Not Memorizing, But Remembering! (Jude 17)

But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.

THE STUDY:

          Now his readers, again addressed as “beloved” (see Jude 3), are called back to active involvement. The letter has never lost sight of them, but they have been passive since v. 5. Now they are again in focus, and what these readers are to do is “remember.” The function of the “remembering” is to give a final proof that the presence of the teachers he opposes is not something unexpected but part of the apostolic teaching, and thus forms an eschatological sign.^[1]

          Remembering in the Scriptures does not involve mere mental recollection, as when we remember a person’s name that we had temporarily forgotten. Remembering means that one takes to heart the words spoken, so that they are imprinted upon one’s life (cf. v. 5).^[2]

          In this verse, Jude is making the transition from describing the false teachers (vv. 5–16) to addressing the Christians (vv. 17–23). In a sense, the main part of his letter is an explanation of his remark about the condemnation of ungodly men (v. 4). But in the concluding part of the epistle, Jude wants to write about the salvation of the believers (v. 3).^[3]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that even though ungodly character needs to be addressed through dialogue, there is a greater need to end that discussion by remembering and reminding the individual of the teachings of God. Hopefully, the very teachings you have taken to heart will now be engraved upon that person’s life.

CONCLUSION:

          Jude is very adamant toward the idea of remembering. Not memorizing, but remembering. There is a difference! I don’t know if you are like me but I have a hard time with memorization. I would love to be able to recite scripture at a drop of a hat. I know people who have memorized entire books of the bible. I would beat myself up because I was not able to do the same.

          Over the years of reading God’s word and listening to some wonderful preachers, I have found that I can recall a subject found in scripture or a passage that is needed for that moment in time. I may be counseling or talking with someone and, at the right moment, I am given the verse that is needed for that person. His word has become embedded in me. This is not memorization but remembering!

          You might be thinking, I want to remember God’s word not memorize it. I believe this happens over time as we are faithful to read and study His word. Today, start taking to heart God’s word so that it not only affects you but will have an everlasting effect on others around you as well. Amen? Amen!

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 (85). Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.

^[2] Schreiner, T. R. (2007). Vol. 37: 1, 2 Peter, Jude (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (477). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

^[3] 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 (400). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.