How to Love in a Hostile World
Christianity is Reality: Love Conquers Hate • Sermon • Submitted
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· 97 viewsJude reminds us of how to love in a hostile world, by remembering, strengthening and showing Mercy.
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The idea of Hostility deals with one that might have an enemy, it deals with conflict, it deals with strife...
Hostility is the opposite of warmth, hospitality and kindness
This world constantly and consistently reminds us that this is not our home
threats of war; riots; racial unrest; disease; division and the like demonstrate the true hostility that await us daily
yet the Bible is also constant in encouraging us that God is love and that His people are to be a loving people
15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
We know the two commandments right?
love God
love your neighbor
people misunderstand that love is to approve and applaud any and everything others do
others fall prey to believe that their love pushes them to be rude, sarcastic, short with others
the Church does not die in times of hostility, it is then we should shine
we tend to believe our time is the worst time ever...
Introduction:
v1 Jude introduces himself
v2 peace and love be multiplied
v3 contend for the faith, why does he say this..
v4 certain people have crept in, ungodly, pervert the grace of God into sensuality, they deny Christ
v5 remind you about Egypt where unbelievers were destroyed
v6 angels fell now kept in chains and darkness
v7 Sodom and Gomorrah with it’s sexual immorality and unnatural desire were punished in fire
v8 people who dream, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme
v9-11 people blaspheme what they do not understand, act like unreasoning animals, understand only instinctively
v12-16 Jude speaks to those whom are ungodly speaking against God, grumblers, malcontents, followers of sinful desire, loud mouth boasters, showing favoritism for gain
then our text...
Thesis:
Jude reminds us of how to love in a hostile world, by remembering, strengthening and showing Mercy.
17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 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.
Remember what the Apostles said
Remember what the Apostles said
17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.
We must remember what the Apostles said and taught in scripture...
2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
We have multiple warnings from the New Testament about scoffers in the last days
28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
rage and hysteria are bad responses in times of trial...
do we remember what the Apostles wrote?
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Strengthen your Faith
Strengthen your Faith
before we live love in this hostile world let’s get ourselves in order...
focus on strengthening your faith...
start with the Bible
if you don’t walk by faith, you have to walk by sight!!!
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
take this personally...
monitor your place in the faith..
yes we must also pray...
Paul prayed more than anybody...
25 Brothers, pray for us.
Expect the Mercy of God
Expect the Mercy of God
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.
goodness and kindness toward the afflicted, joined with the desire to help...
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
I’m not so sure we want to get involved...
We have become skeptical of all people
27 And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”
22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.”
15 said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.
30 And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!”
Mercy includes our willingness to be inconvenienced
When do others needs trump what we want to do...
10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Instead of putting others in their place, let’s put ourselves in the place of others...
Conclusion:
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.
Make sure you stick with Jesus
When we show up, be sure to show up as the Church
No one and nobody should out love the Church
5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.