Jude Series – “Contending for the Faith”
Contending for the Faith 4-6-25
Part 7 – Jude v.24-25 “He is the One True God”
Intro: As Jude closed out his letter, he sealed it with these final words we call a benediction or “doxology”, but they are more than just pleasant sounding and rhythmic phrases. They are reminders of Who our Savior truly is compared to the lesser images and ideas put forth by the apostates of any age.
Let’s take a look:
READ verses 24-25
I. He is Our One and Only Savior (v.24-25)
A. He is able to guide and protect us against stumbling
(if we’re willing to prayerfully trust/follow His lead)
B. He is joyful about presenting us blameless
(joyfully covering us with His blood/forgiveness)
(Hebrews 12:2 “for the joy…endured the cross”)
II. He is Our Glorified Savior (v.25)
A. The glory was His in the Old Testament
(dwelling in the Most Holy Place)
(seen by the prophets in visions)
B. The glory is His now seated by the Father
(John’s vision is Revelation 1)
C. He dwells in us now as His temple
(we are not to take that lightly)
III. He is Our Majestic Savior (v.25)
A. He is the supreme embodiment of excellence
(all things royal and perfect)
B. He is the supreme superlative of all titles
(He is El Elyon, “God Most High”)
IV. He is Our Sovereign Savior (v.25)
(dominion)
A. He originated all of creation
(“ex nihilo” – from nothing)
B. He has the final word on all people/events
(and there is no one beyond His dominion)
V. He is Our Authoritative Savior (v.25)
A. All authority on earth is His
(Mathew 28:17, Ephesians 6:10)
B. All authority over the spirit realm is His
(Matthew 28:17, Ephesians 6:10)
VI. Conclusion
Discussion: How do these descriptions and reminders help us in the daily challenges of life with people and circumstances?
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Contending for the Faith 3-30-25
Part 6 – Jude v.20-23 “Proper Building”
Intro:
Jude was most likely a carpenter like Joseph, so “building” would have been a natural word-picture for him.
Story about engineering disasters and flawed building techniques:
Gravity is a reality (weight, water movement, etc.)
As he nears the end of his letter, he gives instructions for proper methods of spiritual building.
READ verses 20-23
I. Build Upon the Foundation of Faith (v.20)
A. Faith is the most important element
(the footer, concrete walls, etc. are faith)
(the “wise builder” verified the base was on rock)
B. The Holy Spirit guides and empowers
(He directs the prayers and gives discernment)
II. Operate Within the Love of God (v.21)
A. The love of God is the standard, not an upgrade
(don’t use substandard building materials/methods)
(even if the “worldly code” says lesser is acceptable)
B. The love of God IS who we are and how we operate
(personal example of friends who only build custom)
III. Look Forward to Eternal Life in His Mercy (v.21)
A. “To look” is eager anticipation
(we build toward eternity, apostates build for now)
B. We understand his mercy means a welcome celebration
(like a parent welcoming home their child from a trip)
IV. Engage the Ones at Risk of Destruction (v.22-23)
(modern translations-3 different groups)
A. The doubting-have compassion on them
B. Those in the fire of apostacy-try to pull them out
C. Those in spiritually dangerous places-beware of traps
V. Conclusion
Discussion: What part of this building process stands out to you most and why?
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Contending for the Faith 3-23-25
Part 5 – Jude v.14-19 “Recurring Themes”
Intro: Along with specific insights we’ve considered recently regarding apostates, there are recurring themes throughout the scriptures which reveal the overarching story (metanarrative) to further help us in our daily life.
Jude references Enoch to tie it all together in the completion of his apostate descriptions. Let’s take a look at the trends:
Read verses 14-19
I. Rebellion is a Recurring Theme
A. It has been an issue from the beginning
(reference of Enoch and verses 5-11)
B. Ungodliness is the default he highlights
(used 4x in verse 15)
C. Self-serving lust is their motivation
(v.16 and verse 18)
D. Modern context is still the same
(ungodliness and self-serving lusts)
II. Pride is a Recurring Theme
A. Example: Words at the Tower of Babel
(we will make a name for ourselves)
B. Example: Words of Sennacherib and Nebuchadnezzar
(both dealt with accordingly)
C. Example: Words of Jewish leadership to Jesus
(mocking comments to Jesus)
D. Modern Context: Still the same the attitude
(still trying to “make a name for ourselves”)
III. Judgment is a Recurring Theme
A. Enoch’s words for the flood and final judgment
(Although apocryphal writing, these words are true)
B. Previous mentions (v.5-11) all were judged
(Angels, Egyptians, Rebellious Hebrews, Sodom)
C. All the books are opened at the end
(records of the just and unjust)
(Judgment Seat of Christ, White Throne)
D. Rebellion is judged and destroyed
(Baylon-Revelation ch.18-19)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: How does this help us navigate the modern setting successfully?
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Contending for the Faith 3-16-25
Part 4 – Jude v.12-13 “Steering Clear”
Intro: As Jude continues to give insights into deceptive apostates, he simultaneously provides the elements for us to construct good questions concerning spiritual happenings, ideas, and philosophies around us.
Let’s take a look at how they relate:
Read verses 12-13
I. They are Hidden Hazards (v.12)
(hidden reefs, sometimes rendered “spots/stains”)
A. The danger is what is not seen
B. The way is treacherous
(navigate shrewdly, there are hidden agendas)
C. There is duplicity
(what is seen/said is not what is really there)
Question: What are they not saying?
II. They are Shameless (v.12)
(“eating without fear”)
A. They’re boldness doesn’t consider others
B. They’re unconstrained in their behavior
(not sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompts)
Question: What drives their boldness?
III. They are Self-serving (v.12)
(serving only themselves)
A. The picture is selfish shepherds
(not interested in the sheep)
B. Their planning revolves around themselves
Question: Who primarily benefits from their actions?
