Do you know we serve a God who can keep you from falling?
As Jesus’ disciples, we all have this mercy over our lives; however, sometimes, we need a reminder to turn our eyes back to the One who is powerful enough to save.
Jude: A Messenger of Christ
“Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and a brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.”
Jude 1:1-2, NKJV
Jude, the brother of Jesus, authored the book in the Bible by the same name. He wrote this scripture for those who know they are called and sanctified by God.
Sanctified in this passage is defined by God having set you aside for His purpose over your life. He calls you sanctified because He has redeemed you and helps you walk upright all the days of your life.
The Challenge (vs. 3-4)
Jude begins writing about the challenges we will face.
“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Jude 1:3-4, NKJV
Yielding to Sin
While Jude wanted to talk about the salvation of Jesus they shared, he felt the need to write to contend for the faith. Why? Well, he observed some questionable fellows who crept into the church. These men had been pointed out by God and have turned the grace of our God into lewdness.
The King James version uses the term ‘lasciviousness,’ which means to give into sin. This verse points out that there are those in the church who don’t even try to resist sin; they move forward in whatever they want to do. This is yielding to sin.
Temptations
Not only are these men living their lives in sin, but they are infiltrating the church with a philosophy, teaching, and dialogue, declaring that it doesn’t really matter how you live; if it feels right, do it.
We all have things in our lives by which we are tempted. Jude is warning us to be aware of those things because they will impact our souls.
Now, in honor of transparency, I should share one of my shortcomings with you. My weakness can be found in Twinkies. (Yes, you heard right. That airy cake filled with delicious filling calls out to me every time I step foot into a Seven-Eleven.) I know they aren’t good for me, but it sometimes takes all of Christ’s power in me to walk right by that aisle.
I don’t know what your Twinkie is, but we all have something we struggle with.
During a recent Sunday Communion service, our church body was partaking in the elements when we came to a part of the covenant, where we declared, “We will abstain from the sale and use of behavior-altering substances for recreational purposes.” During that time, I noticed many of our congregants put their heads down and covered their mouths as they recited this. Then, it occurred to me that the saints at First Baptist Church of Glenarden may be struggling with these things.
Sadly, there is a theology of the world that encourages people in the church not to be obedient to God. Jude is writing to spur on the church to remain steadfast in the battle. Because thinking that God’s grace will cover up your desire to sin is harmful thinking. There are consequences.
The Consequences (vs. 5-7, 14-15)
“But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”
Jude 1:5-7, NKJV
God’s Chosen People
Jude is reminding the church of the children of Israel who were once delivered out of the bondage of slavery in Egypt. However, they failed to believe in what God said, and in their disbelief, they sinned, which cost them entering into the Promised Land.
If God judged His chosen people, leaving them with the consequences of their sins, how can you think God will overlook the pride and wickedness in your own heart? Don’t you know He will punish us, too?
The Angels
The angels, whom God created, tried to take over God’s throne, so He kicked them out of Heaven and condemned them to hell. While it can be easy to reflect on the judgment of humanity, God also judged the heavenly beings that dwelled with Him in heaven.
Sodom and Gomorrah
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 reminds us of the judgment of wicked living. God brought fire to these people because they chose to live immoral and sexually promiscuous lives.
Church, don’t let anyone tell you that you can sleep with whomever you want to. There are consequences to that lifestyle! The world tells you it’s okay to move in with your boyfriend or girlfriend. It tells you it’s okay to drink and party. It declares that it is okay to live however you want because God’s grace will cover you.
It matters how you live, and your choices impact whether or not you will experience life or death. If God judged Israel, the angels, and the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, surely He will judge you.
The Characteristics (vs. 8-19)
Listen, church, you must be careful who you surround yourself with.
The people you hang out with will determine your theology, your thinking, and your behaviors. The longer you observe how they live their lives, the greater impact it will have on yours.
So what do these people look like?
Lack of Accountability
“Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries.”
Jude 1:8, NKJV
Be careful of anyone who doesn’t have an authority figure in their life. The truth is, we all need someone in our lives who will tell us when we are out of line. This is honest accountability!
