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Introduction:
In many scripture verses throughout the New Testament, we find warnings against apostasy. Jesus warned that false prophets would come. He warned that the love of many would also grow cold. And He warned that only those who endure to the end would be saved. We can read those warnings in “Matthew 24:11-14 and many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 and this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
Paul and Peter also spoke of false teachers and disciples being led astray. “Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” and “2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 and many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 and through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.”
As time went on and the epistles of John and Jude were written we find that the times spoke of by Jesus, Peter and Paul were now very much upon the people. False teachings, disciples leaving the church and false prophets were in the world. If we find apostasy rampant in the early days of Christianity how much more we should find it today. We as believers should take the warnings given in the epistles to heart.
Jude’s purpose in this writing is to warn the ungodly. It is a real danger in Jude’s eyes and he finds it important enough to dedicate this writing to the topic. I also find it important enough to stress the need for our dedication to God. We must step away from our world of sin and self-satisfying pleasures and step into the fullness of God’s Word.
In the New Testament, there are seven men with the name Jude.
1. a relative of Jesus
2. a brother of James, also called Thaddaeus and an apostle
3. the one that betrayed Jesus
4. a rabble rouser from Galilee
5. the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus, who may be the same as number 2
6. the person that Paul stayed with
7. an ambassador of the church at Jerusalem who traveled with Silas to Antioch
In the company of Christ, there were only two with the name of Jude or Judas, of which we mentioned above.
1. Judas the one that betrayed Him
2. Judas the one called Thaddaeus, who may also be the half-brother of Jesus
Following is a brief outline of Jude:
I. The greeting
II. The purpose and contents
1. Jude exhorts the people to hold fast to the faith
2. Gives a description of the false teachings and consequences
3. Gives a warning to the believers
4. Gives the believer words of hope and tells them of their duties as a believer.
a. Duties toward the scriptures
b. Duties toward themselves
c. Duties toward others and toward God
III. The conclusion
1. God is savior in the Old Testament and in the New Testament
2. He is the only God
3. He is all glory, honor, majesty and authority forever and ever
Resources:
Holy Bible, KJV
Jude A Biblical Commentary, Thomas E. Miles, Sr.
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