Pulpit Curriculum
October 29nd – November 4th, 2023
Sermon Summary
Jude, which is often referred to as a forgotten book, is in fact a very special book. The letter sought to encourage the believers, warn against apostasy and remind them to contend for the faith. No retreat, no surrender!
Verse of the Week
Jude vs 3
3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints”
Going Deeper
Review Jude
1) The preacher referred to the author of Jude as a celebrity. Explain this statement using scripture references as support. How does this understanding add weight or value to your understanding of the text?
2 Jude’s original intention was to write to the believers about their common salvation (Jude 3). What emergency or activity was occurring which made Jude change his original intent, and instead write an urgent appeal to the church?
3) Jude was so concerned about certain activities in the church that he used three examples to warn them (Jude 11). How would the church have understood the mention of Cain, Balaam and Korah, what actions or events were being referenced and what was being taught?
3a) What is the lesson for believers today?
4) Jude 4, 8, 10, 12-13 describes the behaviour of some members of the church to which he wrote. What did it look like then? With reference to Gal 5:22-26 and other relevant texts, explain what is expected of the believer.
4a) Where do we see evidence of this behavior in our church today? How can we guard ourselves against such?
5) The preacher suggested that it is important for us to tell others (believers and non-believers) of the benefits of our Christian faith. In Jude’s letter, he encouraged the readers not only to fight to maintain their faith, but to save others by snatching them out of the fire (Jude 3,23).
5a) Using scripture, what would you say to a Christian friend who has not returned to church post-covid and is struggling with their faith and experiencing doubt?
Assess Your Life
1) People are drawn to Christ or may reject Christ as a result of your words and character. Share how your words and conduct reflect Christ .
2) Using Gal 5:22- 23 conduct a fruit inspection. What area needs prayer and attention?
Application
1) Research one method which can be used to share the gospel with a non-Christian. What scriptures can be used?
2) Identify one non-Christian friend or family member. Make a plan to introduce the gospel to them this week
3) What would “contending for the faith” look like for you?
I will asl
Sermon Main Points
Believers must stand firm in their faith, through :
1) Conversation – telling others (converted and unconverted) of the benefits of your Christian faith..
2) Creed – reading, understanding and defending biblical truths.
3) Conduct – lifestyles which reflect Christ..
Sermon Reflection
We must stand firm in our faith and fight for the truth.
It is important for us to have conversations with each other and always be ready to give a reason for our faith.
We must know biblical truths so that we can defend the faith.
5 Day Study Plan
Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.
Follow these steps
1. Observe the text.
(What do you see in the text? Look for answers to questions like: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)
2. Interpret the text.
(What did God and the human author of the text want the original people reading this text to understand/do? Why?)
3. Apply the text.
(How do I need to change in my thinking, my affections, my attitudes, and/or my actions?)
Day 1 - Hebrews 4:11-13
Day 2 - Romans 3:21-26
Day 3 - Romans 10:5-11
Day 4 - 1 Peter 3:15-16
Day 5 - Acts 4:12
For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then discussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.
Harvest Bible Chapel Barbados - 2023