"THE EPISTLE OF JUDE" Called! Sanctified! And Preserved! (Jude 1:1-2) 1. In several passages throughout the New Testament, we find Serious warnings about impending apostasy... a. Jesus warned that false prophets would arise, the love of many would grow cold, and only those who endure to the end would be saved - Matthew 24:11-13b. Paul foretold of many disciples being drawn away - Acts 20:29-30c. Peter warned about the rise of false teachers, and how many would follow their destructive ways - 2 Peter 2:1-3 2. But by the time the epistles of John and Jude were written, The danger was no longer impending, it was very much in existence... a. Antichrists were present, and false prophets were in the world - 1 John 2:18; 1 John 4:1; 2 John 1:7b. Jude was forced to change his original purpose to deal with the crisis - Jude 1:3-4 3. If the danger of apostasy was already present in the First Century A.D.... a. We should not be surprised that the dangers exists in the twentieth century! b. We would do well to pay close heed to those epistles written to tell us how to deal with it 4. That makes The Epistle Of Jude especially relevant, and with this lesson we begin a series of expository sermons based upon its contents 5. In verses 1-2, Jude begins his letter in typical fashion: a. He identifies himself... 1) As "a servant of Jesus Christ" and "brother of James" 2) It is considered very likely that James was the brother of the Lord who had become prominent in the church at Jerusalem - cf. Galatians 1:16; Galatians 2:93) This would mean Jude was also a brother to the Lord Jesus - cf. also Matthew 13:54-564) That Judas would describe himself as a servant of the Lord and not His brother is typical of the modesty shown by James as well - James 1:1b. He then addresses his original readers... 1) No particular church or individuals are named 2) They are simply "those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:"3) For this reason, the epistle of Jude has been categorized as a catholic, or general, epistle (like James , 1 st &2nd Peter, and 1st John) c. He concludes his salutation with a three-fold benediction: "Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you" 6. Before we go any further, the manner in which Jude addressed his readers is worthy of careful notice... a. Jude's purpose is to warn of those "ungodly men" who have crept in b. That a warning is necessary suggests a danger that is real: being led away from the faith c. Yet Jude uses terms in his address that some would say teaches the impossibility of apostasy (especially the phrase: "preserved in Jesus Christ") [Therefore I would like for us to focus on the concepts suggested by the three words in the title of our study: "Called! Sanctified! And Preserved!" Let's begin with the idea of Christians being...] I. THOSE WHO ARE "CALLED" A. THOSE IN CHRIST HAVE BEEN "CALLED"...1. We have been called with "a holy calling" - 2 Timothy 1:92. This calling was not according to our meritorious works 3. It was according to God's own purpose and grace before time began B. THIS "CALL" CAME THROUGH THE GOSPEL...1. We became God's chosen and called through the means of the gospel - 2 Thessalonians 2:13-142. By having the gospel preached to "every creature", the call is made available to all - cf. Mark 16:15-16a. This is consistent with God's desire that "all men be saved" - 1 Timothy 2:3-4b. This is consistent with God's offer of His Son as "a ransom for all" - 1 Timothy 2:5-6c. This is consistent with the Lord's unwillingness that "any should perish", but that "all should come to repentance" - 2 Peter 3:9 C. OUR , HAVING THE "CALL", IS TO MAKE OUR "CALLING AND SURE"...1. This requires much diligence on our part Pe 1:10-112. Otherwise, we will be like the Israelites in the Wilderness - Hebrews 3:12-19; Hebrews 4:1-2; Hebrews 4:11a. All were called by God to enter the Promised Land of rest b. But most were unable to enter because of unbelief that led to lack of diligence! [It is the need for faithful diligence that explains the many warnings against apostasy found in the Scriptures. It also helps to understand why Jude felt it necessary to write his epistle! Closely related to the concept of being "called", is the idea that by God's grace we are also...] II. "" BY GOD THE FATHER A. THE WORDS "", ""...1. Are translated from the Greek word "hagiazo" \ 2. Which means to make holy, to set apart for a special purpose 3. Therefore, God has set apart those who have been called - Jude 1:1 B. THE PROCESS OF ...1. Is said to be the work of the Holy Spirit a. "sanctified by the Holy Spirit" - Romans 15:16b. "sanctified...by the Spirit of our God" - 1 Corinthians 6:11c. "sanctification by the Spirit" - 2 Thessalonians 2:13d. "the sanctifying work of the Spirit"(NASV-1 Peter 1:2)2. Is also said to be the work of the Word of God a. "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." - John 17:17b. "that He might sanctify...by the word" - Ephesians 5:263. Since the Word of God is said to be the "sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17), the Word is evidently the instrument used by the Spirit to help bring about our sanctification C. THE OF ...1. Some people understand "sanctification" as "all at once" or "in two stages" (e.g., the Wesleyan concept of entire sanctification) 2. The Biblical evidence suggests otherwise: a. The church at Corinth was made up of members... 1) Who were "sanctified in Christ Jesus" - 1 Corinthians 1:22) Who had been "sanctified" - 1 Corinthians 6:11b. Yet, many of these members were "babes in Christ" and "carnal" - 1 Corinthians 3:1-33. As written to the Hebrews, those in Christ are "being sanctified" - Hebrews 2:11a. I.e., sanctification is an on-going process b. It begins at conversion, and continues as we grow in the faith 4. As Paul prayed for the Thessalonians : "may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely" - 1 Thessalonians 5:23 [Whether God does indeed complete the process of sanctification for those who are called will be determined by whether or not we remain "preserved in Christ Jesus". (Jude 1:1) So let's take a closer look at what is involved with being...] III. "" IN JESUS CHRIST A. THE MEANING OF THE WORD ""...1. It comes from the Greek word "tereo" \ 2. Which means "to guard (from loss or injury)" 3. It is used to describe that which is closely watched And guarded... a. Such as those disobedient angels who are awaiting the Judgment Day - Jude 1:6b. Such as the punishment awaiting "ungodly men" - Jude 1:13 B. THIS WORD SPEAKS OF OUR IN CHRIST...1. We are being carefully "guarded" in Christ! 