Good
Morning! We will conclude our series
“Persevering in the Modern World” this morning.
The series is based on three small, single chapter, one page books of the
Bible, Obadiah, II John and Jude. Today
we will go through the book of Jude.
Before we do that, I would like to talk about perseverance. What does it mean? What function does it serve? What impact does it have? As I grow older, I
feel like the quality of perseverance becomes a more and more essential
character quality just to make it through each day. How else will we avoid becoming weary or tired,
avoid discouragement, and not lose heart or give up doing good and right
things?
Let’s pray and ask God to give us insight into this crucial aspect of life: Perseverance
Lord Jesus, we do not want to falter or fail. God we want to be ones that stand firm for you. Our modern world does bring us a host of challenges, and yet the lies have not changed. Apart from You, we are enticed by the same self-serving temptations that have been here since the Fall. Strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees that we may accomplish Your good, pleasing, and perfect will. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Let’s pray and ask God to give us insight into this crucial aspect of life: Perseverance
Lord Jesus, we do not want to falter or fail. God we want to be ones that stand firm for you. Our modern world does bring us a host of challenges, and yet the lies have not changed. Apart from You, we are enticed by the same self-serving temptations that have been here since the Fall. Strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees that we may accomplish Your good, pleasing, and perfect will. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
I want to
take a fire hose approach with the Bible to get an overview of what it says
about the quality of perseverance. All
the verses will be included in the message transcript and linked to the Clemson
Community website, so don’t feel like you have to get a hand cramp writing them
all down. There are also copies on the
information table as well.
In the original Greek, the word translated as perseverance is hypomonē. There is a corresponding verb hypomenō. All the following verses contain one of those two words. In every case, it is not translated perseverance. Sometimes it may be translated “stand firm” or endure or persistence or patience, in each case we would recognize them as synonyms with perseverance.
What is perseverance?
Foremost, perseverance is a quality of love,
… it always perseveres … I Corinthians 13:7
In the original Greek, the word translated as perseverance is hypomonē. There is a corresponding verb hypomenō. All the following verses contain one of those two words. In every case, it is not translated perseverance. Sometimes it may be translated “stand firm” or endure or persistence or patience, in each case we would recognize them as synonyms with perseverance.
What is perseverance?
Foremost, perseverance is a quality of love,
… it always perseveres … I Corinthians 13:7
Love does not give up and it does not fail. We do not pursue perseverance alone for the sake of gritting our teeth to do the right thing. In fact, perseverance, apart from love, is condemned by Jesus when he addresses the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2. Saying …
I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Revelation 2:2-3
Jesus is always highest our example. He is the one in whose likeness that we are being transformed. Jesus persevered in his life on the earth and reached the highest point of perseverance on the cross:
For the joy set before him He endured the cross … Hebrews 12:2
Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:3
What was that joy set before him? The joy was the purification of your sins and my sins. That’s what it says in Hebrews 1:3. It wasn’t joy to go to the cross, but the result of that suffering and death was our salvation. That was the joy to which Jesus looked forward to. Think about it for a moment. He endured it all for you and for me, so let us “not grow weary or lose heart.” And let us look forward to the joy set before us:
What does perseverance bring about for us?
… the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22
… the one who stands firm to the end will be saved Matthew 24:13
… the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13
Stand
firm, and you will gain
life. Luke 21:19
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life. Romans 2:7
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. Hebrews 10:36
Perseverance is not the means of our salvation. Jesus' death on the cross covered our sins and set things right between us and God. However, the thought fits together with what James wrote about faith. Faith without works it dead. Love without perseverance is not real love.
For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:24-25
If our faith is in Jesus, we will exhibit perseverance, and we will strive to grow in perseverance. And if salvation were not enough (and it is!), the promises of perseverance are even greater:
Since you have kept My command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. Revelation 3:10
… if we endure, we will also reign with Him. 2 Timothy 2:12
Jesus said that first verse to the church at Philadelphia, but I believe it is true that God will rescue the church, those who believe in Jesus, before the tribulation time that is described in Revelation 6-18. To reinforce that thought, maybe this explanation will help. The church is the bride of Christ. What bridegroom would expose his bride to the devastation that will come? Let that be an incentive to any who do not yet believe in Jesus. Belief in Jesus and patient endurance, perseverance, now will keep us from the destruction that will come.
