## The Epistle of Jude

## Jude 24-25

In the course of his short epistle, Jude has had to write some necessary, and to some degree, unpleasant things...

a. A plea to contend earnestly for the faith

b. A warning about ungodly men who have crept in unnoticed

c. A reminder of God's righteous judgment in times past

d. A description of the depravity of these ungodly men e. Exhortations to us

We now come to the close of the epistle and Jude offers up an expression of praise to God. This he does without doubt and fear, but with confidence and assurance!

I. "Now unto Him that is able..."

A. "to keep you from falling"

1. "Falling" does not refer to the occasional sin one commits

2. But to stumble so as to fall away completely.

3. Note: 2 Pe 1:10

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”

4. This is reassuring in an epistle filled with warning about ungodly men who would seek to lead one astray

5. God's ability to keep us from stumbling was revealed at the very beginning of this epistle. v1

6. We know that God is able to keep us from falling!

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” (Eph 3:20-21)

B. "To present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy"

1. Here, the focus is on God's ability to produce the ultimate goal of redemption.

2. That goal is expressed here as presenting us before God...

a. "faultless"

b. “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Eph 5:27)

c. "with exceeding joy"

d. Without a doubt this will be the condition of those so blessed!

e. But let's not discount the joy God will experience when He sees His redeemed ones at last!

II. "To the only wise God..."

A. "our Savior"

1. At this point Jude is about to ascribe praise to God who alone is wise.

2. His wisdom is seen in His ability to keep us from falling and present us faultless

B. Having described God, Jude proceeds to offer his praise.

1. "Glory and Majesty"

a. "glory" suggests dignity and honor

b. "majesty" means "greatness"

c. These terms are closely related in concept, suggesting that which is worthy of awe, praise, and worship

d. Thus Jude seeks to have all glory and majesty given to God

2. "Dominion and Power"

a. "dominion" means "might, power, and strength"

b. "power" refers to "authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength"

c. Also closely related in concept, the use of these words demonstrate that Jude recognizes that it is God who rightly deserves and exercises authority over all.

3. "Both now and ever"

a. Jude's fervent prayer is that dominion and power, glory and majesty remain God's

b. Not just for the present, but for eternity!

III. Amen

A. With a single word Jude ends his praise and the epistle itself.

B. And so it WILL be...

1. Despite the efforts of any to turn the grace of our God into lasciviousness... and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ

2. God will bring into judgment all who are ungodly

3. God will preserve in Jesus Christ all who trust in Him

C. And to Him WILL be...

1. Glory and majesty

2. Dominion and power ...both now and forever!