2. Peter uses a different word (phroureo, froo-reh'-o) to express a similar idea - 1 Peter 1:53. Paul used yet another word (sozo, sode'-zo) to express his own confidence in God's preservation - 2 Timothy 4:183. Indeed, Jesus reassured his disciples that no one Could "snatch" them out of His hand-cf. John 10:27-29-- But does this mean that it is impossible to fall away? Do we have no personal responsibility to remain "preserved in Jesus Christ"? C. THERE IS SOME ...1. Jude uses the same word for "preserved" in Jude 1:21 : "keep yourselves..." 2. This indicates that we must cooperate with God a. As Peter indicated, we are "kept by the power of God through faith" - 1 Peter 1:51) God provides the power to keep us safe 2) But we must provide the faith b. Jesus' teaching on security is for those who are "believers" 1) No one can "snatch" us away from God against our will 2) But what if "believers" become "unbelievers"? a) Does the promise still apply if the conditions have changed? b) What if we choose to leave or jump out of God's protective hand? c. That "believers" can become "unbelievers", and thereby in danger of losing one's salvation, is clearly taught in Hebrews 3:12-19; Hebrews 4:1-2; Hebrews 4:113. Thus we are "preserved in Jesus Christ"... a. But remaining "preserved" involves personal responsibility! b. It requires that we "keep ourselves" in the love of God! 1. We who are in Christ are indeed richly blessed: a. We have been "called" by the gospel of Christ, to which call we responded when we obeyed the conditions of the gospel (faith, repentance, confession, and baptism) b. We have been "sanctified" or set apart for a holy purpose by God the Father, as He works upon us through His Holy Spirit in conjunction with His Holy Word c. On the basis of our faith, we are "preserved" in Jesus Christ unto eternal life 2. But dear brethren, forces of Satan are very much at work... a. They seek to undermine our faith in Christ b. They seek to harden our hearts, and to develop an evil heart of unbelief c. They seek to make us spiritually lazy, and not to maintain the diligence necessary to keep ourselves in the love of God 3. Yet God in His grace has preserved His Word to give us Ample warning; shall we not heed the warnings found throughout His Word, such as those found in The Epistle of Jude? And as we speak of giving heed...have you given heed to the call of the gospel of Christ? - cf. Acts 2:36-38 "THE EPISTLE OF JUDE" Contending Earnestly For The Faith (Jude 1:3-4) 1. As we begin to focus on the purpose of The Epistle Of Jude, we see that his original desire was to write about our common salvation shared in Christ: "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." - Jude 1:3 2. The need to change his purpose is seen in the next verse: "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 1:4 3. That men "crept in unnoticed" should give us pause... a. That such could happen, despite the many warnings given by Jesus, Paul, and Peter b. How much easier, then, for this to happen today when we live in time far removed from those initial warnings! 4. In light of this, Jude's call to "contend earnestly for the faith" becomes even more relevant for us today... a. We ought to appreciate "the need" to contend for the faith b. We should understand "the how" when it comes to contending earnestly for the faith [In this study, "Contending Earnestly For The Faith", it is "the need" and "the how" that we examine more closely...] I. THE "NEED" TO CONTEND FOR THE FAITH A. SOME WILL DENY THE ALL- OF THE ...1. This I infer from the phrase "the faith which once for all delivered to the saints" a. The expression "once for all" can rightly be worded "one time for all time" b. That is, "the faith" (that body of doctrine which we are to believe) was delivered to the church "one time for all time" -- Revelation was not to be repeated, nor was there more to be revealed later on! 2. That God has revealed all that He would have us know Is evident from such statements like those of: a. Paul, telling the Ephesian elders he had not shunned to proclaim "the whole counsel of God" – Acts 20:27b. Peter, writing that God has given us "all things that pertain to life and godliness" - 2 Peter 1:3-- If we have "all things", and if we have the "whole Counsel of God", what else is there? 3. Thus the Scriptures, which contain the faith delivered "once for all", contains all we need to become what God wants of us! - cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-174. But when people suggest: a. That God's revelation is incomplete, or it is still in progress b. Or that God's revelation needs to be repeated -- Then our task is to "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered"! B. SOME WILL PERVERT THE OF GRACE...1. There were those in Jude's day "who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness (lewdness)" a. Their doctrine of grace gave them excuse to sin b. So much so, that they engaged in that which was openly shameful (lewd) -- Perhaps they said: "Let us sin so that grace may abound!" 2. There are some today who pervert the grace of God... a. To excuse their disregard for the commands found in God's Word b. To justify their lifestyle that is contrary to the principles of the Bible -- For they are likely to say: "God is too loving, His grace is too wonderful, to condemn us when we are so sincere!" 3. But those who "contend earnestly for the faith" will be ever mindful of what the grace of God truly teaches - cf. Titus 2:11-12a. To deny ungodliness and worldly lusts! b. To live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age! C. SOME WILL DENY GOD'S ...1. Jude had to deal with those who "deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ" a. The emphasis appears to be on the term "Lord", used to describe God and Jesus b. The term "lord" comes from kurios \ 1) Which is related to the word kuros (supremacy) 2) Meaning "supreme in authority" c. These people were denying the authority rightly belonging to God and Jesus 2. Today we often face people denying the authority of God and Jesus a. By their lack of respect to the Word of God b. By their setting up other standards of authority for what they believe or do 1) Such as a synod, convention, council 2) Such as a pope, bishop, minister, or their own person 3. But those who "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered"... a. Will recognize the authority which belongs to Christ - Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:21-22b. Will recognize the authority delegated to His apostles - John 13:20; 1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Acts 2:42 [Clearly the need to "contend earnestly for the faith" is present, for just as there were those in Jude's day who... - denied the all-sufficiency of God's Word- perverted the doctrine of grace- denied the authority of God and Jesus ...so there are such people today! How then shall we do it?] II. THE "HOW" TO CONTEND FOR THE FAITH A. WE MUST CONTEND ...1. From the "Believers' Study Bible": a. The vivid expression epagonizomai (Gk.) is translated "contend earnestly" and is related to the English word "agony." b. The term is associated with strife and combat of a most vigorous and determined variety. c. The present tense of the verb indicates that the Christian struggle is to be continuous. d. Jude believed that the foundational tenets of the Christian faith were under attack. Nothing but Vigorous counter-contention would be sufficient. 