Postcards From the Bible: Hidden Dangers: Jude

I. How the Ungodly Operate vs. 1-16

A. Jude the half-brother of Jesus considered himself a slave to Jesus. He had once mocked his brother and thought Him crazy, but after the resurrection, Jude believed.

B. Jude wanted to talk of salvation, but does so by talking about false converts.

C. They look and act the part, but inside they are far from God. They reveal themselves slowly but surely.

D. These are the ones who rail against one particular sin, and fall for it themselves.

E. “Jude compares them to Cain (who gave a bloodless offering), Balaam (who only ministered for money), and Korah (who rejected the authority of God’s word). For rebelling against spiritual authority, all of them were judged (v. 11).”- Tony Evans

F. Offerings that cost you nothing mean nothing. II Sam. 24:22-24

2 Samuel 24:22–24 NASB95

Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up what is good in his sight. Look, the oxen for the burnt offering, the threshing sledges and the yokes of the oxen for the wood. “Everything, O king, Araunah gives to the king.” And Araunah said to the king, “May the Lord your God accept you.” However, the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

G. Those who only minister for money can never get enough.

H. Those who reject the authority of the Bible for relevance or power are always seeking it, they never find it.

I. These people are hidden dangers, who are widely accepted in the church. They are empty, but dangerous.

J. Enoch from Noah’s day prophesied about them, and their judgment.

II. How the Godly Operate vs. 17-25

A. Pray in the Holy Spirit. It is completely surrendering to the Holy Spirit, and the Lord’s will over your flesh, and your own will.

B. Keep in the love of God. Don’t be legalistic!

C. Wait for the rapture. Look forward to it.

D. Have mercy on those who are doubting/struggling. They need help and love, rather than a lecture or judging.

E. Help those who you can. Use tough love only when necessary.

F. Be merciful to those who are in the gutter, because you can fall into the same trap. Gal. 6:1-3

Galatians 6:1–3 NASB95

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

G. The Lord is the only one who can keep you from stumbling.