unity.

Only those that believe that Christ was born, died, and was resurrected from the dead and ascended into Heaven are included in this Unity. I think you get the point. It’s about our belief in the Triune God. This includes God (The father), God (The Son), and The Holy Spirit. Thats it! Mary is not a God, although she is sometimes worshipped like one.

Only those that believe that Christ was born, died, and was resurrected from the dead and ascended into Heaven are included in this Unity. I think you get the point. Its about our belief in the Triune God. This includes God (The father), God (The Son), and The Holy Spirit. Thats it! Mary is not a God, although she is sometimes worshipped like one.

Jude reminds us that Believers are to focus on the truths of the Christian faith, as seen in the Old Testament Scriptures and the teachings of the Apostles. The Christian faith is set apart from the values of society as something for God and it’s about Him. It’s never been about us. It’s about the love that God showed us when he allowed His one and only son to die to pay the price that was surely ours to pay. It’s just a further testament that believers should make God’s love for them the center of their lives

(ESV) talks about just this ...

Jude reminds us that Believers are to focus on the truths of the Christian faith, as seen in the OT Scriptures and the teachings of the apostles. The Christian faith is set apart from the values of society as something for God and about Him. Believers should make God’s love for them the center of their lives

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

talks about just this ...

The Christian faith is set apart from the values of society as something for God and about Him

Faithlife Study Bible Jude

Believers should make God’s love for them the center of their lives (compare Phil 2:12–13). It is not that God’s love is dependent on their actions, but that their actions are a result of experiencing God’s love enveloping their lives

Whether it’s Paul or Jude … Fear is used to alert us to the caution we must exhibit when it comes to our salvation. We need to exhibit extreme caution when engaging with those who have succumbed to false teachings ... so that doubters can’t mislead the person attempting to help them (US). As Christians, we truly need to be alert, we have the full salvation already delivered to us in Scripture, so we need to be exceedingly careful to not fall into deceptions. We have been warned about false teaching and the deception of sin that leads to death … Likewise, the Lord has taught us the path of righteousness by which His Spirit leads us in the Gospel of grace and peace.

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Whether it’s Paul or Jude … Fear is used to alert us to the caution we must exhibit when it comes to our salvation. We need to exhibit extreme caution when engaging with those who have succumbed to false teachings ... so that doubters cant mislead the person attempting to help them (US). As Christians, we truly need to be alert, we have the full salvation already delivered to us in Scripture, so we need to be exceedingly careful to not fall into deceptions. We have been warned about false teaching and the deception of sin that leads to death. Likewise, the Lord has taught us the path of righteousness by which His Spirit leads us in the Gospel of grace and peace.

Jude tells us in verse 23 … 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

It is not that God’s love is dependent on their actions, but that their actions are a result of experiencing God’s love enveloping their lives

Only God could keep them in the one true faith by the power of His Word

As Christians, we truly need to be alert, we have the full salvation already delivered to us in Scripture, so we need to be exceedingly careful to not fall into deceptions. We have been warned about false teaching and the deception of sin that leads to death. Likewise, the Lord has taught us the path of righteousness by which His Spirit leads us in the Gospel of grace and peace.

May refer to the need for caution when engaging with those who have succumbed to false teachings, lest the doubters mislead the person attempting to help them. It could also be that the fear of God, who will bring judgment, is in view.

Believers should make God’s love for them the center of their lives (compare ). It is not that God’s love is dependent on their actions, but that their actions are a result of experiencing God’s love enveloping their lives

It is not that God’s love is dependent on their actions, but that their actions are a result of experiencing God’s love enveloping their lives. Only God can keep us in the one true faith by the power of His Word.

It is not that God’s love is dependent on their actions, but that their actions are a result of experiencing God’s love enveloping their lives

It is not that God’s love is dependent on their actions, but that their actions are a result of experiencing God’s love enveloping their lives. Only God can keep us in the one true faith by the power of His Word.

