Jude

This short book was written to those called by God, to Christians. I felt I had to write and urge you to contend (defend as a combatant the Word, Christ the foundation of your faith) for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. For certain men (purporting to be fellow Christians) whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. (3-4)

“Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home — these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.” (5-7)

“These pretenders, fake Christians, are:

• like Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. (7)
• dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings but even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" (8-10)
• speakers who speak abusively against whatever they do not understand. (10)
• blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm. (12)
• shepherds who feed only themselves. (12)
• clouds without rain. (12)
• wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. (13)
• grumblers and faultfinders; follow their own evil desires. (13)
• boasters about themselves and flatters others for their own advantage. (16) “Remember what the apostles said: In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are the men who divide you, follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.” (18- 19) But you are to:
• build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. (20)
• keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. (21)
• be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. (22-23)
• Key Points from Jude ➢ There are some people who are pretenders, unfaithful, faultfinders and boastful seeking recognition and approval. ➢ Encourage each other not to accept the pretender’s attitude or lifestyle ➢ Be merciful and help them and others to change (repent) and return to righteousness.

Question - What was Jude’s warning all about?