Intolerable! (Jude 4)

For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

               

THE STUDY:

          We, as believers, want to think that everyone in our church has the same thoughts, belief’s and attitudes. But the truth is they don’t! Let me give you an example: I think if you cuss in a ballgame you should be kicked out! Some don’t! I believe in capital punishment. Some don’t! My attitude is that of optimism. Some are not! Not everyone shares these same perspectives. The perspective we need to be in unity with is that of Christ.

In this verse Jude shares that believers must contend for the faith because certain people have crept in unnoticed. “Certain people” has a “contemptuous ring” to it. Jude assumes his readers know who they are, so he does not bother to name them.

          Jude’s dislike for these anonymous troublemakers was heightened by their method of operation. They did not openly identify themselves and their errant teaching. Instead, they secretly slipped in (means - infiltrated) among Jude’s friends. The verb (Crept), found only here in the NT, “tends to carry the connotation of secrecy or stealth.” The word was used of the clever pleading of a lawyer, gradually insinuating his version of the evidence into the minds of judge and jury. It describes the action of a spy stealthily getting into the country, or of someone sneaking in by a side door.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning understanding that the church is made up of many different types of people: white, black, young, old, rich, poor, etc. The one thing we cannot be different on is Jesus Christ! The words, teachings, and character of Christ need be the central blood line that runs throughout the church.

CONCLUSION:

           After preaching a sermon at a funeral Service for a person from the community I stood beside the casket as people gave their last respects. Many extended a hand and said kind words to me concerning the message. I had one young lady express her disappointment with the message. She had a different belief when it came to the teachings of Jesus.

          Too many times we, as believers, try to fit everyone in to the family of God and initially overlook those individuals who don't believe the same when it comes to Jesus. Later on is when we find the church in trouble.

Church, love is not being tolerable of everything when it comes to the world. It is being intolerable of everything that’s not “truth” concerning Jesus Christ! Let today be a day that we find unity in Christ: His truth! You know what they say, “The truth will set you free.”

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Powers, D. G. (2010). 1 & 2 Peter/Jude: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (267–268). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

Well Done! (Jude 3 – Part 2)

(No Video for Today's Lesson)

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.         .

               

THE STUDY:

          Jude felt he had to write and urge his readers to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. Jude does not use an imperative but the present participle urge (parakalōn) which has the effect of a command. Jude calls his audience to contend for the faith.

Contend (epagōnizesthai) is a compound verb borrowed from the realm of athletics. The verb urges the readers to “agonize,” as in “an athletic contest.” They are “to ‘fight, struggle, strive’ ” against their opponents. They are not only to passively resist the false teaching but also to actively and energetically fight for the Christian faith. They are to contend (strive) until they win.

Faith is typically used in the NT to denote the act of believing. Jude uses faith differently, to refer to the content of what is believed, not the act of believing. Thus, faith refers to a body of teachings about God, Christ, and the Christian lifestyle. Jude’s concern for faith is focused upon the ethical implications of the gospel. For Jude, the fight for the Christian faith is a battle not only for doctrinal orthodoxy but also for the moral lifestyle consistent with the faith. It’s not just what you know it’s how you live it as well.

The teachings of the Christian faith were once for all entrusted to the saints. Saints (hagiois: holy ones) often refers to Christian believers (e.g., Acts 9:13) Here it refers to “those who have been called” (Jude 1). It does not refer to Christian leaders, but to all people of God.

The faith was entrusted to the saints. delivered (paradotheisēi: handed on) is a technical term for passing along of authorized tradition. Since false teaching threatened the church, Jude reminds and assures his audience that the message of salvation passed down to them is genuine and once for all.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We can walk away with the understanding that we are to contend for the faith. Just as athletes strive for victory we should do the same when it comes to our teachings of Christ.

CONCLUSION:

          I was considered someone who was, to some degree, a competitive person. When I played a sport, I played to win! I have carried this mentality over into my Christian walk. I am playing to win! I strive to not only finish this race called life but I want to finish well.

In races, athletes are not rewarded right below the stadium, but called up to the stage for reward. In our earthly race, we are rarely rewarded on earth, but will be later!

Remember that our reward is not here on earth but at a later time in Heaven. Let us long for that day when Christ says to us, “Well done!”

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Powers, D. G. (2010). 1 & 2 Peter/Jude: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (266–267). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

It’s a Battleground! (Jude 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.         .

               

THE STUDY:

          Jude calls his readers beloved (agapētoi: loved ones, beloved). Jude uses a derivative of agapē (love) in each of the first three verses of this letter. He does not merely talk about love; he displays it, both in the repeated affectionate address of “beloved” and also in the serious warning and stern rebuke he administers throughout the Epistle.”^[1]

The name Jude (Judah) means “praise,” and he was anxious to praise God and rejoice in the salvation God gives in Jesus Christ. But the Spirit of God changed his mind and led Jude to write about the battle against the forces of evil in the world. Why? Because it was “needful” for the church.

