Jude

Jude shares a lot in common with 2nd Peter, but is surely worth of independent study. Below you will find a summary of its contents, some life applications, as well as some of my older notes on Jude:

SUMMARY

Setting (1:1-4a)

Jude was actually a (half) brother of Jesus. Prior to the resurrection, Jesus’ brothers thought him mad. Afterward, though, James became the leader of the church in Jerusalem and Jude, apparently, also gained some authority (though he writes of himself only as a servant of Jesus Christ). He wrote this letter to Christians as an urgent response to the presence of ‘certain men’ in their midst who posed a serious threat.

Characteristics of the Condemned (1:4b-19)

The men who had infiltrated the church were led by their sinful desires (10, 16, 19) rather than the Spirit (4, 19). They were self-promoters (12, 16) rather than submissive to authorities (4, 8-10 ). Their doctrines led to darkness (4, 8, 11, 13) rather than producing fruit (12). Their influence corrupted love while creating an atmosphere of complaint and division (12, 16, 19). They had been prophesied about in the past (4, 17-18), were a threat in the present (3, 5-7), and would be judged in the future (14-15).

A Strategy for the Saints (1:20-25)

These men were not to be ignored (3). Following in their way could result in sharing in their judgment (5-7). The way of Christ and the Apostles was to be contended for (3). The saints needed to grow in the faith, pray in the Spirit, and remain in God’s love (20-21). Those confused by the false teachers should be dealt with gently (22-23). For those corrupted by them, a rescue attempt should be made (23). With God’s help, the church could survive this attack and even thrive through it… to the very end and beyond (24-25)!

APPLICATIONS

1.     It is difficult to dismiss the power of a transformed life. Most people are not led to the Lord by cleverly constructed arguments, but by Christ-like character. 

2.     We must take seriously the defense of the true Christian faith. Corruption from within is, perhaps, an even greater threat than external persecution.

3.     One of the greatest doctrinal errors is a misunderstanding of grace that gives license to sin. Grace makes us responsible and response-able. 

4.     There’s a big debate about whether one can ‘lose’ their salvation. While the term ‘lose’ is erroneous, it is possible to turn your back on salvation.

5.     We must watch out for would be leaders whose lives don’t reflect Christ. Be on the look-out for those -who self-promote while cutting-down others. 

6.     There’s nothing wrong with using material from popular culture to illustrate Christian principles. In fact, it is a great way to communicate.

7.     The best defense is a good offense. If your faith, prayer life, love, and hope aren’t growing… they’re dying. God will do his part. You do your part.

 


 OLDER NOTES
1:1-7 (Intro & Topic)
1:8-16 (The 'certain men')
1:17-25 (The proper response)

Jude (Part 1)

Authorship:
Jude- half brother of Jesus (matthew 13:55, John 7:5, Acts 1:14)

Canonicity:
Jude is never said to have been in Apostle in the NT
We know very little about Jude in regards to leadership in the early church
There is much in common with 2 Peter 2 in Jude (perhaps 15 of 25 verses)
He quotes questionable sources (Assumption of Moses & Book of Enoch)

Possible explanations for his use of these sources
1. Enoch & Assumption of Moses are inspired and should be in the Canon
2. The quotes are accurate even though the books are not inspired
3. He was purposefully using known fiction, simply to illustrate
4. Jude was mistaken in quoting these sources as reliable

1 & 4 would change the Canon
2 seems most likely to me

Reasons for Writing:
1. Wanted to write about Salvation
2. Felt compelled to write a warning

a. b/c certain men had infiltrated
b. b/c it's possible to be lost
---those saved from Egypt got 'lost' in the desert
---those holy angels 'lost' their spot in heaven
---Sodom & Gomorah 'lost' their good morals

*The NT is filled with warnings not to give up
This implies that losing salvation is possible

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Jude (Part 2)

Characteristics of a Corruptor

1. Pollute their own bodies (4b, 7, 8a)
--Define 'grace' as 'anything goes'
--Make decisions based on God's ability to forgive, not His ability to judge

2. Reject Authority (8b)
--Said things contrary to the Apostles
--No accountability structure

3. Slander Celestial Beings (8c, 9)
--Possibly denied the existence of devil/demons
--More likely denied their power against humanity

4. Speak on Issues they don't Understand (10)
--Have an opinion about everything
--Never said "I don't know"

5. Grumblers/Fault-Finders (16a)
--Extremely critical of others; negative
--Point out problems in those who aren't with them

6. Boastful/Flatterers (16b)
--Extremely proud of self; positive
--Compliment others for their own advantage

2 Tests
A. Know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16)
B. Test them against Scripture (Acts 17:11)

They are Comparable to...
1. Cain (Genesis 4:1-16)
2. Balaam (Numbers 22-24)
3. Korah (Numbers 16:1-35)
4. Shepherds who feed only themselves (12)
5. Clouds without rain, blown by the wind (12)
6. Trees without fruit, uprooted, twice dead (12)
7. Waves foaming up their shame (13)
8. Wandering stars, reserved for darkness (13)

Judgment Awaits them (14-15)
1. The Lord is coming
2. Everyone will be judged
3. The wicked will be found guilty

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Jude (Part 3)

How should believers respond to false teaching

1. Remember Apostolic Teaching (17)
2. Understand that God knew about these men (18-19)
3. Build yourself up in the most holy faith (20)
4. Pray in the Holy Spirit (20)
5. Keep yourself in God's Love (21)
6. Wait for the mercy of our Lord (21)
7. Be merciful to those who doubt (22-23)
8. Snatch others from the fire and save them (23)
9. Hate corruption (23)
10. Realize that He is able to keep you from falling (24)


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