Jude 1:17-25
Q.1. How can believers protect themselves against false teaching? What difference does the Lord’s return make to believers? – (Jude 1:17-23)
Jude reminded his readers – to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 1:17). What was the substance of their message? They warned about the growing worldly lust and scoffing that would envelop the earth (Jude 1:18-19). On the positive side, these readers should be – … building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20). Jude encouraged them to hold on as they await Christ’s return and to – keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life (Jude 21). How should this change us? It should fire us up to evangelize the lost -22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh (Jude 1:22-23). Jude clearly believed that the church should be on mission.
Q.2. What lofty view did Jude have of his half-brother, Jesus? How extensive are the blessings purchased by our Saviour? – (Jude 1:24-25)
Jude shared some rich insights into Christ our Saviour. This was all the more amazing, considering the closeness of his relationship with his half-brother Jesus. It confirmed that he had no doubt about Jesus’ deity – to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever (Jude 1:25). He also had a high view of Christ’s humanity, and His ability to bring us safely to glory, regardless of our sinfulness and weaknesses. Jude wrote – Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy (Jude 24). Hallelujah! What a Saviour!