2. The use of such an expression therefore suggests: a. The matter is serious; we are at war! 1) Paul describes the nature of our warfare in 2 Corinthians 10:3-62) And again in Ephesians 6:10-13b. This is not a time to be unprepared; we must arm ourselves! -- We must therefore contend with vigor, even to the point of agony, for "the faith once delivered to the saints"! B. WE MUST USE THE WEAPONS AT OUR ...1. Paul defines our weaponry in Ephesians 6:13-18a. Girded with truth b. The breastplate of righteousness c. Feet shod with the gospel of peace d. The shield of faith e. The helmet of salvation f. The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God g. Watching with all prayer 2. Notice that most of these things are for our own defense, lest we be lost in the struggle! a. The elements of truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, etc., are needed for our own salvation as much as for those we seek to conquer b. Make sure that you let them "remove the plank for your own eye" so you will be able to see clear "to remove speck out of your brother's eye"-Matthew 7:3-5c. Some people are so quick to take up the "sword", they leave the rest of their armor behind! 3. Paul also has something to say about other weapons that are "mighty in God" a. Such qualities as "the meekness and gentleness of Christ" - 2 Corinthians 10:1-6b. Making sure that we are first "spiritual", and then displaying gentleness and caution - Galatians 6:1c. Refraining from quarrels, applying gentleness, the Word, with patience and humility correcting the opposition - 2 Timothy 2:23-26 1. The call to "contend earnestly for the faith" is not a license to engage in "contentions" and "outbursts of wrath" - cf. Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 2. But it is a call to vigorously contend with all the weapons at our disposal... a. First and foremost, with the Word of God, applied first to self and then to others b. But also, with the Christ-like qualities that are "mighty in God" to win people over to obedience to Christ 3. It is the fact... a. That many are not obeying Christ as Lord b. But perverting His teaching or setting themselves up as their own authority ...that makes it necessary that we "contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints" Dear friend, whose side of this battle are YOU on? Have you submitted to Him whom God has made both Lord and Christ? Are you continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine? - cf. Acts 2:36-42 "THE EPISTLE OF JUDE" Reminders Of God's Righteous Condemnation (Jude 1:5-7) 1. Exhorting his readers to "contend earnestly for the faith", in verse 4 Jude introduces the reason for them to take such as stand... a. "Certain men" have crept in unnoticed b. They were "ungodly men", guilty of: 1) Turning the grace of God into lewdness 2) Denying the Lord God and the Lord Jesus Christ 2. Jude also writes of these men that they were "long ago marked out for this condemnation"a. Some might infer that Jude meant that these men were predestined to act this way b. However, as Warren Wiersbe in The Bible Exposition Commentary correctly states: "Jude did not write that these men were ordained to Become apostates, as though God were responsible for their sin. They became apostates because they willfully turned away from the truth. But God did ordain that such people would be judged and condemned. The Old Testament prophets denounced the false prophets of their day, and both Jesus Christ and His Apostles pronounced judgment on them."c. Yes, what is ordained is their punishment, that those who turn from God will not escape His righteous condemnation! 3. To reinforce his point, Jude reminds his readers of three Examples in which the ungodly did not escape God's righteous condemnation - Jude 1:5-7a. Israel in the wilderness b. The angels who sinned c. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah 4. That we might be reminded as well, in this study we shall Briefly review what is known about these three "case histories" of divine judgment, and draw some points that can be gleaned from them a. If you feel a sense of "deja vu", it may be because Jude follows a pattern set by Peter in his second epistle - 2 Peter 2:4-6b. Jude's action is understandable, as he is warning against the very presence of those Peter had warned would one day come [There is a difference, however. Whereas Peter used as one of his examples the people destroyed in the flood, Jude selects the example of...] I. ISRAEL IN THE (Jude 1:5) A. THE OF THIS EXAMPLE...1. A well known event in Israel's history, God "saved" the nation by bringing them out of the land of Egypt 2. Yet despite their being recipients of His wonderful grace, God "destroyed" those who did not believe a. Their lack of faith required that they wander for 40 years in the wilderness b. So that those over the age of 20 when they left Egypt, none but two (Joshua and Caleb) entered the Promised Land 3. The final "tally": 603,550 men were "saved", but then 603,548 were "destroyed" B. THE POINT TO BE MADE FROM THIS EXAMPLE...1. God may destroy those He has saved! a. Paul made this point in writing to the Corinthians - 1 Corinthians 10:1-12b. The writer to the Hebrews made the same point - He 3:12-4:2,112. The reason? Lack of obedient faith! a. "God destroyed those who did not believe" - Jude 1:5b. "they could not enter in because of unbelief" - Hebrews 3:18-193. While the Bible teaches "the security of the believer" (cf. 1 Peter 1:5)... a. It warns against the believer developing a heart of unbelief b. It teaches "the insecurity of the unbeliever" 4. Therefore the Biblical admonition: "...let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." - 1 Corinthians 10:125. A recurring theme throughout the New Testament is this: "Remember what happened to Israel!" [Having reminded his readers that the example of Israel shows the possibility of "once saved, but destroyed", he then provides an example that shows God has a place reserved for the wicked...] II. THE ANGELS WHO SINNED (Jude 1:6) A. THE OF THIS EXAMPLE...1. Very little is known from the Scriptures themselves a. As described by Jude, there were angels who: 1) "did not