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away with the understanding that as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ we will rejoice in the fact of those who are of the same faith. Just as we will be disappointed with those who will abandon this same faith to which they once claimed.

CONCLUSION:

          I must confess that I sympathize with Jude. In my own ministry, I would much rather encourage the saints than declare war on the defectors. But when the enemy is in the field, the watchmen dare not go to sleep. The Christian life is a battleground, not a playground. ^[2]

          I could recite many passages of scripture that would give us encouragement to the fact that, just like Jude, we will face difficulties. Matt. 5:9-12 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

          My encouragement for us this morning would be this: Let us not follow the path that many have gone which leads away from Christ. Let us be the one found faithful to the Lord: in our walk and our talk. No matter what the cost!

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Powers, D. G. (2010). 1 & 2 Peter/Jude: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (266). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

^[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Jud 3). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

Mercy, Peace, and Love! (Jude 2)

          May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

THE STUDY:

          Jude continues the threefold Scheme by stating mercy, peace, and love. Many translators give the reader a paraphrase of the text. They do so because the literal translation is difficult to comprehend and explain. The exact translation is, “May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you” (NASB).^[1]

          Mercy and peace were part of typical Jewish blessings (see the priestly blessing of Num 6:22–26). Mercy (eleos) denotes God’s kindness toward his covenant people and peace (eirēnē), the resulting well-being. Mercy is rarely found in NT blessings (1 Tim 1:2; 2 Tim 1:2; 2 John 3). Usually, grace appears in its place. But “the meaning is much the same: God’s unmerited favor bestowed on sinners for their salvation.” The prayer-wish of love (agapē) reinforces the Christian character of the blessing. God’s love is a repeated theme in the letter (vv 1, 2, 21).

All three terms indicate what God does for believers. “Mercy is his compassion, peace is his gift of quiet confidence in the work of Jesus, and love is his generosity in granting us his favors and meeting our needs”. These virtues are neither attained nor sustained through self-effort. They are God’s gifts.^[2]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• What we can walk away with this morning is that mercy, peace, and love is not just an expression that is to be used out of habit but out of compassion, confidence and love. Compassion found in Christ, confidence in the work of Jesus, and love that is extended to us. God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good!

CONCLUSION:

          A Flemish sculptor was extremely poor. He frequently went without food and worked in a clammy studio. It was bitter cold the night he finished his masterpiece. The thoughtful and meticulous artist was concerned lest the firm, fresh clay of his creation should freeze and crack. He had too much of himself in the design to run the risk of its being ruined, so he wrapped it in his warmest coat.

The sculptor died from exposure during the night. His cherished statuette was found unharmed. The warmth of sacrifice had saved it. In some such thoughtful way, beyond our ability to conceive or comprehend, the cross is God’s voluntary cloak of sacrifice draped in mercy over His creation.

          Let today be a day we remember the mercy, peace and love of God for each one of us.

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 16: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Epistles of Peter and the Epistle of Jude. New Testament Commentary (368). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

^[2] Powers, D. G. (2010). 1 & 2 Peter/Jude: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (262). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

Who Me? (Jude 1) [Part 2]

          Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:

THE STUDY:

          After identifying himself as the author, Jude addressed the recipients of the letter. Jude addressed his readers as the “called” (klētois), “loved” and “kept.” Jude will use this threefold scheme throughout the letter.

          Jude first describes the spiritual gifts the believers have received. That is, those who have been called are Christians. They have left the world of sin and have entered the light of life.

“Who are loved by God the Father.” Jude uses language that is similar to Paul’s letter to the Romans: “You … who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all in Rome who are loved by God” (1:6–7). When God calls sinners to himself through Jesus Christ, he as their Father expresses his love to them. He welcomes sinners into the family of believers and the household of God. Through Christ, then, believers experience the continual love of God the Father.

          “And kept for Jesus Christ.” These words echo the prayer of Jesus concerning his disciples: “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me” (John 17:12). Jesus protects his followers from the evil one.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that being a believer is one who is called, loved, and kept by Christ.

CONCLUSION:

           As I reflect on the past I can see how Christ was at work in my life. He was calling me to him by bringing people into my life: neighbors, school friends, and such. His love for me was the same then as it is now. I may not have seen Him at the time, but looking back I can see how he was protecting me. We call this “Prevenient Grace.”

This is a Christian theological concept rooted in Augustinian theology. It is divine grace that precedes human decision. It exists prior to and without reference to anything humans may have done. As humans are corrupted by the effects of sin, prevenient grace allows persons to engage their God-given free will to choose the salvation offered by God in Jesus Christ or to reject that salvation offer.