And the blessing extends for those who persevere. We will also reign with him. Heaven is not a place where we will just be laying around on clouds. Paul wrote about it in I Corinthians 6:3, that we will judge angels. Isn’t that an amazing thought?
So, what should our response be each day?
We should continue to be
… patient in affliction … Romans 12:12
We should:
Endure hardship as discipline Hebrews 12:7
But you, man of God, flee from all [unrighteousness], and pursue … endurance … 1Timothy 6:11
Why should we persevere?
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus 2Timothy 2:10
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4
As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11
Because it pleases God
… if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. I Peter 2:20
It changes (transforms) us
… we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
… and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. II Peter 1:6-7
What is the source of perseverance? From where does perseverance come?
We just read in Romans 5 that suffering produces perseverance. I find it curious that self-control and suffering are both used as a predecessor of perseverance. Exerting self-control can feel like suffering can’t it? James echoes the Romans 5 sentiment.
… because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:3
Perseverance also comes from the Word:
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4
It also comes from the example of other believers:
If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. II Corinthians 1:6
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; II Corinthians 6:4
I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles. II Corinthians 12:12
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, II Timothy 3:10
Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. II Thessalonians 1:4
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1
Perseverance obviously comes from God the Father:
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had … Romans 15:5
May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. II Thessalonians 3:5
Perseverance is no doubt inspired by Jesus:
We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 1:3
Finally, perseverance comes from the Holy Spirit:
the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord … being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:9-12
I hope that among all these verses and thoughts, you have found a few gems to take way. Some of the key points for me are: perseverance is a key aspect of our Christian life; God wants us to succeed in persevering, so we have a lot of sources of help in persevering. Above all else, we are to persevere in love, loving God first above all, and then loving others. Perseverance will demonstrate itself in doing good works, but the works come out of love, not of self-effort. Last week, Tim shared through II John how we should walk in love. We walk in love through commitment, humility, and obedience.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the last book in our series. The book of Jude.
Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, to those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. Jude 1-2
The author of the book introduces himself as a servant of Jesus first, really the word is slave. He also mentions he is the brother of James. This is a humble opening. James and Jude are half-brothers of Jesus. They were not at first believers, but came to believe in Jesus after his resurrection. Each of the authors in the epistles has a humble manner about themselves, from Paul to Peter, to James and Jude as well.
The letter is to us as well, as we are called and loved and kept. Praise God for His mercy, peace and love which is ours in abundance.
Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. Jude 3
Jude had a plan to write about the gospel, but God had another plan of what he should write. There is a battle going on. It is a battle for the faith. Someone is always trying to add something or take something away. From the serpent’s statement in the garden of Eden, “Did God really say …?” There has been a battle between truth and lies.
For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. Jude 4
In this case, the problem comes in the form of men who want to use the freedom we have in Christ as a license to do impure things. They are perverting the gospel into something it isn’t. The gospel did not come so that we could indulge ourselves, our flesh. The gospel came so that we could be redeemed, body and soul. We will have resurrection bodies that have been “raised imperishable.”
Like many cults and false religions, these men also denied Jesus as the only way to God. That is heresy.
Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. Jude 5-7
Here are three examples of those who had blessing and provision: good things, and yet, they turned away from them. These examples demonstrate that God cannot allow that which is unholy to persist. Judgment of evil must come, just like Obadiah showed that Edom could not be allowed to curse God’s chosen people and live in pride and arrogance rejecting the things of God.
The first example is the exodus where the Israelites were brought out of Egypt through many miracles. In spite of the miracles they saw with their own eyes, only two of those who were born in Egypt (Joshua and Caleb) made it to the Promised Land. Some of the people were destroyed suddenly because of specific horrible sins they committed. But except for Joshua and Caleb, all the rest perished in the desert because of their unbelief.
The second example talks about how the angels had their places in heaven, yet they abandoned them. Genesis 6 talks about angels who intermarried with the daughters of men. At that time, God brought about the flood because of how great man’s wickedness had become. God will exercise judgment on fallen angels as well.