II. They are Empty of Real Value (v.12)
A. Clouds with no rain
(hope for life giving water/refreshment, but nothing)
B. Trees with no fruit
(hope for life giving nutrition, but nothing)
However,
C. What they actually produce is garbage
(churning waves depositing refuse on the shore)
Question: What value do they/their teaching really have?
III. They are Directional Broken (v.12-13)
A. Wandering stars (picture of a comet shower)
(not good for navigation, just burning up)
B. Where they’re headed is to darkness
Question: What is the natural end of their teaching?
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: Which of the questions do you think are most helpful?
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Contending for the Faith 3-9-25
Part 3 – Jude v.8-11 “Rebellion”
Intro: In addition to the judgments for rebellion we considered last time proving that God is not mocked (Gal. 6:7), the Old Testament, also records two other events beneficial for us to consider before we continue.
The first is the event on the “Plains of Shinar” (Genesis 11:1-9).
The second is the event that caused God to reject Saul as king over Israel (1 Samuel 15:22-23)
In both circumstances, rebellion against God was the core issue, and God’s words to Saul frames it this way:
Read v.22-23
The core issue with the deceivers mentioned in Jude is the same and is a sobering warning. Let’s take a look:
Read verses 8-11
I. They Rebelled Against God’s Forgiveness
(Cain)
A. They refused to submit (trying to create their own way)
(Cain refused to offer proper sacrifice)
B. They refused faith
(the requirement from the beginning)
(Cain didn’t trust God)
C. They refused the truth
(they rejected the full truth about Jesus)
II. They Rebelled Against God’s Provision
(The Prophet Balaam)
A. They valued what the world valued (power, money, etc.)
(Balaam agreed to curse the Hebrews for money)
(they fed natural appetites of the flesh)
B. They rejected dependence on God
(Like Balaam’s discontent with God’s care for him)
C. They had no integrity
(like Balaam, deception was their method)
III. They Rebelled Against God’s Leadership
(Korah, his allies, and the second group w/ plague)
A. They pridefully exalted themselves
(arrogant, condescending and boastful)
(like Korah speaking pridefully to Moses)
B. They foolishly spoke of what they didn’t know
(speaking of spiritual matters as if they had power)
(Michael deferred to God’s power not his own)
C. They chose natural views of leadership not spiritual
(like Korah attempting to undermine Moses)
(promoting the world’s pattern of leadership)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: What are some ways you’ve seen the influence of these attitudes or arguments affect the church?
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Contending for the Faith 3-2-25
Part 2 – Jude v.5-7 “God is not Mocked”
Intro: In this next section, Jude references examples of those who displayed the truth of Galatians 6:7, that “God is not mocked”. Their choices are what led to their final end and he’s reminding the readers/us of the same reality.
Let’s take a look:
Read verses 5-7
I. Rebellion Against God’s Instructions (v.5)
(the Hebrews)
A. They saw God’s power but dismissed it
(Egypt, Red Sea, water, manna, etc.)
B. They had God’s promise but didn’t embrace it
(very specific about taking Canaan)
C. They heard the warnings but didn’t heed them
(1 year of events, Sinai/golden calf, etc.)
D. They received punishment for their rebellion
(as example #1, all died but Joshua/Caleb)
(including Moses, different rebellion, same end)
(rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft (1 Sam. 15:22-23)
II. Rebellion Against God’s Authority (v.6)
(the fallen angels)
A. They knew the full reality of Heaven/God’s presence
(the whole picture)
B. They entertained the questioning of God’s authority
(the first moment of decision/similar to Eve)
C. They took the next step in challenging God’s authority
(the second moment of decision)
D. They received punishment for their rebellion
(remain as example #2)
III. Rebellion Against God’s Design (v.7)
(Sodom & Gomorrah)
A. They knew the natural order of things (Romans 1)
(God’s design is beautiful, pure and obvious)
B. They had an example of Abraham to learn from
(God’s deliverance in war of Genesis 15)
C. They rejected the natural order of things (Romans 1)
(it was active pursuits of hedonistic perversions)
D. They received punishment for their sin (destruction)
(as example #3)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: In what ways do we observe (or are tempted with) rebellion against God’s instructions, authority, or design?
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Contending for the Faith 2-23-25
Part 1 – Jude v.1-4 “3 Questions”
Intro: The letter of Jude is written by James’ brother, and many scholars believe James is Jesus’ half-brother which makes Jude also Jesus’ half-brother. Like James, he takes a humble approach to title and references himself as a bondservant of Jesus. Alao like James, his style is strong and to the point. We’ll begin by exploring three questions that Jude provides answers for.
Let’s take a look:
Read verses 1-4
I. Who are we in Christ? (v.1-2)
A. We are sanctified
(saints-set apart for the Lord’s purposes)
B. We are preserved
(eternally kept by the power of the Holy Spirit)
C. We are recipients of mercy, peace, and love
(the goodness of God lavishly shown)
II. What is our Mission? (v.3)
(Jude was led to write something different than planned)
A. Heed the exhortation
(strong word with a military connotation)
B. Contend earnestly for the faith
(by diligence, purpose, awareness, discernment)
C. Remember the established truth already delivered
(“sound doctrine” that is transcendent and timeless)
III. What is the Nature of Our Opposition? (v.4)
A. They are deceptive individuals
(stealthy mimickers of those in the faith)
B. They are marked for destruction
(they are ungodly and committed to that path)
C. They deny sound doctrine
(rejecting established truth about Jesus/His teaching)
D. They promote ungodly behavior
(a licentious attitude toward lifestyle choices)
IV. Conclusion
Discussion: What are some take-a-way thoughts on “contending”?
cchrisholland 