Jude 1-4: Contend for the Faith

Introduction:

Jude (Ioudas) was the brother of James (Iakobas); therefore, the half-brother of Jesus.

Jude and his brothers did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah during his earthly ministry ( John 7:5)

Jude uses the repetition of three throughout his “epistolary homily”.

He also quotes and alludes to noncanonical literature.

Jude intended to write regarding their common salvation in Jesus Christ; however, he had to write about “contending for the faith”.

Identity

Every battle must begin with identifying your opponents and your allies.

Christians, like Jude, belong to Jesus Christ. We are also called, loved, and kept. (v.1b)

Unbelievers are ungodly and marked for condemnation. (v3)

Interaction

How are we to interact with those around us?

Christians must be able to show each other mercy, peace, and love. (v.2)

We must use the ordinary means of grace, including church discipline.

Christians must be alert and ready to contend with nonbelievers and apostates. (vs.3-4)