The last example is from Sodom and Gomorrah which were located in an extremely fertile area being a plain at a very low elevation. Ezekiel talks about how the people in Sodom were overfed and unconcerned, not helping the poor and needy. Idleness opens the door to all kinds of trouble. The exciting thing that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah found was homosexuality, rampant to the point of assaulting visitors among them. Strive to be busy doing good and not idle. The old proverb, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop,” may find its origin in the church father Jerome’s writings. He wrote, “Stay busy (do something), so the devil always finds you occupied.” I find that to be true in my own life. If I am not busy, I can easily find my way into the kitchen cupboard if nothing else.
In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings. But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” Yet these men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals—these are the very things that destroy them. Jude 8-10
Just like the previous three examples showed us, these deceivers that Jude is warning against are indulging their flesh in sin. They do not submit to authority, and they even put themselves above spiritual beings. This exchange between Michael and Satan is not recorded in the Old Testament, but comes from another ancient text. Moses did die in Moab before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. It says in Deuteronomy (34:6) that he was buried, but no one knows where his grave is.
In this encounter, a couple of things stand out. Obviously, the archangel Michael didn’t get smart with Satan. He left it in the hands of the Lord. Let that be a lesson for us. Also, the body of Moses was not given over to Satan. If Moses body was important even after he died, how much more important must our bodies be when we are still alive. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” I Corinthians 3:16.
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life. Romans 2:7
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. Hebrews 10:36
Perseverance is not the means of our salvation. Jesus' death on the cross covered our sins and set things right between us and God. However, the thought fits together with what James wrote about faith. Faith without works it dead. Love without perseverance is not real love.
For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:24-25
If our faith is in Jesus, we will exhibit perseverance, and we will strive to grow in perseverance. And if salvation were not enough (and it is!), the promises of perseverance are even greater:
Since you have kept My command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. Revelation 3:10
… if we endure, we will also reign with Him. 2 Timothy 2:12
Jesus said that first verse to the church at Philadelphia, but I believe it is true that God will rescue the church, those who believe in Jesus, before the tribulation time that is described in Revelation 6-18. To reinforce that thought, maybe this explanation will help. The church is the bride of Christ. What bridegroom would expose his bride to the devastation that will come? Let that be an incentive to any who do not yet believe in Jesus. Belief in Jesus and patient endurance, perseverance, now will keep us from the destruction that will come.
And the blessing extends for those who persevere. We will also reign with him. Heaven is not a place where we will just be laying around on clouds. Paul wrote about it in I Corinthians 6:3, that we will judge angels. Isn’t that an amazing thought?
So, what should our response be each day?
We should continue to be
… patient in affliction … Romans 12:12
We should:
Endure hardship as discipline Hebrews 12:7
But you, man of God, flee from all [unrighteousness], and pursue … endurance … 1Timothy 6:11
Why should we persevere?
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus 2Timothy 2:10
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4
As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11
Because it pleases God
… if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. I Peter 2:20
It changes (transforms) us
… we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
… and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. II Peter 1:6-7
What is the source of perseverance? From where does perseverance come?
We just read in Romans 5 that suffering produces perseverance. I find it curious that self-control and suffering are both used as a predecessor of perseverance. Exerting self-control can feel like suffering can’t it? James echoes the Romans 5 sentiment.
… because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:3
Perseverance also comes from the Word:
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4
It also comes from the example of other believers:
If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. II Corinthians 1:6
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; II Corinthians 6:4
I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles. II Corinthians 12:12
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, II Timothy 3:10
Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. II Thessalonians 1:4
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1
Perseverance obviously comes from God the Father:
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had … Romans 15:5
May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. II Thessalonians 3:5
Perseverance is no doubt inspired by Jesus:
We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 1:3
Finally, perseverance comes from the Holy Spirit:
the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord … being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:9-12
I hope that among all these verses and thoughts, you have found a few gems to take way. Some of the key points for me are: perseverance is a key aspect of our Christian life; God wants us to succeed in persevering, so we have a lot of sources of help in persevering. Above all else, we are to persevere in love, loving God first above all, and then loving others. Perseverance will demonstrate itself in doing good works, but the works come out of love, not of self-effort. Last week, Tim shared through II John how we should walk in love. We walk in love through commitment, humility, and obedience.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the last book in our series. The book of Jude.
Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, to those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. Jude 1-2
The author of the book introduces himself as a servant of Jesus first, really the word is slave. He also mentions he is the brother of James. This is a humble opening. James and Jude are half-brothers of Jesus. They were not at first believers, but came to believe in Jesus after his resurrection. Each of the authors in the epistles has a humble manner about themselves, from Paul to Peter, to James and Jude as well.
The letter is to us as well, as we are called and loved and kept. Praise God for His mercy, peace and love which is ours in abundance.
Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. Jude 3
Jude had a plan to write about the gospel, but God had another plan of what he should write. There is a battle going on. It is a battle for the faith. Someone is always trying to add something or take something away. From the serpent’s statement in the garden of Eden, “Did God really say …?” There has been a battle between truth and lies.
For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. Jude 4
In this case, the problem comes in the form of men who want to use the freedom we have in Christ as a license to do impure things. They are perverting the gospel into something it isn’t. The gospel did not come so that we could indulge ourselves, our flesh. The gospel came so that we could be redeemed, body and soul. We will have resurrection bodies that have been “raised imperishable.”
Like many cults and false religions, these men also denied Jesus as the only way to God. That is heresy.
Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. Jude 5-7
Here are three examples of those who had blessing and provision: good things, and yet, they turned away from them. These examples demonstrate that God cannot allow that which is unholy to persist. Judgment of evil must come, just like Obadiah showed that Edom could not be allowed to curse God’s chosen people and live in pride and arrogance rejecting the things of God.
The first example is the exodus where the Israelites were brought out of Egypt through many miracles. In spite of the miracles they saw with their own eyes, only two of those who were born in Egypt (Joshua and Caleb) made it to the Promised Land. Some of the people were destroyed suddenly because of specific horrible sins they committed. But except for Joshua and Caleb, all the rest perished in the desert because of their unbelief.
The second example talks about how the angels had their places in heaven, yet they abandoned them. Genesis 6 talks about angels who intermarried with the daughters of men. At that time, God brought about the flood because of how great man’s wickedness had become. God will exercise judgment on fallen angels as well.
The last example is from Sodom and Gomorrah which were located in an extremely fertile area being a plain at a very low elevation. Ezekiel talks about how the people in Sodom were overfed and unconcerned, not helping the poor and needy. Idleness opens the door to all kinds of trouble. The exciting thing that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah found was homosexuality, rampant to the point of assaulting visitors among them. Strive to be busy doing good and not idle. The old proverb, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop,” may find its origin in the church father Jerome’s writings. He wrote, “Stay busy (do something), so the devil always finds you occupied.” I find that to be true in my own life. If I am not busy, I can easily find my way into the kitchen cupboard if nothing else.
In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings. But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” Yet these men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals—these are the very things that destroy them. Jude 8-10
Just like the previous three examples showed us, these deceivers that Jude is warning against are indulging their flesh in sin. They do not submit to authority, and they even put themselves above spiritual beings. This exchange between Michael and Satan is not recorded in the Old Testament, but comes from another ancient text. Moses did die in Moab before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. It says in Deuteronomy (34:6) that he was buried, but no one knows where his grave is.
In this encounter, a couple of things stand out. Obviously, the archangel Michael didn’t get smart with Satan. He left it in the hands of the Lord. Let that be a lesson for us. Also, the body of Moses was not given over to Satan. If Moses body was important even after he died, how much more important must our bodies be when we are still alive. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” I Corinthians 3:16.
These
godless men are saying whatever they feel like saying. They do not understand spiritual things. Their mind is on the physical pleasures like
unreasoning animals. The things they do
understand are destroying them, but they do not realize it.
Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. Jude 11-13
Three more examples: The way of Cain was to murder his brother because his own actions were evil while his brother Abel’s actions were righteous. Balaam was willing to curse Israel for a paycheck. His greed was his error. Korah rose up against God’s appointed leadership in Moses and Aaron. Pride led to Korah’s rebellion.