Did you get that? Save others … That is our job! We have been commissioned to spread the Gospel of Christ in this land and attempt to save the lost. In doing this, we must remember that like the world, we too are sinners. All who commit sin are urged to repent so that they might receive forgiveness, or they will remain in the fire and lose their faith as Jude points out. This isn't always an easy task. There are people in my life that I have been praying for … for decades … some even longer. But thats what our faith should be an exercise in … helping others to find faith they may have never had or have lost due to the results of the circumstances surrounding their sin. Sin has consequences. We must never forget that. BUT … Faith can overcome those consequences of sin if we are focused on the redeeming words and acts of Christ Crucified.

The Lutheran Study Bible (Notes) Chapter 1

Christians, who have the full salvation already delivered to them in Scripture, need not fall into deceptions. We have been warned about false teaching and the deception of sin that leads to death. Likewise, the Lord has taught us the path of righteousness by which His Spirit leads us in the Gospel of grace and peace.

Jude tells in verse 23 … 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

I said it a few weeks ago … It’s all about what Christ did on the cross and in the tomb. Had He not risen from the dead, we would still be slaves to our sin. Fear wouldn't even really matter because without Christ defeating death, eternal death without the hopes of anything different, would be our lot in life. We couldn't hope for anything more. Christ changed all of that. His blood saved us all. Believers are now able to be blameless before God because of Jesus’ sacrificial death; He functions as the sacrifice on our behalf.

Thank God our salvation isn't solely based on fear. Its based on God’s love for His children. It is not that God’s love is dependent on their actions, but that their actions are a result of experiencing God’s love enveloping their lives. Only God can keep us in the one true faith by the power of His Word.

All who commit sin are urged to repent so that they might receive forgiveness, or they will remain in the fire and lose their faith. This isn't always an easy task. There are people in my life that i have been praying for for decades … some even longer. Thats what our faith should be an exercise in … helping others to find faith they may have never had or have lost due to the results of the circumstances surrounding their sin. Sin has consequences. We must never forget that. BUT … Faith can overcome those consequences of sin if we are focused of redeeming words and acts of Christ Crucified.

Believers are now able to be blameless before God because of Jesus’ sacrificial death; He functions as the sacrifice on their behalf

I said it a few weeks ago … Its all about what Christ did on the cross and in the tomb. Had He not risen from the dead, we would still be slaves to our sin. Fear wouldn't even really matter because without Christ defeating death, eternal death without the hopes of anything different, would be our lot in life. We couldn't hope for anything more. Christ changed all of that. His blood saved us all. Believers are now able to be blameless before God because of Jesus’ sacrificial death; He functions as the sacrifice on their behalf

Faithlife Study Bible Jude

Believers are able to be blameless before God because of Jesus’ sacrificial death; He functions as the sacrifice on their behalf

garment stained by the flesh. Correcting one another must be done with fear, because all Christians are sinners, attracted to sin. Sin is not to be toyed with or dallied in. Unrepented sin is like a stain on our robe of righteousness, which we have from Christ. Only His blood can make it white again with His forgiveness

We also need to love each other enough to offer correction according to the scriptures. Because all Christians are sinners and therefore attracted to sin … Correcting one another must be done with fear, but also done out of genuine love for the sinner. We must hate the sin, but love the sinner. But … Sin is not to be toyed with or dallied in. If we are not careful, we can easily succumb to sin. Nor can we think that we can sin with reckless abandon ... because unrepentant sin is like a stain on our robe of righteousness, which we have from Christ. Only His blood can make it white again with His forgiveness

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 2192). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.

All who commit sin are urged to repent so that they might receive forgiveness, lest they remain in the fire and lose their faith. garment stained by the flesh. Correcting one another must be done with fear, because all Christians are sinners, attracted to sin. Sin is not to be toyed with or dallied in. Unrepented sin is like a stain on our robe of righteousness, which we have from Christ. Only His blood can make it white again with His forgiveness

Thank God our salvation isn't solely based on fear. Rather, its based on God’s love for His children. It is not that God’s love is dependent on our actions, but that our actions are a result of experiencing God’s love enveloping our lives. Only God can keep us in the one true faith by the power of His Word.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 2192). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.

Thank God our salvation isn't solely based on fear. Its based on God’s love for His children. It is not that God’s love is dependent on their actions, but that their actions are a result of experiencing God’s love enveloping their lives. Only God can keep us in the one true faith by the power of His Word.