keep their proper domain" 2) "left their own habitation" b. Peter simply writes that the angels "sinned" - 2 Peter 2:4c. A very old interpretation is that Jude refers to what is described in Genesis 6:1-41) Where "sons of God" is understood to refer to angels (as used in Job 1:6; Job 2:1; Job 38:7) who cohabited with the "daughters of men" 2) This interpretation of Gen 6:1-4 is common in Jewish literature (Enoch 7; 9:8; 10:11; 12:4), and Jude appears to quote from such literature later in verse 143) It is also found in intertestamental literature and the early church fathers (e.g., Justin in his Apology 2:5) 4) It fits in with the connection Jude later makes with the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah, that they had "gone after strange flesh" - Jude 1:72. What is clearer about these angels is their condemnation a. God has them "in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day" b. As worded by Peter in 2 Peter 2:4, God... 1) "cast them down to hell" a)The word for "hell" is tartaroo\ b) "Tartarus, thought of by the Greeks as a subterranean place lower than Hades where divine punishment was meted out, was so regarded in Jewish apocalyptic as well." (BAG, p. 813) 2) "delivered them to chains of darkness" (The NIV Renders it "gloomy dungeons") 3) "to be reserved for judgment" a) As Jude puts it, "for the judgment of the great day" b) Like to the scene described in Luke 16:19-31, where the wicked rich man was in torment awaiting the judgment at the Last Day B. THE POINT TO BE MADE FROM THIS EXAMPLE...1. God is prepared to render everlasting punishment to The wicked! a. He has the angels in "everlasting chains under darkness" - Jude 1:6b. For the "ungodly men" described later, He has "reserved the blackness of darkness forever" - Jude 1:132. Just as He had a place prepared for the angels who sinned, so He has a place prepared for the wicked and unbelievers! - cf. Revelation 21:8 [So God has demonstrated that He is prepared to punish the wicked. That He will do so is emphasized with one more example: The judgment that came upon...] III. THE CITIES OF SODOM AND (7) A. THE OF THIS EXAMPLE...1. The judgment against these cities is vividly described in Genesis 19:24-282. Why this terrible judgment? a. The LORD said it was "because their sin is very grievous" - Genesis 18:20b. Jude says that "in a similar manner to these" (the angels who sinned), they had: 1) "given themselves over to sexual immorality" 2) "gone after strange flesh" c. We see a sample of this in Genesis 19:4-11 B. THE POINT TO BE MADE FROM THIS EXAMPLE...1. Both Peter and Jude make the point that Sodom and Gomorrah are an "example" a. Peter, an example "to those who afterward would live ungodly" - 2 Peter 2:6b. Jude, an example of those "suffering the vengeance of eternal fire" - Jude 1:72. I.e., God has given us an example of the eternal fire Awaiting the subjects of His righteous vengeance! 1. We may be like the original recipients of Jude's letter, Well acquainted with these events... a. But Jude wanted to "remind" them - Jude 1:5b. And we need to be reminded often as well! 2. And what is it that we need to remember? a. Remember Israel, as an example of those once saved who were destroyed for lack of faith! b. Remember the angels who sinned, as an example of those whose incarceration tells us God has a place prepared for the wicked! c. Remember Sodom and Gomorrah, as an example that God will not withhold the vengeance of eternal fire when the time is right! 3. It is only when we keep such events in mind that we will... a. Take serious the warnings about those who would lead us astray! b. Take serious the admonitions designed to keep us preserved in Jesus Christ! Are you letting these examples serve their intended purpose? Will you let them motivate you to make whatever changes need to be made in your life? The "judgment of the great day" draws nearer... "THE EPISTLE OF JUDE" The Ungodly Dreamers (Jude 1:8-16; Jude 1:19) 1. So far in this epistle, we have noticed that Jude has... a. Exhorted his readers to "contend earnestly for the faith" - Jude 1:3b. Made mention of "ungodly men" who have "crept in unnoticed" - Jude 1:41) Men who "turn the grace of our God into licentiousness" 2) And who "deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ" c. Reminded them of examples of God's righteous condemnation in the past - Jude 1:5-71) The nation of Israel in the wilderness 2) The angels who sinned 3) The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah 2. At this point, Jude follows the example set by Peter (cf. 2 Peter 2:10-17) and describes these "ungodly men"-Jude 1:8-16; Jude 1:19a. In doing so, Jude does more than simply repeat Peter b. He reinforces Peter's words and adds more information about these "ungodly men" 3. In this study we shall consider Jude's description of these "ungodly dreamers", noticing that what is said of them is summarized in 3Jud 1:8 : a. They "defile the flesh"b. They "reject authority"c. They "speak evil" [As Jude elaborates, he starts with the last of these, how...] I. THEY "SPEAK EVIL" (Jude 1:8-11) A. OF ... (Jude 1:8-9)1. The word "dignitaries" comes from doxa \, Meaning "dignity, glory (-ious), honour, praise, worship" a. It can refer to angelic beings, or those in positions of authority b. In either case, these "ungodly dreamers" would not hesitate to speak evil 2. To illustrate the folly of their behavior, the dispute over the body of Moses is given: a. Michael, the archangel, dared not bring a reviling accusation against the devil b. Saying only "The Lord rebuke you" -- How foolish, then, for these "dreamers" to speak evil of those in authority B. OF THEY DO NOT KNOW... (Jude 1:10-11)1. Unafraid to speak evil of dignitaries, they do not hesitate to speak evil of things they know nothing about! 