Even though these men would eat among the believers, they were not believers. They were shepherds who looked out only for themselves. There was no life in them like clouds without rain or uprooted fruit trees without fruit or even leaves. Jude levels the highest condemnation against these men.
Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. Jude 14-16
Enoch was the descendent of Adam who was taken up to God, like Elijah he did not die. He was raptured. The quote is also taken from sources outside the Bible. The statement reflects the truth that the judgment will come and the judgment will come to everyone.
Jude is giving us a warning that these men exist and that these things are going on. He gives some specific clues how to identify such people. They are grumblers and faultfinders. While we all grumble from time to time and as well as make criticisms, you would not expect either of these to be dominant characteristics of a Christian. Nor would you expect to find boasting and flattery among the godly.
But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. Jude 17-19
Sad though this situation may be, and though it may be hard to believe these things can happen especially in a church, Jesus had foretold that these things would happen. Jesus also said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) Be shrewd, be aware, be wise. These things will happen. One final mark is given to recognize such men. They follow natural instinct and do not have the Spirit. This can be seen perhaps in conversation or prayer.
If you do not have the Spirit, then you are not saved. How do you put words on it? The Spirit in you is not like your conscience only, although the Spirit can check you and give you pause, bringing to mind Scripture, for example. Bearing fruit is a mark of the Spirit. Possessing the fruit of the Spirit in increasing measure is evidence of the Spirit’s work in a person. A person with the Spirit must agree with the exclusivity of John 14:6. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Jude 20-21
Jude turns the corner now from warning to exhortation and encouragement.
I made a Google image search for the phrase “build yourselves up.” I was pleasantly surprised that quite a few of the pictures actually had to do with this verse from the Bible. At the same time, there were plenty of pictures about self-esteem and other positive thinking techniques. I put four of the pictures on the next slide.
The upper left and lower right seem to go together. There are many voices in our culture that say things like we just need to believe in ourselves, you are what you think, believe and you can achieve, pull yourself up by your bootstraps. We honor the self-made man.
Don’t get me wrong, achieving great things for God is a good thing. And, there are many fields in which people can achieve great things for God. However, if a self-made man, gets to the top by stepping on others or not helping or serving others, then that is not greatness.
Likewise, on the lower left, we learn from our mistakes, but I don’t think we build ourselves up on our mistakes. And then, the upper right seems perfectly fitted to our hyper-advertising culture. It’s not so much what you actually are, it’s the packaging and appearance that matters. This is 180 degrees opposed to how God looks at us. We are concerned with outward appearance, but God looks at what matters. God looks at the heart.
So, it is important to build yourself up. But, it’s equally important that you do it the right way. We are build ourselves up in the most holy faith. How? Praying in the Holy Spirit is one way. If we acknowledge Jesus as our Savior and Lord and we pray, Romans 8:27 says that “the Spirit intercedes for us in accordance with the will of God.” Ephesians 4:11-13 tells us that we can grow into maturity through the instruction of those who Christ has appointed as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.
One more way to build up our faith is to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
Just one more thought on these two verses, we need to “keep” ourselves in God’s love. I think about God’s love being like a waterfall. We need to stay under the waterfall. When we sin and doubt that God has the best in mind for us, then we get out into the dry places. The Israelites were afraid to go and take the land, so they did not stay in God’s love.
Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 22-23
We need to be aware of difference and even cautious when dealing with unbelievers. I heard a Christian psychologist, Henry Cloud, talking about types of people using terms from the book of Proverbs. (http://vimeo.com/43777476) There were three groups: the wise, the foolish, and the evil. This does not have anything to do with being smart or gifted. It has to do with receptivity of truth and light. A wise person will be receptive to the truth changing behavior and considering it. A foolish person will try to adjust the truth, diluting it or reasoning it away. But there is hope for a fool. We are all recovering fools. We were once children of the devil. Jesus died for fools. An evil person will try to use the truth against you as a tool to manipulate and get what they want. They want to inflict pain. Even though it may be hard for us to believe, we spent the first half of Jude talking about such people. They do exist.
