Question
Manuscript
Message
26 - JUDE
Jude
Key Verse:
CONTEND FOR THE FAITH
Jude 1-7 (Mon.) Sept. 7
Key Verse: 3b
1. The faith entrusted to the saints (1-4)
This short letter was written by Jude, brother of James (Ac 15) and half brother of Jesus. Jude reminds us that we are called and loved by God, and kept by Jesus Christ. God's grace is not a license for immorality. Jesus is both Savior and Lord. We cannot welcome him as Savior but reject him as Lord. Those who try to do so are departing from the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. We must contend for this faith, and not compromise with our culture or with the world.
2. Examples of those who burn in hell (5-7)
God delivered his people from slavery in Egypt, but he destroyed those who did not believe. Even angels who became proud and did not keep their positions were bound and are awaiting the final judgment. Sexual perversion and immorality are sins which God hates. He showed his hatred of these things when he poured fire and burning sulfur on Sodom. The burning fire of Sodom is a portent of the eternal fires that await sinners who do not repent.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your grace. Help me to live a humble and obedient life before you.
One Word: Don't misuse God's grace
KEEP YOURSELVES IN GOD'S LOVE
Jude 8-23 (Tue.) Sept. 8
Key Verse: 21
1. Those who follow their natural instincts (8-16)
Jude warns about ungodly people who live according to their instincts. They have no fear of God and no respect for anyone. They have no truth of God and no spiritual understanding; they grumble, find fault and sometimes flatter people for their own advantage. Cain was one such man. He judged God and became a restless wanderer. Another example was Balaam who tried to use his spiritual gifts for personal profit (Nu 24; 2Pe 2:15). Korah instigated a rebellion against God's servant Moses (Nu 26). Those who follow the desires of the sinful nature and not God's word are like clouds without rain, shepherds who only feed themselves; they are twice dead.
2. A call to persevere (17-23)
We must live by the Spirit, not by the flesh. We must build ourselves up in faith through prayer and obedience to God's word and keep ourselves in God's love. We must do our best to live as Jesus' people as we wait for his return.
Prayer: Lord, help me to live by the Spirit, not by the flesh.
One Word: Keep yourselves in God's love
TO HIM WHO CAN KEEP YOU FROM FALLING
Jude 24-25 (Wed.) Sept. 9
Key Verses: 24,25
1. Without fault and with great joy (24)
If it depended on us to live holy lives in a corrupt world, we would surely fail, because we are full of weaknesses and faults. But God saved us and cleansed us by the blood of Jesus. When we come to him day by day and seek his help, he is able to keep us and bring us to his glorious presence without fault and with great joy.
2. To the only God our Savior (25)
Praise God our Savior. He is the only God. He is the Sovereign God. He is eternal. He is glorious and majestic. He has all power and authority in heaven and on earth. This Eternal God loves the world. He sent Jesus Christ to be our Savior. Jesus died and rose so that we might be forgiven. By his grace alone we can come without fault to God. Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations" (Mt 28:18). Praise God through Jesus Christ now and forever. Amen.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your promise to keep me from falling.
One Word: He keeps us from falling