## The Epistle of Jude

## Jude 17-25

* Up to this point, Jude has established the "need" for his readers to contend earnestly for the faith...

.a. With reminders of God's righteous condemnation of the ungodly. 5-7

b. With a vivid depiction of the ungodly men who have crept in unnoticed. 9-16,19

* Now Jude provides a series of exhortations designed to make sure that they stand strong in the faith "once for all delivered to the saints"

* Twice in these verses, Jude addresses his readers as "beloved". 17,20

a. The term "beloved" is used frequently in the Scriptures.

b. It describes those addressed as being very dear to the heart of the one using it.

* It is with such love in his heart that we find Jude giving the exhortations necessary to keep from being misled by the ungodly.

* As we consider his exhortations tonight we should remember that we are 'beloved' and we should heed these warnings as well.

I. REMEMBER THE WORDS SPOKEN BEFORE (17-18)

A. REMEMBER WHO SPOKE THEM...

1. They were the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. That is, those duly appointed and sent out by Jesus Himself.

3. To heed them is to heed the Lord Himself.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.” (John 13:20)

B. REMEMBER WHAT THEY SAID...

1. That there would be mockers in the last time. cf. 2 Pe 3:3

“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,” (2 Pet 3:3)

2. That they would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. cf. 2 Ti 3:1-5; 4:3-4

II. BUILD YOURSELVES UP IN THE MOST HOLY FAITH (20)

A. To "BUILD UP" suggests growth.

1. It is not enough to just lay down one level of knowledge and under- standing...

2. We must continue to build upon it.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...” (2 Pet 3:18a)

3. We therefore need to take advantage of opportunities to study and learn.

B. To "BUILD UP YOURSELVES" suggests personal responsibility.

1. While God, family, and brethren will be there to encourage us

2. We must accept personal responsi- bility and make the effort

C. "THE MOST HOLY FAITH" is that "FAITH ONCE DELIVERED..."

1. It is that body of doctrine in which our personal faith is to rest.

2. It is that body of doctrine which has been "once delivered unto the saints"

3. Which of course pertains to what our Lord Jesus Christ has done and will do for us!

III. PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT (20)

A. Prayer is the necessary complement to the Word of God.

1. By the Word of God, God speaks to us; by prayer, we speak to God

2. The Word of God is a source of strength and comfort to us; but then, so also is prayer.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7)

3. Think of prayer and the Word of God as the "two legs" upon which our spiritual well-being stands; both are need to be well-balanced in our spiritual growth.

B. What is meant by praying "in the Spirit"?

1. Jude does not elaborate, nor does Paul, who uses the expression in Ep 6:18.

2. But Paul does use the expression "walk in the Spirit" Ga 5:25, which suggests walking or living according to the Spirit's direction as found in the Word of God.

3. I believe "praying in the Spirit" simply emphasizes that our prayers be in harmony with what the Spirit teaches in the Word of God

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” (1 John 5:14)

IV. KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD (21)

A. Again we see the need for personal responsibility.

1. This does not mean that we are the ones who keep ourselves saved.

2. As Peter wrote, we are "kept by the power of God through faith" 1 Pe 1:5

3. Instead, it is an exhortation to stay close to Him in our walk. (which comes through prayer and the Word of God)

4. Jesus taught that keeping the commandments is the key to abiding in God’s love.

“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” (John 15:10)

V. LOOK FOR THE MERCY OF OUR LORD (21)

A. WE MUST ALWAYS BE LOOKING FORWARD...

1. Looking forward to "the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" cf. Titus 2:11-13

2. Looking forward to "the coming of the day of God" cf 2 Pe 3:10-12

3. Looking for that "new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells" cf 2 Pe 3:13-14

B. ESPECIALLY AS IT PERTAINS TO ETERNAL LIFE AND MERCY...

1. Eternal life is not something we earn, but is graciously given in Christ Jesus.

2. We are saved, not by works of righteousness, but according to His mercy, that we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. cf Ti 3:4-7

VI. BE COMPASSIONATE, WITH FEAR (22- 23)

A. THE NEED FOR COMPASSION...

1. Compassion is needed to move us to action - cf. Mt 9:36-38; 10:1

2. Compassion is needed to properly handle those in danger. cf Ga 6:1; 2 Ti 2:24-25

3. It will make a difference!

B. THE NEED FOR FEAR...

1. Lest we be caught up in the same error of the wicked - cf. Ga 6:1

2. That we might be motivated to persuade those in danger of being lost - cf. 2 Co 5:10-11

Here, then, are Jude's final "Exhortations To The Beloved"...

- Remember the words spoken before
- Build yourselves up in the most holy faith
- Pray in the spirit Keep yourselves in the love of God
- Look for the mercy of our Lord · Be compassionate, with fear