In verse 25 where Jude refers to “the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ,” He is referencing the oneness of God, as well as the view that Jesus is a direct manifestation of God through whom people have a relationship with God. It is through Jesus that the saving act of God has come to humanity. In this last verse, Jude testifies to both God’s character, as one worthy to be praised, and to God’s right to rule all things, both now and forever. In doing so, Jude gives all credit to God, as seen in Jesus.

Jude emphasizes that salvation is not based on our own reason or strength but is wholly the Father’s work in Christ. As the Lord grants you opportunity, share the message of salvation with boldness, for it truly comes from the Lord and He truly works through that testimony, leading those who repent to great joy. That kind of Joy I was talking about on Thanksgiving. The way we enter into worship should correlate to what it is that we are worshipping. Reverence, Awe, and Joy should be everyday staples in our worship … Amen?

In that sacrificial vein, We also need to love each other enough to offer correction according to the scriptures. Because all Christians are sinners and therefore attracted to sin … Correcting one another must be done with fear, but also done out of genuine love for the sinner. We must hate the sin but love the sinner. BUT My Beloved … Sin is not to be toyed with or dallied in. If we are not careful, we can easily succumb to sin. Satan will always be there to try and trip us up. We also can’t think that we can sin with reckless abandon because of the grace that God gives us in Christ ... because unrepentant sin is like a stain on our robe of righteousness, which we have from Christ. Only His blood can make it white again with His forgiveness

testifies to both God’s character, as one worthy to be praised, and to God’s right to rule all things, both now and forever. In doing so, Jude gives all credit to God, as seen in Jesus.

the oneness of God, as well as the view that Jesus is a direct manifestation of God through whom people have a relationship with God. It is through Jesus that the saving act of God has come to humanity

Jude emphasizes that salvation is not based on our own reason or strength but is wholly the Father’s work in Christ. As the Lord grants you opportunity, share the message of salvation with boldness, for it truly comes from the Lord and He truly works through that testimony, leading those who repent to great joy. That kind of Joy I was talking about on Thanksgiving. The way we enter into worship should correlate to what it is that we are worshipping. Reverence, Awe, and Joy should be everyday staples in our worship. Amen?

Let Us Pray … Lord God, keep us in Your love and mercy in Christ until He comes to deliver us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life with You and Your Holy Spirit. Father, grant that we present joy in our service and everlasting joy in the glories of heaven that You have prepared for us through Christ Jesus.

But we should thank God that our salvation isn't solely based on that fear of Him. Rather, it’s based-on God’s love for His children. It is not that God’s love is dependent on our actions, but that our actions are a result of experiencing God’s love enveloping our lives. Only God can keep us unified in the one true faith by the power of His Word.

grant me present joy in my service and everlasting joy in the glories of heaven You prepared for me through Christ Jesus

In verse 25 where Jude refers to “the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ,” He is referencing the oneness of God, as well as the view that Jesus is a direct manifestation of God through whom people have a relationship with God himself. It is through Jesus that the saving act of God’s Grace has come to humanity. In this last verse, Jude testifies to both God’s character, as one worthy to be praised, and to God’s right to rule all things, both now and forever. In doing so, Jude gives all credit to God, as seen in Jesus.

Jude further emphasizes that salvation is not based on our own reason or strength but is wholly the Father’s work in Christ. As the Lord grants you opportunity, share the message of salvation with boldness, for it truly comes from the Lord and He truly works through that testimony, leading those who repent to great joy. That is the kind of Joy I was talking about on Thanksgiving Eve. The way we enter into worship should correlate to what it is that we are worshipping. Thankfulness, Reverence, Awe, Joy and Adoration should be everyday staples in our unified worship of our God and the salvation He offered to us through the sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ. Amen?

Let Us Pray … Lord God, keep us in Your love and mercy in Christ until He comes to deliver us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life with You and Your Holy Spirit. Father grant that we present joy in our service and everlasting joy in the glories of heaven that You have prepared for us through Christ Jesus. We ask these things in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ. AMEN