2. And what they know naturally, in that they corrupt themselves! - cf. 2 Peter 2:123. In conducting themselves in this manner... a. They have gone in the way of Cain 1) Whose works were evil - 1 John 3:122) Who did not act out of faith - cf. Hebrews 11:4b. They have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit 1) Loved the wages of unrighteousness-2 Peter 2:15-162) Who put a stumblingblock before the children of Israel - cf. Revelation 2:14c. They have perished in the rebellion of Korah 1) A rebellion that was ostensibly against Moses and Aaron - Numbers 16:1-452) But was really against the Lord Himself - cf. Numbers 26:9 C. DOES THIS NOT CAUTION US ON HOW WE SPEAK OF OTHERS?1. James warned us about the dangers... a. Of the tongue - James 3:2-12b. Of speaking evil of brethren - James 4:11-12; James 5:92. Paul also wrote Titus to counsel Christians not to speak evil others - Titus 3:1-2-- When we add the example of the "ungodly dreamers" and Their quickness to speak evil of others, shouldn't we be very cautious of how we speak about others? [As we continue, we also notice concerning these "ungodly dreamers" that...] II. THEY "DEFILE THE FLESH" (Jude 1:12-15; Jude 1:19) A. THEY WERE "SPOTS" IN THE LOVE FEASTS... (Jude 1:12; Jude 1:19)1. Feasting "without fear, serving only themselves"; they were also "sensual persons" 2. In prophesying of their behavior, Peter elaborates: a. "carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you" - 2 Peter 2:13b. "having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, beguiling unstable souls" - 2 Peter 2:143. They took advantage of brethren's hospitality to engage in their lustful thoughts B. THE EXTENT OF THEIR VIVIDLY ... (Jude 1:12-13)1. "Clouds without water, carried about by the winds" a. Offering promise of blessing b. But not leaving any 2. "Late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots" a. Barren when fruit should be expected b. But even worse, beyond fruit-bearing because they are dead and cut off from any source of nourishment 3. "Raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame" a. Like the flotsam and jetsam spewed by the waves b. So their shame comes forth by their words and behavior 4. "Wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness Of darkness forever" a. Shining for a moment b. But without direction or orbit, they will eventually be gone forever! C. THEIR LONG AGO... (14-15)1. By Enoch, the man "who walked with God; and he was not, because God took him" - cf. Genesis 5:242. Enoch prophesied of the Lord's Coming... a. Coming with ten thousands of His saints (angels?) - cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:7b. Coming to execute judgment on all - cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9c. Coming to convict all who are ungodly (such as these ungodly dreamers) 1) Of their ungodly deeds committed in an ungodly way 2) Of harsh things spoken against the Lord by Ungodly sinners [So the judgment is sure upon these "ungodly dreamers" who speak evil and defile the flesh. But if that were not bad enough, we also learn from Jude that...] III. THEY "REJECT " (Jude 1:16; Jude 1:19) A. BY THE WAY THEY SPEAK...1. We have seen that they were quick to speak evil, contrary to apostolic teaching 2. Jude's description of them as "murmurers, complainers" also shows a lack of respect for apostolic authority - cf. 1 Corinthians 10:10; Philippians 2:143. Their use of flattery likewise was condemned by the Apostles - cf. Romans 16:17-18 B. BY THE WAY THEY WALK...1. "Walking according to their own lusts", as "sensual persons", clearly this was a rejection of apostolic authority and teaching - cf. 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 1:142. The same was true in "causing divisions"-Romans 16:17-18 1. The last phrase of Jud 1:19 truly sums up the condition of These "ungodly dreamers": "...not having the Spirit"a. Yes, when they "defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil..." - Jude 1:8b. They demonstrate that they are walking "according to the lusts of the flesh", not "according to the Spirit" - cf. Galatians 5:16-23 2. The end of these "ungodly dreamers" is clearly stated in The Scriptures... a. As emphasized by the apostle Paul: "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God"-Galatians 5:21b. As stated by Peter: "...to whom the gloom of darkness is reserved forever." - 2 Peter 2:17c. As stated by Jude: "for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever" - Jude 1:15 3. In our next study, we shall consider Jude's counsel on how we can avoid being misled by such "ungodly dreamers" Does Jude's characterization of these "ungodly dreamers" hit a little too close to home in some areas? If they do, why not make things right with God...? Exhortations To The Beloved (Jude 1:17-23) 1. Up to this point, Jude has established the "need" for his readers to contend earnestly for the faith... a. With reminders of God's righteous condemnation of the ungodly - Jude 1:5-7b. With a vivid depiction of the ungodly men who have crept in unnoticed - Jude 1:9-16; Jude 1:19 2. Now Jude provides a series of exhortations designed to make Sure that they stand strong in the faith "once for all delivered to the saints" - Jude 1:17-23 3. Twice in these verses, Jude addresses his readers as "beloved" - Jude 1:17; Jude 1:20a. As an appellation, the term "beloved" is used frequently in the Scriptures 1) By Paul in Romans 12:192) By the author of Hebrews - Hebrews 6:93) By Peter in 1 Peter 2:114) By John - 1 John 4:1; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:115) And by Jude at the beginning of his epistle in Jude 1:3b. It describes those addressed as being very dear to the heart of the one using it 4. It is with such love in his heart that we find Jude giving The exhortations necessary to keep from being misled by the ungodly [As we consider these "Exhortations To The Beloved", let us bear in mind that as God's children we too are "beloved" (beloved of God – Romans 1:7) and that these exhortations are therefore directed to us as well. The first exhortation, designed to keep us from stumbling, is to...] I. THE WORDS SPOKEN BEFORE (Jude 1:17-18) A. WHO SPOKE THEM...1. They were the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. That is, those duly appointed and sent out by Jesus Himself 3. To heed them is to heed the Lord Himself - cf. John 13:20 B. WHAT THEY SAID...1. That there would be mockers in the last time - cf. 2 Peter 3:1-32. That they would walk according to their own ungodly Lusts - cf. 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Timothy 4:3-4 [For us today, we must remember what they wrote. This implies diligent study of the Word of God on our part. The need for such study is also implied in the next exhortation...] II. BUILD UP IN THE MOST HOLY FAITH (20) A. TO "BUILD UP" GROWTH...1. It is not enough to just lay down one level of knowledge and understanding 2. We must continue to build upon it, as Peter expressed it: "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" - 2 Peter 3:183. We therefore need to take advantage of opportunities to study and learn B. TO BUILD UP "" ...1. While God, family, and brethren will be there to encourage you 2. You must accept personal responsibility and make the effort C. "THE MOST HOLY FAITH" IS THAT "FAITH ONCE ..."1. It is that body of doctrine in which our personal faith is to rest 2. It is that body of doctrine which has been revealed "one time for all times" 3. Which of course pertains to what our Lord Jesus Christ has done and will do for us! [These first two exhortations stress the importance of our "continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42), that is, to