Jude
Introduction to Jude
It is important to study God’s Word, the Bible. It is important to memorize verses and to think upon His Word. The Word of God never changes, even though we live in a world of constant change. Our friends and families change. Circumstances change. Our thoughts and attitudes change. And all around us we experience change every day. But the Word of God remains the same, and is sure and steadfast. We can always depend upon His Word. Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Psalm 119:89 says, “For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven,” and in I Peter 1:23, we read that the Word of God lives and abides forever. In uncertain and changing times, we can always depend upon His Holy Word to give us comfort, strength, grace and power for each moment of our lives, regardless of our situations or our circumstances. The Word of God also helps newborn babies in Christ to grow spiritually. In I Peter 2:2 we read, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” We, as believers in Christ, are commanded in God’s Word to grow spiritually. II Peter 3:18 says, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” The Word of God has always existed and will always exist. In John 1:1-2 we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.” Read the following verses from the Bible: Psalm 119: 2, 9, 11, 28, 50, 67, 71, 74, 92, 114, 130, 147, 148, 162 and 165. As you begin these study courses of God’s Word, please begin them with this thought and prayer found in Psalm 119:18, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” And in Psalm 119:105 we read: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” This tells us how to stand with God and how to go with God.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” II Timothy 3:16-17
Jude KEY VERSE: JUDE 3 – “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”
KEY WORD: UNGODLY- Found 5 times.
THEME: Contending for the Faith
DATE: 67-68 A.D. (Approximately)
WRITER: Jude – half brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3; Galatians 1:19)
WRITTEN: To: Believers in General (“sanctified,” “preserved,” “called”)
THE BOOK: Number in the Bible – 65th Book of Bible. Number of Chapters – 1. Number of verses: 25. Number in order of writing – 26th in New Testament.
PURPOSE: 1) to warn against certain false teachers 2) to instruct his readers in the common salvation 3) to urge believers to contend for the faith.
DIVISIONS: 1) those who are delivered from sin (v. 1) 2) those who are Devoted to God (v. 2,3) 3) those who are Defenders of Faith (v.4-19) 4) those who are Determined to Obey (v. 20-23) 5) those who are Desiring to See Christ (v. 24, 25)
OUTLINE:
- Who is Writing?
1) a Saved man (brother of Jesus) 2) a Serving man (servant of Jesus) 3) a Separated man (chosen)
- Who is He Writing to?
1) a Sanctified people 2) a Sealed people 3) a Selected people III. What is He Writing About? 1) Common salvation 2) Contending for the faith 3) Certain men crept in unawares
MISCELLANEOUS: Three-fold List of Traits in Jude: GROUP I (v. 12,13): 1) “Spots in your feasts” 2) “clouds without water” 3) “trees without fruit” 4) “raging waves” 5) “wandering start” GROUP II (v. 14-18): 1) murmurers 2) complainers 3) lustful 4) boasters 5) flatterers 6) mockers GROUP III (v. 19): 1) separate themselves 2) sensual 3) spiritless Other three-fold lists in Jude: Salvation: 1) Mercy; 2) Love Beloved: 1) purpose of writing; 2) program of walk Purpose: to inform them of: 1) common salvation; 2) certain men Relationship: 1) natural; 2) spiritual; 3) national Obligation: 1) having compassion of some; 2) helping others out of fire; 3) halting garment spotted by fire Reference of Apostasy: 1) unbelieving Israel; 2) uncontrolled angels; 3) ungodly Sodom Corruption: 1) way of Cain; 2) error of Balaam; 3) faith Position: 1) sanctified (“saved”); 2) preserved (“secure”); 3) called (“surrendered”). Signs of Apostasy: 1) defilers of flesh 2) despisers of dominion 3) derogatory Appeal to Build: 1) by praying in spirit 2) by keeping self in love of God 3) by He is Only Wise God Benediction: 1) He is able to keep us from falling. 2) He is able to present us faultless. 3) looking for mercy