Furthermore, steer clear of those who reject and talk ill of those in authority.
Foolish and Unwise
“But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves.”
Jude 1:10, NKJV
Have you ever met someone who doesn’t know what they are talking about? Or what about someone who thinks they know everything and pushes their agendas on you?
Verse 10 tells us that those prideful in what they know carry themselves like wild animals. These people are blind in realizing they shouldn’t be living this way and constantly give themselves over to unnatural and unreal behaviors.
Destructive
“Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.”
Jude 1:11, NKJV
This declaration of “woe to them” is a blatant warning to those who choose to live how they want to. In other words, destruction is up ahead!
Selfish
“These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.”
Jude 1:12-13, NKJV
All these people care about is themselves. They feel they are the center of everyone’s attention and are catered to above anyone else. Don’t you know that God has called you to do something that is beyond you and outside of yourself?
Complainers
“These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.”
Jude 1:16, NKJV
Be wary of those who complain excessively. Not only is this selfish behavior, but it can be manipulative. Pay attention; are they saying nice things about you to get something from you? They may just be looking for people on their side.
Cause Division
“These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.”
Jude 1:19, NKJV
People who cause division wherever they go don’t have the Spirit of God dwelling in them. Steer clear of these kinds of people.
Church, choose righteousness all the days of your life. Surround yourself with people who will challenge, pray for, and encourage you to do what is right by God.
The Corrective Course (vs. 20-23)
So how can you course correct when you have found yourself going in the wrong direction?
Build Up Your Faith Through His Word and Prayer
“But you, beloved, building yourself up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.”
Jude 1:20, NKJV
Begin by reflecting on the practices in your life. Are they building up faith in you or causing doubt?
Faith comes by way of the word of God. When you hear the preached word of God, read the word of God, and learn the testimonies of God, it builds your faith! Once you are steadily seeking God each day, then incorporate praying in the spirit. Instead of finding the words to pray, let the Holy Ghost pray through you.
Most of us spend time praying for the things we want, but the scriptures tell us to have a prayer life where the Holy Spirit is praying on our behalf to God.
Be Thankful
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”
Jude 1:21, NKJV
Be careful, saints, not to allow anyone to put hatred in your heart.
People will hurt you and reject you. But it is how you respond that marks the true sign of being one of Christ’s disciples. You are called to pursue spiritual maturity so that when someone hurts you, you can resist resentment and hatred from entering your heart.
Why is this important? Because bitterness is an avenue by which the devil gets a foot in the door of your life.
As you pursue spiritual maturity, over time, you will be able to approach the one who hurt you powerfully and say, “Thank you.”
Thank you; I am better because of what you did to me.
Thank you; because of what I experienced, I am closer to Jesus.
Thank you; in my grief, the Lord heard my cries and fought my battles.
Expect the mercy of God in your life. For He didn’t give us what we deserved, but He did give us what we didn’t deserve. Thank you, Jesus!
Have Compassion
“And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”
Jude 1:22-23, NKJV
Make yourself distinct from everyone else. You can do this by showing compassion to those around you, even the ones who don’t deserve it.
Think about the people in your life who have hurt or offended you in some way. While they deserve to be cussed out and cut out of your life, what if you extended compassion instead?
Do you want to see the blessings of God? Then do something nice for someone who doesn’t deserve your kindness and watch God move.
The Conclusion (vs. 24-25)
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.”
Jude 1:24-25, NKJV
We serve a God that keeps us from falling as we walk along the path.
There are plenty of days we have failed and will fail, but as we abide in Him and His word, He will keep us from stumbling!
Your temptations are no match for God. The relationships that harmed you and your family are not outside the reconciliation and mercy of Jesus. We serve a God who is able to work through you, giving you His anointing and power to keep moving forward in victory.
And be encouraged; there will come a day when that very thing that frustrates you and pulls you down will no longer have power over you. Remain steadfast in Him; He will hold you steady, and you will fall no more.