My prayer is that you know God is calling you, He loves you and He wants to keep you from the evil one. Who me? YES YOU! No matter what you are going through in life, these aspects of God are true! 

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 16: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Epistles of Peter and the Epistle of Jude. New Testament Commentary (367). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

Humility, Honor, and Authority! (Jude 1)

          Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:

THE STUDY:

          Jude identifies himself in two ways, a servant & brother: a servant to Jesus Christ and a brother to James. The Greek word for servant that Jude used is not diakonos, which can also mean “servant,” but doulos (“slave”). He did not begin the letter by emphasizing the privilege of his brotherly relationship to Jesus Christ but his submission to Christ’s lordship. In this sense Jude was like every other Christian. And yet the term doulos also designates the honor of serving as Jesus Christ’s slave. Those called to special service in the Old Testament were identified as the “slave” (doulos) of the Lord: Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, and the prophets (Josh 14:7; 24:29; 2 Kgs 17:23; Ps 89:4, 20). In the New Testament era Paul, Peter, and James also called themselves slaves of God and Jesus Christ (Rom 1:1; Gal 1:10; Phil 1:1; Titus 1:1; Jas 1:1; 2 Pet 1:1). With the same term Jude expressed his humility (since he was Jesus Christ’s slave) and his authority (since he was an honored slave of the Lord as were those in the OT era).

          Judes relationship with the Lord was one of slave to master, not brother to brother. Jude avoided saying that he was the Lord’s brother because of his humility, and yet it would be a mistake to conclude that the only purpose was to communicate his humility. The reference to James as his brother is also honorific, designating Judes authority. Jude did not merely transmit his opinion in this letter. He wrote authoritatively as Jesus Christ’s slave and as the brother of James.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding of three things: Jude as a Slave (Humility), Jude showing honor to James, and Jude as an authoritative representative of Christ.

CONCLUSION:

          Looking at these three aspects of Jude I have no problem relating to two of the three. Being a SLAVE of Christ is something I consider an honor to be, not a burden. As for showing my brothers and sisters in Christ respect or honoring them as being an authoritative figure for the Lord (District or General Superintendents) I have no problem with. The aspect I have difficult with is being looked at as an authoritative representative for Christ. It’s not that I don’t feel like or that I am ashamed to be viewed as one. I just have a hard time (internally) dealing with all eyes looking at me.

          I embrace the calling that the Lord has on my life and I am honored to be looked at by the Lord as worthy of His calling. As I am getting older I am settling in and embracing the understanding of my call.

You and I are given authority (by the Holy Spirit) to preach the word. St. Francis of Assisi is quoted as saying, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” Let today be a day that you reveal your slave-like attitude for Christ, show honor to your brothers and sisters in Christ by using your authoritative position and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When you find it necessary, USE WORDS!

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Schreiner, T. R. (2007). Vol. 37: 1, 2 Peter, Jude (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (428). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Living the Truth! (Intro to Jude)

THE STUDY:

Jude is the only letter in the NT to be extensively incorporated into another (i.e., into 2 Peter). Indeed, 2 Peter is the earliest evidence for the existence of Jude. Jude was circulated as a separate book in Egypt and Italy by the end of the second century, for both Clement of Alexandria and Origen cite it (both lived in Egypt), and it was included in the Muratorian Canon (which was Italian).

Jude claims to be written by “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.” While the name Judah (the Hebrew form) or Judas (the Greek form) was extremely frequent in Jewish groups. Who could this person be? We know for sure who it could not be, namely Judas son of Simon Iscariot. A more realistic possibility would be the prophetic Judas Barsabbas, who, according to Luke (Acts 15:22, 27, 32), accompanied Silas in carrying the letter from the Apostolic Council. Another possibility would be that other Judas who was part of the Twelve. The most likely Judas being designated as the author of this letter is Judas the younger brother of Jesus.

Turning to the issue of addressees, then, we discover that Jude does not address a specific group. “Those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ” could designate any group of people committed to Jesus as Lord, whether they were Jewish or Gentile, whether they were Palestinian, Egyptian, or northern Mediterranean. These believers apparently respect James, since Jude identifies himself with respect to James rather than with respect to his own location or parentage.^[1]

Jude wrote with a heart of love and understanding, and with a note of concern and authority. He wanted to write on a joyful theme, “about the salvation we share” (Jude 3), but was compelled to write a much more somber epistle. His love for believers whom he saw endangered by encroaching adversaries moved him to turn from the more pleasant theme to sound a solemn warning. Jude wrote in a dynamic style, using many figures of speech (e.g., shepherds, clouds, and trees, v. 12; and waves and stars, v. 13).