I had an interesting conversation this week. I was talking to a friend, and they just changed the subject and said, “Do you think the Ark of the Covenant still exists somewhere?” I said, “No, I don’t think so. Besides, what good would it do anyone anyway. That old covenant is done away with by the new covenant.” Then, I thought about the Holy Grail. These things make for great movies for the likes of Steven Spielberg, but what good is the Holy Grail to anyone. According to legend, the Holy Grail would give immortality to those who drank from it. But stop and think for a minute, anyone anywhere anytime can have immortality by the blood of the lamb. Who would want to live forever on this messed up planet? That would be more of a curse than a blessing. I want eternity with the king who rules in righteousness. I want eternity with no more crying and no more pain. Could you imagine the grief of living 1000 years if everyone else lived less than 100? Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is what enables us to be merciful and to snatch ones from the fire. The point and focus of His sacrifice is not to make our lives better on this earth. The point is to be reconciled to God which makes your life better both now and forever. Let’s be increasingly ready to reach others by building ourselves up in the faith.
Now to Him who is able to keep you, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be [all] glory, majesty, dominion and [power], before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 24-25 (NASB)
All the glory belongs to Him. He keeps us from stumbling. He makes us able to stand in his presence. He puts us there blameless and with great joy. Have you ever been with someone very important or famous? Were you nervous or afraid? We will stand before the king of the universe, and we will have no shame and we will not be afraid, but will be filled with great joy. He is the One for whom we persevere. It is because of Him that we can persevere. Let us keep in His love, build ourselves up in the faith, and encourage one another to contend for the faith. Because, it is a battle, and the consequences are eternal.
Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. Jude 11-13
Three more examples: The way of Cain was to murder his brother because his own actions were evil while his brother Abel’s actions were righteous. Balaam was willing to curse Israel for a paycheck. His greed was his error. Korah rose up against God’s appointed leadership in Moses and Aaron. Pride led to Korah’s rebellion.
Even though these men would eat among the believers, they were not believers. They were shepherds who looked out only for themselves. There was no life in them like clouds without rain or uprooted fruit trees without fruit or even leaves. Jude levels the highest condemnation against these men.
Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. Jude 14-16
Enoch was the descendent of Adam who was taken up to God, like Elijah he did not die. He was raptured. The quote is also taken from sources outside the Bible. The statement reflects the truth that the judgment will come and the judgment will come to everyone.
Jude is giving us a warning that these men exist and that these things are going on. He gives some specific clues how to identify such people. They are grumblers and faultfinders. While we all grumble from time to time and as well as make criticisms, you would not expect either of these to be dominant characteristics of a Christian. Nor would you expect to find boasting and flattery among the godly.
But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. Jude 17-19
Sad though this situation may be, and though it may be hard to believe these things can happen especially in a church, Jesus had foretold that these things would happen. Jesus also said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) Be shrewd, be aware, be wise. These things will happen. One final mark is given to recognize such men. They follow natural instinct and do not have the Spirit. This can be seen perhaps in conversation or prayer.
If you do not have the Spirit, then you are not saved. How do you put words on it? The Spirit in you is not like your conscience only, although the Spirit can check you and give you pause, bringing to mind Scripture, for example. Bearing fruit is a mark of the Spirit. Possessing the fruit of the Spirit in increasing measure is evidence of the Spirit’s work in a person. A person with the Spirit must agree with the exclusivity of John 14:6. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Jude 20-21
Jude turns the corner now from warning to exhortation and encouragement.
I made a Google image search for the phrase “build yourselves up.” I was pleasantly surprised that quite a few of the pictures actually had to do with this verse from the Bible. At the same time, there were plenty of pictures about self-esteem and other positive thinking techniques. I put four of the pictures on the next slide.
The upper left and lower right seem to go together. There are many voices in our culture that say things like we just need to believe in ourselves, you are what you think, believe and you can achieve, pull yourself up by your bootstraps. We honor the self-made man.
Don’t get me wrong, achieving great things for God is a good thing. And, there are many fields in which people can achieve great things for God. However, if a self-made man, gets to the top by stepping on others or not helping or serving others, then that is not greatness.
