Dangerous times and dangerous people The letter of Jude Contend for the faith Jude 1 - 4 Overview Who wrote the letter? Jude (Judas) a half-brother of Jesus When was it written? Probably in the AD 60s Who was it written to? Those called by
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Presentation Transcript
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Dangerous times and dangerous people The letter of Jude<br>
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Contend for the faith Jude 1 - 4<br>
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Overview
Who wrote the letter?
Jude (Judas) a half-brother of Jesus
When was it written?
Probably in the AD 60s
Who was it written to?
Those called by God both Jews and Gentiles
Why was it written?
The early church was facing persecution and doctrinal error Contend for the faith<br>
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Greeting (1 – 2)
Jude describes himself firstly as a servant (or slave, doulos) of Jesus Christ
Note that in the OT this would usually be a description of someone’s relationship to God the Father, used here it indicates an exalted view of Jesus’ deity
He further explains that he is a brother of James (the leader of the Jerusalem church)
Believers are called by God
They are loved by God the Father because they are in fellowship with Him
They are “kept” by Jesus Christ and for Him – preserving grace Contend for the faith<br>
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Greeting (1 – 2)
What does Jude wish for those who receive the letter?
Mercy
Peace
Love
ALL IN ABUNDANCE (FILLED)
These are among the privileges of being called by God Contend for the faith<br>
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The urgent need for the letter (3 – 4)
Jude wanted to write to them to encourage them with a message concerning their salvation but there was a more pressing need
They were in a battle even if they didn’t realise it
The heart of the gospel message was at stake, it still is Contend for the faith<br>
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Battle lines are drawn up (3 – 4)
A need to continually affirm the faith that had been delivered to them by Jesus and the apostles – contend is a very strong word!
Their meetings were being infiltrated by people who were living and teaching heresy
What were they doing?
Living immoral lives which abused the grace of God Contend for the faith<br>
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Battle lines are drawn up (3 – 4)
What were they teaching?
They denied the deity of Jesus
These actions and words strike at the heart of the gospel and must be resisted
In the face of godlessness the believers should live God honouring lives Contend for the faith<br>
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Lessons for today
The church is still battling against these twin, largely internal, attacks
Do we grasp the importance of these issues?
Are we excited about these truths?
Are we prepared to contend for the faith even if it makes us unpopular?
The truth of God in Christ sets us free, this is the power of the gospel – will we rejoice in it, defend it and spread it? Contend for the faith<br>
