JUDE'S FOUR CHALLENGES
Jude - Week 3
Can we just all agree that last week’s study was heavy? Jude boldly went after the wicked men who had invaded the church and left it all on the table! This week, we get to play some offense!
In verses 17-23, Jude’s fiery tone completely shifts as he addresses his spiritual family, this young church. Let’s look at the four phrases he uses to move them forward. You might consider underlining these in your Bible.
The first is found in verse 17. “But you, beloved (divinely loved ones), ought to remember the words….spoken by the apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ.” That word, remember, means just what you would think: to purposefully recall. It actually refers to showing a personal interest in the subject. In this case, the words of Jesus’ apostles.
Jude’s challenge, remember!
The second challenge issued by Jude is to “keep yourselves in the love of God” (v21). What does that look like to you? I’m giving that some thought myself. Keep (watch over, guard) yourselves, where? In the love of God. That’s the invitation…. isn’t it?
Jude’s challenge, keep yourselves.
Jude’s third point of action happens to be a double! “And have mercy on some…” (v22). Then “on some, have mercy with fear,”(v23). That word, mercy, in both cases means to have pity, but taking it further, with compassion. In other words, this is not just a feeling, but suggests moved to action.
Jude’s challenge, have mercy.
Our last charge from Jude is this, save. The NASB says, “save others, snatching them out of the fire”(v23). Quite simply, Jude is calling us to rescue or protect those who are walking into an eternity apart from Christ.
Jude’s challenge, save.
Remember. Keep yourselves. Have mercy. Save.
I can’t help but think of Jesus’ life.
“And He took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them saying, “This is my body given for you, do this in remembrance of Me.” Lk 22:19
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in my love. John 15:10
“I desire mercy…for I have not come to call the righteous, but the sinners.” Mat 9:13
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17
Jude left us something to think about, didn’t he?
Question for discussion in the comment section:
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Jude gave four challenges to the God’s people. Which one do you find the most difficult for yourself? Why?
You will absolutely not want to miss next week! We will complete our study of Jude with verses 24-25, one of the greatest doxologies in the Bible. Thank you for studying Jude with us. Have a great week!