Likewise, on the lower left, we learn from our mistakes, but I don’t think we build ourselves up on our mistakes. And then, the upper right seems perfectly fitted to our hyper-advertising culture. It’s not so much what you actually are, it’s the packaging and appearance that matters. This is 180 degrees opposed to how God looks at us. We are concerned with outward appearance, but God looks at what matters. God looks at the heart.
So, it is important to build yourself up. But, it’s equally important that you do it the right way. We are build ourselves up in the most holy faith. How? Praying in the Holy Spirit is one way. If we acknowledge Jesus as our Savior and Lord and we pray, Romans 8:27 says that “the Spirit intercedes for us in accordance with the will of God.” Ephesians 4:11-13 tells us that we can grow into maturity through the instruction of those who Christ has appointed as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.
One more way to build up our faith is to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
Just one more thought on these two verses, we need to “keep” ourselves in God’s love. I think about God’s love being like a waterfall. We need to stay under the waterfall. When we sin and doubt that God has the best in mind for us, then we get out into the dry places. The Israelites were afraid to go and take the land, so they did not stay in God’s love.
Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 22-23
We need to be aware of difference and even cautious when dealing with unbelievers. I heard a Christian psychologist, Henry Cloud, talking about types of people using terms from the book of Proverbs. (http://vimeo.com/43777476) There were three groups: the wise, the foolish, and the evil. This does not have anything to do with being smart or gifted. It has to do with receptivity of truth and light. A wise person will be receptive to the truth changing behavior and considering it. A foolish person will try to adjust the truth, diluting it or reasoning it away. But there is hope for a fool. We are all recovering fools. We were once children of the devil. Jesus died for fools. An evil person will try to use the truth against you as a tool to manipulate and get what they want. They want to inflict pain. Even though it may be hard for us to believe, we spent the first half of Jude talking about such people. They do exist.
I had an interesting conversation this week. I was talking to a friend, and they just changed the subject and said, “Do you think the Ark of the Covenant still exists somewhere?” I said, “No, I don’t think so. Besides, what good would it do anyone anyway. That old covenant is done away with by the new covenant.” Then, I thought about the Holy Grail. These things make for great movies for the likes of Steven Spielberg, but what good is the Holy Grail to anyone. According to legend, the Holy Grail would give immortality to those who drank from it. But stop and think for a minute, anyone anywhere anytime can have immortality by the blood of the lamb. Who would want to live forever on this messed up planet? That would be more of a curse than a blessing. I want eternity with the king who rules in righteousness. I want eternity with no more crying and no more pain. Could you imagine the grief of living 1000 years if everyone else lived less than 100? Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is what enables us to be merciful and to snatch ones from the fire. The point and focus of His sacrifice is not to make our lives better on this earth. The point is to be reconciled to God which makes your life better both now and forever. Let’s be increasingly ready to reach others by building ourselves up in the faith.
Now to Him who is able to keep you, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be [all] glory, majesty, dominion and [power], before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 24-25 (NASB)
All the glory belongs to Him. He keeps us from stumbling. He makes us able to stand in his presence. He puts us there blameless and with great joy. Have you ever been with someone very important or famous? Were you nervous or afraid? We will stand before the king of the universe, and we will have no shame and we will not be afraid, but will be filled with great joy. He is the One for whom we persevere. It is because of Him that we can persevere. Let us keep in His love, build ourselves up in the faith, and encourage one another to contend for the faith. Because, it is a battle, and the consequences are eternal.
Let’s pray.
Jesus, I thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross. I thank You that You are who You said You are. You fulfilled prophecy, demonstrating that there was a plan and purpose that existed before Your coming. I thank You that You spoke truth that is recorded for us in the Word of God. I thank You that You are the Truth. May we put our full focus on You as truth. What is truth? Jesus Christ, that is truth. We desire to persevere. Enable us to stand firm as You Yourself stood firm until God accomplished His purpose. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Jesus, I thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross. I thank You that You are who You said You are. You fulfilled prophecy, demonstrating that there was a plan and purpose that existed before Your coming. I thank You that You spoke truth that is recorded for us in the Word of God. I thank You that You are the Truth. May we put our full focus on You as truth. What is truth? Jesus Christ, that is truth. We desire to persevere. Enable us to stand firm as You Yourself stood firm until God accomplished His purpose. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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