
Contend: Their Description, Our Defense
Jude 1:8-25
May 7, 2023
Jay Haugh
The reason: These “creepers” were false teachers who denied the authority of God’s Word.
God judges ALL sexual immorality.
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. —1 Corinthians 6:18-20 ESV
False teachers find a way to change the truths of Christianity to fit their own morality.
Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. —Jude 1:8 ESV
Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion. —Jude 1:11 ESV
They are immoral like Cain, greedy like Balaam, defiant like Korah who rejected approaching God on the basis of another.
These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; —Jude 1:12 ESV
wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever. —Jude 1:13 ESV
It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him. —Jude 1:14-15 ESV
Those who reject truth and live immorally will not escape. Judgement is certain.
Jude gives our defense.
But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. —Jude 1:17 ESV
1) Remember the Apostles.
We hold fast to the Bible.
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. —Hebrews 13:7 ESV
2) Expect Mockers.
They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. —Jude 1:18-19 ESV
3) Know your Bible.
You cannot contend for something you don’t know.
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. —Jude 1:20-21 ESV
4) Pray.
5) Be faithful and steadfast to God.
waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. —Jude 1:21 ESV
6) Be merciful towards others.
And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. —Jude 1:22-23 ESV
Be careful as you pursue others who have wandered away.
Be careful you don’t hate people.
7) God always gives us grace.
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. —Jude 1:24-25 ESV
Big Idea:
Believers must know the truth in order to contend for the faith that graciously saves us.
STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS:
Memory Verse: Jude 1:24-25 NIV
To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forever more! Amen.
Read Jude 1:8-25
Have you ever (or ever considered) experimenting with communicating with the spiritual realm through psychics, Ouija boards, palm readers, tarot cards, etc? What led you to pursue or consider these? Why is searching for truth or direction without God fruitless?
Jude provides us with seven things to help our defense.
(1) Remember the Apostles (v.3): Read Hebrew 13:7. Has anyone ever critiqued your faith by commenting that it is outdated? What does a statement like that presume? Why is there value in the ancientness of the faith? What is our primary source of truth that has been passed down through the generations? Do you trust it?
(2) Expect Mockers. (v.18-19): Have you ever been scoffed at or mocked because of your faith? Do these reactions from others prevent you from being vocal about your faith? What is an appropriate response to these people?
(3) Know Your Bible (v.20): Share about a time when your familiarity with Scripture helped you make a decision. What do you do when you have questions about something that may not line up with Scripture? Discuss the importance of studying the Bible in community. How does engaging in small group discussions and sharing insights with others enhance your understanding of the Scriptures? Share any specific examples of how group discussions have enriched your knowledge of the Bible.
(4) Pray (v.20-21): How can we pray in such a way that the Spirit is leading and guiding our prayers? How can we deepen our prayer life beyond simple requests and petitions? Explore the idea of praying for God’s will, His kingdom, and aligning our desires with His. Share practical steps to cultivate a more intimate and focused prayer life.
(5) Be Faithful and Steadfast to God (v.21): What does it mean to be faithful and steadfast to God in your daily life? How do you personally strive to demonstrate these qualities? In what ways can we encourage one another to stay faithful and steadfast in our relationship with God? How does the future expectation of eternal life influence your perspective on present difficulties and challenges?
(6) Be Merciful Toward Others (v.22): How can we show mercy and compassion to those who are struggling in their faith or have been led astray? Share examples of how you have seen this demonstrated effectively. What role can small groups play in helping people who are in this position?
We are also called to show mercy “with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” How can we maintain a balance between showing love and mercy to others while also being cautious about the influence of sinful behaviors? Discuss ways in which we can support and encourage others without compromising our own faith and values.
(7) God Always Gives Us Grace (v24-25): Jude ends his letter with a doxology, praising God for His ability to keep us from falling. Why is it important to regularly acknowledge and praise God for His power and faithfulness in our lives? The phrase “to the only God, our Savior” in verse 25 highlights the uniqueness of God and His role as our Savior. With whom will you share the message of salvation through God alone?