study diligently and apply the Word of God to our lives. But Bible study alone will not suffice; there is also the need to...] III. PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT (Jude 1:20) A. PRAYER IS THE TO THE WORD OF GOD...1. By the Word of God, God speaks to us; by prayer, we speak to God 2. The Word of God is a source of strength and comfort to us; but then, so also is prayer - cf. Philippians 4:6-73. Think of prayer and the Word of God as the "two legs" Upon which our spiritual well-being stands; both are need to be well-balanced in our spiritual growth B. WHAT IS MEANT BY PRAYING "IN THE SPIRIT"?1. Jude does not elaborate, nor does Paul, who uses the expression in Ephesians 6:182. But Paul does use the expression "walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25), which suggests walking or living according to the Spirit's direction as found in the Word of God 3. Perhaps "praying in the Spirit" simply emphasizes that our prayers be in harmony with what the Spirit teaches in the Word of God, which is akin to what John wrote in 1 John 5:14 [Diligent Bible study and prayer are certainly essential to keep from falling. But as we continue to consider Jude's "Exhortations To The Beloved", we learn there is more we need to do...] IV. KEEP IN THE LOVE OF GOD (Jude 1:21) A. AGAIN, WE SEE THE NEED FOR ...1. We are called upon to "keep yourselves..." 2. The word for "keep" is the same word translated "preserved" in Jude 1:13. So while we are indeed "preserved in Jesus Christ", Our remaining preserved in Christ is affected by our Willing cooperation with God 4. As Peter wrote, we are "kept by the power of God Through faith" - 1 Peter 1:5a. The power of God is the divine contribution to keeping us safe b. Remaining faithful is the human contribution to being kept safe B. KEEPING IN GOD'S LOVE...1. Jesus taught that keeping the commandments is the key To abiding in God's love a. How we will be loved by our Father - John 14:21; John 14:23b. It is how we will loved by the Son - John 15:9-102. This is not legalism, but a simple recognition of the importance of doing what God (and Christ) commands... a. Observing the commandments of Christ are an essential element of recognizing the Lord's authority and keeping the Great Commission - Matthew 28:18-20b. Keeping the commandments of God is what really matters, as far as Paul is concerned - 1 Corinthians 7:193. It is also the ultimate proof that we love God and His children - cf. 1 John 5:2-3 [So to Bible study and prayer we must add the actual application of God's Word to our lives if we wish to keep from falling. But to avoid turning our efforts to keep the commandments of God into legalism or thinking that we somehow earn our salvation, we need to heed the next exhortation...] V. LOOK FOR THE MERCY OF OUR LORD (Jude 1:21) A. WE MUST ALWAYS BE LOOKING FORWARD...1. Looking forward to "the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" - cf. Titus 2:11-132. Looking forward to "the coming of the day of God" - 2 Peter 3:10-123. Looking for that "new heavens and a new earth in Which righteousness dwells" - 2 Peter 3:13-14 B. AS IT TO ETERNAL LIFE AND MERCY...1. Eternal life is not something we earn, but is graciously given in Christ Jesus - Romans 6:232. We are saved, not by works of righteousness, but according to mercy, that we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal- Titus 3:4-73. Thus, the prayer that Paul had for Onesiphorus should be the prayer that we all have for ourselves: "The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day" - 2 Timothy 1:18 [The final exhortation speaks not so much to what we can do to keep ourselves from falling, but what we should do to save others in danger...] VI. BE , WITH FEAR (Jude 1:22-23) A. THE NEED FOR ...1. First, to save ourselves, for mercy will only be shown to the merciful - James 2:132. But also to save those who are in danger a. Compassion is needed to move us to action - cf. Matthew 9:36-38; Matthew 10:1a. Compassion is needed to properly handle those in danger - Galatians 6:1; 2 Timothy 2:24-25 B. THE NEED FOR FEAR...1. Lest we be caught up in the same error of the wicked - cf. Galatians 6:12. That we might be motivated to persuade those in danger of being lost - cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 1. Here, then, are Jude's final "Exhortations To The Beloved"... a. Remember the words spoken before (Jude 1:17-18) b. Build yourselves up in the most holy faith (Jude 1:20) c. Pray in the spirit (Jude 1:20) d. Keep yourselves in the love of God (Jude 1:21) e. Look for the mercy of our Lord (Jude 1:21) f. Be compassionate, with fear (Jude 1:22-23) 2. These exhortations might easily be called: a. "How To Keep From Falling" b. "How To Contend Earnestly For The Faith" -- For that is what Jude is seeking to do in writing these words of exhortation 3. Do we not see the need for heeding these same exhortations ourselves? a. Do we not face the same danger today? b. Do we not desire the same blessings promised to the original recipients of this letter? 4. May these words of Jude to his beloved serve as a guide for Us today... a. Imagine the blessedness of a congregation in which every member is heeding these exhortations! b. Imagine the blessedness of seeing everyone in this congregation receiving the mercy of the Lord on that Day! Beloved, are you keeping yourselves in the love of God today by keeping His commandments...? Jude's Closing Doxology (Jude 1:24-25) 1. In the course of his short epistle, Jude has had to write Some necessary, and to some degree, unpleasant things... a. A plea to contend earnestly for the faith - Jude 1:3b. A warning about ungodly men who have crept in unnoticed - Jude 1:4c. A reminder of God's righteous condemnation in times past - Jude 1:5-7d. A description of the depravity of the ungodly dreamers – Jude 1:8-16e. Counsel on how to keep from stumbling - Jude 1:17-23-- One might think that such unpleasant tasks would leave him in a depressed state of mind 2. Yet we find that Jude is moved to end his epistle with a "doxology"... a. The word means "an expression of praise to God" b. Doxologies are common in Scripture 1) Usually at the end of an epistle - cf. Romans 16:25-272) Sometimes in the middle of one - cf. Ephesians 3:20-21c. The format of a doxology is usually in two parts: 1) An address to the one being praised, including reasons for the praise being offered 2) The expression of praise itself 3. In "Jude's Closing Doxology", we find this epistle closing... a. On a very high note, not in doubt and fear b. With a beautiful expression of faith and hope 4. That we might be sure to live with a strong assurance of faith and hope, let's take a few moments to carefully examine this "expression