The book is a solemn warning to Christians everywhere. Though its theme regarding apostasy was specifically directed to first-century Jewish Christians, its message is applicable to all Christians. All believers need to avoid the pitfalls of denying Christ’s lordship, promiscuously following the fleshly desires, rejecting authority, being divisive, and living for self.^[2]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that, just like all of the other authors of the N.T., Jude is writing with a love for the believers and a warning for those who have fallen from the truth of Christ.

CONCLUSION:

Through the years I have tried to be an expository preacher. Occasionally someone will come to take exception to something in the sermon. Believing that I have faithfully drawn the truth from the Word, I say, “Well, I suggest you take that up with the Lord. I didn’t say it of myself. I simply told you what God said in His Book.”

Jude, along with the rest of the authors found in the Bible, does nothing but reveal the truth of Christ. In that day and time, they did it by forms of writing letters, preaching, and living it. Today we are to do the same. Some are called to share the gospel by the gift of writing, some are to share by Preaching, but all are to live it. Let that be our prayer today, “Lord, help me to live the truth today!”

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Davids, P. H. (2006). The letters of 2 Peter and Jude. The Pillar New Testament commentary (18). Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.

^[2] Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). Vol. 2: The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (918). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Where Peace is Found! (3 John 15)

Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.

THE STUDY:

Some of you who use the NIV or the NASB is looking for verse 15 but you cannot find it. These translations combine verse 15 with verse 14. The ESV (the one I use) does not combine these two verses. This is a grace-filled Hebraic benediction: peace be to you. Paul typically combined the Hebraic benediction of peace (shalom) and a modified Greek greeting of “grace” (charis). The author of 3 John, however, refers only to peace.

While this was a standard convention of letter writing of the time, it stands in some tension with the obviously strained relationship between himself and Diotrephes. Perhaps John offers the word as not only a customary social exchange, but as something more—a prayer for reconciliation among the churches. Perhaps, peace was forever cemented into Christian vocabulary by its use by the risen Christ (John 20:19, 21, 26). John must have prayed it would have a calming effect in his churches.

This short letter depicts John as an outsider, facing opposition from other Christians. Still, he has the authority of his personal standing among the churches and seeks to exercise it. That 3 John became a part of the NT suggests that John’s understanding of Christianity in the region prevailed as the orthodox view.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that one who holds true to the teachings of Christ will face adversity and strife. They also will receive grace and PEACE.

CONCLUSION:

  Only eight percent of the time since the beginning of recorded history has the world been entirely at peace. In over 3,100 years, only 286 have been warless and 8,000 treaties have been broken in this time. Isaiah 48:22 reads, There is no peace, says the Lord, unto the wicked.

My prayer for you today is to have peace in your heart: A peace that exceeds all understanding. This peace will not be found in the world. It is a peace that can only be found in God! I pray that through these devotionals you have found that peace.

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (219). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

Pray, Prepare, and Participate! (3 John 14)

I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.

THE STUDY:

John’s desire was to address the situation “face to face!” As we learned yesterday, some situations (Good or Bad) call for a face to face encounter. He knew the power of a personal visit. One’s presence usually communicates more than a faceless document. Literally, he refers to speaking mouth to mouth, a culturally appropriate metaphor for personal conversation.^[1]

This verse is quite similar to the conclusion of 2 John. The word “soon” (eutheōs) is the only significant difference. It is probably added because of the urgency of dealing with Diotrephes. John plans to come and come quickly to Gaius. He will not allow the problem with Diotrephes to fester and perhaps grow worse.^[2]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that in certain situations, ACTION is needed. John realized and understood the importance of putting out a fire. Most individuals do not like confrontation! The majority of leaders in the church don’t like conflict but they will face it often.

CONCLUSION:

  In leadership, or life in general, everyone will face conflict. The disciples are no exception. John was dealing with a situation that required his presence. Each of us will face conflict in our lives. The only way to avoid it is to die! The worst thing we can do when faced with conflict is run from if or ignore it!

While training the leaders of the church, one of the things I share with them is the idea that with the little fires they will come across, they can either add oxygen to that fire or they can cut off the oxygen so that the fire will eventually go out. What I am sharing with them is the idea that, with some situations, all is needed is patience and observation. In other situations, a face to face encounter is required.

If you have a conflict situation in your life let me encourage you to do three things: Pray, Prepare, and Participate! Pray to God for the direction! Prepare by gathering all the information required to help understand and deal with the situation properly. Finally, participate with the resolution of the conflict.

John knew what was at stake when it came to his situation: The Gospel! Christ knows what is at stake when it comes to your situation: Someone’s Salvation.

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (218). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

^[2] Akin, D. L. (2001). Vol. 38: 1, 2, 3 John (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (251). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.