September 10 Service
JUDE 5-7
Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— 7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
Last week, Jude called us to contend for the Faith. This week he addresses what a sinful society or community is characterized by and tells us the end result. He begins with a reminder that Jesus saves those who are His and will eventually destroy those who are not. He provides three Old Testament examples: 1) Israel was saved from Egypt’s oppression but destroyed those who didn’t believe, 2) The angels who rebelled against God were cast out and will be destroyed, and 2) Two entire cities, Sodom and Gomorrah, were destroyed because of their rebellion against God and licentiousness. These are examples of how sin is viewed and treated by a holy and righteous God when sin goes without repentance. Jude’s reminder is a warning to beware.
Throughout the Bible, wherever there is rampant sin talked about, sexual immorality is among the most common sins found in the list. This is because sexual sin stems from self love, mis-directed desires and gratifying the flesh. Sexual immorality in all its forms is an afront to the covenant design of God that is to be holy, righteous, and pure relationally, spiritually and physically. Where sexual immorality, unnatural desires and a flaunting acceptance of these exist, you will find a person, community, society or culture that has departed from God and made self the ultimate love (pride & self idolatry). In John’s words, they are imitating evil, not good. In Jude’s words, they will be destroyed.
Sexual immorality is a general term used for sexual sins. It may be helpful to understand that an over desire (lust) for something or someone is one that has become inordinate, excessive or possessive, as if that thing or person can heal your soul. The desire turns into active choices that are immoral and inappropriate in the eyes and commands of God. We are to look to God for everything we need and to go outside of this will always lead to brokenness, decay and death.
Our reflection this week is pretty pointed and though somewhat uncomfortable, it is necessary to examen our hearts with the biblical text before us. Take a little time to be honest with God in prayerful response to these questions.
Reflection:
1. What forms of sexual immorality are increasingly becoming normal and celebrated in our culture?
2. How comfortable are you becoming with them? Where do you struggle to remain pure?
This is a time to confess and repent…
3. Concerning sexual sins, what is God asking of you in your relationship with Him?
With your spouse? With others?
4. What does purity and remaining in biblical covenant produce?
5. What do you desire as you move forward?
Prayer:
Loving Father, the One who is holy, righteous and pure, we call on your name because you have redeemed us by your love and blood on the cross. We thank you for your mercy, grace and forgiveness. We ask that we would desire to be clean before you and our choices would reflect this desire. May we be a people who walk by the spirit and not by the flesh. For your glory and our good. Amen
Share what God has done in your heart this week with your community group and/or friends.
Grace and peace on this journey together,
Chad Hollowell
Executive Pastor
COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION
Don Logan
Read Jude 5-7. Can you recite these Old Testament examples?
Talk about the brazenness of each of these examples. And where do you see that same sort of brazenness in sexual freedom and choices today?
In what way has this spirit from the evil one “crept into” the church unawares?
Do you believe that the Bible affirms sex only in the confines of a binding covenant between one man and one woman? Where can we see this Biblical concept, and where can we see sin in this area in the Bible…even from the Patriarchs of the Faith, even in the genealogy of Jesus Christ!
What are the areas of sexual sin you think the church has avoided or over-emphasized? How do we best restore this Biblical mandate and boundary for sexual relations?
What is the difference between one who is struggling or sinning in this area with great guilt or confusion, and one who is proud in parading their perversion?
Do we treat them differently? How?Prayer and praise