of praise" preserved for us in this epistle [Jude begins his doxology by describing...] I. THE PERSON TO WHOM PRAISE IS (Jude 1:24-25 a) A. "TO HIM WHO IS ABLE..."1. "to keep you from stumbling"a. That God is in view is evident from verse 25b. But the emphasis appears to be on His ability to keep us from "stumbling" 1) "stumbling" does not refer to the occasional sin 2) But to stumble so as to fall away completely - cf. 2 Peter 1:10c. This is reassuring in an epistle filled with warning about ungodly men who would seek to lead one astray d. God's ability to keep us from stumbling was implied at the very beginning of this epistle - cf. Jude 1:1 e. But as we have suggested in previous lessons, our faith must cooperate with God's power if we are to keep from "stumbling" - cf. 1 Peter 1:5; 2 Peter 1:5-11f. Indeed, we must heed the exhortations given by Jude himself: 1) "Remember the words spoken before..." - Jude 1:172) "building yourselves up on your most holy faith" - Jude 1:203) "praying in the Holy Spirit" - Jude 1:204) "keep yourselves in the love of God - Jude 1:215) "looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ Unto eternal life" - Jude 1:21g. If we continue in faith, heeding such exhortations, we know that God is able to keep us from falling! h. God's ability is stressed by Paul in his "doxology" - cf. Ephesians 3:20-212. "to present you faultless before the presence of His Glory with exceeding joy"a. Here, the focus is on God's ability to produce the ultimate goal of redemption b. That goal is expressed here as presenting us before God... 1) "faultless" a) As Paul expressed it in Ephesians 5:27... 1] "not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing" 2] "holy and without blemish" b) This is necessary if we are to be permitted in the presence of God's glory 2) "with exceeding joy" a) Without a doubt this will be the condition of those so blessed! b) But let's not discount the joy God will experience when He sees His redeemed ones at last! c. Through His divine providence, God will bring His scheme of redemption to pass - cf. Romans 8:28-30 B. "TO GOD..."1. "our Savior"a. At this point Jude is about to ascribe praise to God b. So this phrase may be a summary description of what was stated in verse 24c. I.e., that the God who is able to keep us from stumbling and present us faultless is truly our Savior! 2. "who alone is wise"a. His wisdom is seen in His ability to keep us from stumbling and present us faultless b. Again, a summary description of God in view of verse 24 [Having described God, Jude proceeds to offer his praise. A feature noted in Jude's epistle is his love of triplets... - His description of his readers - Jude 1:1- His prayer for them - Jude 1:2- Three examples of God's righteous condemnation-Jude 1:5-7- Preliminary description of the ungodly dreamers-Jude 1:8- Three examples of Old Testament apostates - Jude 1:11- Summary description of the ungodly dreamers - Jude 1:19- His threefold exhortation to his beloved - Jude 1:20-21 Now in His doxology, we find one more triplet, actually a triplet of doublets, being used in..] II. THE PRAISE TO GOD (Jude 1:25 b) A. "GLORY AND MAJESTY"1. "glory" comes from "doxa" \, and is used to Suggest dignity and honor 2. "majesty" comes from "megalosune" \, meaning "greatness" 3. These terms are closely related in concept, suggesting that which is worthy of awe, praise, and worship -- Thus Jude seeks to have all glory and majesty given to God B. " AND POWER"1. "dominion" is from "kratos" \, and means "might, power, strength" 2. "power" is from "exousia" \, and refers To "authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength" 3. Also closely related in concept, the use of these Words demonstrate that Jude recognizes that it is God who rightly deserves and exercises authority over all -- Not only does he recognize it, it is his fervent prayer that it continue (as we read on...) C. "BOTH NOW AND FOREVER"1. Jude's fervent prayer is that dominion and power, glory and majesty remain God's 2. Not just for the present, but for eternity! 1. With a single word ("amen", i.e., "so be it"), Jude ends His doxology and the epistle itself 2. And so it WILL be... a. Despite the efforts of any to turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ b. God will bring into judgment all who are ungodly c. God will preserve in Jesus Christ all who remain faithful to Him 1) God will keep them from stumbling 2) God will present them faultless before His presence With exceeding joy 3. And to Him WILL be... a. Glory and majesty b. Dominion and power ...both now and forever! But brethren, for us to enjoy the blessedness promised the faithful, we must heed Jude's call... - To remember the words spoken before - To build ourselves up on our most holy faith - To pray in the Holy Spirit - To keep ourselves in the love of God - To look for the mercy of our Lord Jesus unto eternal life - To extend compassionate effort to those in danger ...for only then will it be true that we heeded the exhortation "to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints"! 2 "THE EPISTLE OF JUDE" Called! Sanctified! And Preserved! (Jude 1:1-2) 1. In several passages throughout the New Testament, we find Serious warnings about impending apostasy... a. Jesus warned that false prophets would arise, the love of many would grow cold, and only those who endure to the end would be saved - Matthew 24:11-13b. Paul foretold of many disciples being drawn away - Acts 20:29-30c. Peter warned about the rise of false teachers, and how many would follow their destructive ways - 2 Peter 2:1-3 2. But by the time the epistles of John and Jude were written, The danger was no longer impending, it was very much in existence... a. Antichrists were present, and false prophets were in the world - 1 John 2:18; 1 John 4:1; 2 John 1:7b. Jude was forced to change his original purpose to deal with the crisis - Jude 1:3-4 3. If the danger of apostasy was already present in the First Century A.D.... a. We should not be surprised that the dangers exists in the twentieth century! b. We would do well to pay close heed to those epistles written to tell us how to deal with it 4. That makes The Epistle Of Jude especially relevant, and with this lesson we begin a series of expository sermons based upon its contents 5. In verses 1-2, Jude begins his letter in typical fashion: a. He identifies himself... 1) As "a servant of Jesus Christ" and "brother of James" 2) It is considered very likely that James was the brother of the Lord who had become prominent in the church at Jerusalem - cf. Galatians 1:16; Galatians 2:93) This would mean Jude was also a brother to the Lord Jesus - cf. also Matthew 13:54-564) That Judas would describe himself as a servant of the Lord and not His brother is typical of the modesty shown by James as well - James 1:1b. He then addresses his original readers... 