Glory in a Greeting

Introduction: A treasured greeting

How long has it been since we greeted each other?

The joy of receiving greetings.

What does this greeting say?

Jude writes this letter at a stressful time for the church. How does he start the letter.

1) Himself and his audience (verse 1)

2) His prayer (verse 2)

Who we are in Christ and How we live in Christ.

Who we are in Christ

Called- and the Called are :beloved-and kept

Called (verse 1)

Call of God in the New Testament

Mark 1:20 ESV

And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

Romans 8:28 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

1 Peter 1:14–15 ESV

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,

Hebrews 9:15 ESV

Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

Christians are called to faith by God.

Called in this place- carries the sense of being summond- God has requested your presence with him.

APPLY: Lonilness and assurance

God is called our God (Blessing of being called)

Hebrews 11:16 ESV

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

Blessings of being Called

Beloved

Beloved in God the Father

Keep yourselves in the Love of God (verse 21).

Christians are loved by God - Beloved is someone who is treasured and cherished. Christians are set apart for his special care

he has been pleased to choose them as his peculiar treasure.

1 Calvin, J., & Owen, J. (2010). Commentaries on the Catholic Epistles (p. 429). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

What love will do: Frozen

1 John 4:9–10 ESV

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Apply- Live in his love

God calls us to himself for loves sake.

Not like an NBA team drafting a player.

Kept

kept for Christ (belonging)

Explain the “for Christ” part?

Keeping and Kept in Jude

v 4,6- people and angels kept for judgement.

v21- Keep yourselves

v24- Him who is able to keep you

When the boat is rocked the ballast keeps it upright.

CSB Study Bible: Notes Outline

The expression kept for Jesus Christ means that believers are kept safe or preserved for Jesus until their salvation is consummated at his return.

Apply: What keeps your faith? Why does faith need to be “kept”

You are kept for Christ so keep yourselves.

How we Live in Christ (verse 1 & 2)

Humbly (verse 1)

Jude is the brother of Jesus

Humility is the posture of all the Christian life.

Jude’s prayer- Multiplied to you.

Mercy

Matthew 5:7 ESV

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

What is mercy?

Mercy is what we have received from God and so we ought to be merciful people.

How do we give mercy? What hinders us?

Peace

Define peace biblically?

George Sinclair: peace is a picture of balance and wholness

Peaceof Christ Rules the heart:

English Standard Version Chapter 3

Colossians 3:15

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Peace of Christ Guards our heart

Philippians 4:6–7 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Peace of Christ keeps the balance of our lives.

How do we help each other multiply in peace?

Love

John 13:35 ESV

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”