1) No particular church or individuals are named 2) They are simply "those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:"3) For this reason, the epistle of Jude has been categorized as a catholic, or general, epistle (like James , 1 st &2nd Peter, and 1st John) c. He concludes his salutation with a three-fold benediction: "Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you" 6. Before we go any further, the manner in which Jude addressed his readers is worthy of careful notice... a. Jude's purpose is to warn of those "ungodly men" who have crept in b. That a warning is necessary suggests a danger that is real: being led away from the faith c. Yet Jude uses terms in his address that some would say teaches the impossibility of apostasy (especially the phrase: "preserved in Jesus Christ") [Therefore I would like for us to focus on the concepts suggested by the three words in the title of our study: "Called! Sanctified! And Preserved!" Let's begin with the idea of Christians being...] I. THOSE WHO ARE "CALLED" A. THOSE IN CHRIST HAVE BEEN "CALLED"...1. We have been called with "a holy calling" - 2 Timothy 1:92. This calling was not according to our meritorious works 3. It was according to God's own purpose and grace before time began B. THIS "CALL" CAME THROUGH THE GOSPEL...1. We became God's chosen and called through the means of the gospel - 2 Thessalonians 2:13-142. By having the gospel preached to "every creature", the call is made available to all - cf. Mark 16:15-16a. This is consistent with God's desire that "all men be saved" - 1 Timothy 2:3-4b. This is consistent with God's offer of His Son as "a ransom for all" - 1 Timothy 2:5-6c. This is consistent with the Lord's unwillingness that "any should perish", but that "all should come to repentance" - 2 Peter 3:9 C. OUR , HAVING THE "CALL", IS TO MAKE OUR "CALLING AND SURE"...1. This requires much diligence on our part Pe 1:10-112. Otherwise, we will be like the Israelites in the Wilderness - Hebrews 3:12-19; Hebrews 4:1-2; Hebrews 4:11a. All were called by God to enter the Promised Land of rest b. But most were unable to enter because of unbelief that led to lack of diligence! [It is the need for faithful diligence that explains the many warnings against apostasy found in the Scriptures. It also helps to understand why Jude felt it necessary to write his epistle! Closely related to the concept of being "called", is the idea that by God's grace we are also...] II. "" BY GOD THE FATHER A. THE WORDS "", ""...1. Are translated from the Greek word "hagiazo" \ 2. Which means to make holy, to set apart for a special purpose 3. Therefore, God has set apart those who have been called - Jude 1:1 B. THE PROCESS OF ...1. Is said to be the work of the Holy Spirit a. "sanctified by the Holy Spirit" - Romans 15:16b. "sanctified...by the Spirit of our God" - 1 Corinthians 6:11c. "sanctification by the Spirit" - 2 Thessalonians 2:13d. "the sanctifying work of the Spirit"(NASV-1 Peter 1:2)2. Is also said to be the work of the Word of God a. "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." - John 17:17b. "that He might sanctify...by the word" - Ephesians 5:263. Since the Word of God is said to be the "sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17), the Word is evidently the instrument used by the Spirit to help bring about our sanctification C. THE OF ...1. Some people understand "sanctification" as "all at once" or "in two stages" (e.g., the Wesleyan concept of entire sanctification) 2. The Biblical evidence suggests otherwise: a. The church at Corinth was made up of members... 1) Who were "sanctified in Christ Jesus" - 1 Corinthians 1:22) Who had been "sanctified" - 1 Corinthians 6:11b. Yet, many of these members were "babes in Christ" and "carnal" - 1 Corinthians 3:1-33. As written to the Hebrews, those in Christ are "being sanctified" - Hebrews 2:11a. I.e., sanctification is an on-going process b. It begins at conversion, and continues as we grow in the faith 4. As Paul prayed for the Thessalonians : "may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely" - 1 Thessalonians 5:23 [Whether God does indeed complete the process of sanctification for those who are called will be determined by whether or not we remain "preserved in Christ Jesus". (Jude 1:1) So let's take a closer look at what is involved with being...] III. "" IN JESUS CHRIST A. THE MEANING OF THE WORD ""...1. It comes from the Greek word "tereo" \ 2. Which means "to guard (from loss or injury)" 3. It is used to describe that which is closely watched And guarded... a. Such as those disobedient angels who are awaiting the Judgment Day - Jude 1:6b. Such as the punishment awaiting "ungodly men" - Jude 1:13 B. THIS WORD SPEAKS OF OUR IN CHRIST...1. We are being carefully "guarded" in Christ! 2. Peter uses a different word (phroureo, froo-reh'-o) to express a similar idea - 1 Peter 1:53. Paul used yet another word (sozo, sode'-zo) to express his own confidence in God's preservation - 2 Timothy 4:183. Indeed, Jesus reassured his disciples that no one Could "snatch" them out of His hand-cf. John 10:27-29-- But does this mean that it is impossible to fall away? Do we have no personal responsibility to remain "preserved in Jesus Christ"? C. THERE IS SOME ...1. Jude uses the same word for "preserved" in Jude 1:21 : "keep yourselves..." 2. This indicates that we must cooperate with God a. As Peter indicated, we are "kept by the power of God through faith" - 1 Peter 1:51) God provides the power to keep us safe 2) But we must provide the faith b. Jesus' teaching on security is for those who are "believers" 1) No one can "snatch" us away from God against our will 2) But what if "believers" become "unbelievers"? a) Does the promise still apply if the conditions have changed? b) What if we choose to leave or jump out of God's protective hand? c. That "believers" can become "unbelievers", and thereby in danger of losing one's salvation, is clearly taught in Hebrews 3:12-19; Hebrews 4:1-2; Hebrews 4:113. Thus we are "preserved in Jesus Christ"... a. But remaining "preserved" involves personal responsibility! b. It requires that we "keep ourselves" in the love of God! 1. We who are in Christ are indeed richly blessed: a. We have been "called" by the gospel of Christ, to which call we responded when we obeyed the conditions of the gospel (faith, repentance, confession, and baptism) b. We have been "sanctified" or set apart for a holy purpose by God the Father, as He works upon us through His Holy Spirit in conjunction with His Holy Word c. On the basis of our faith, we are "preserved" in Jesus Christ unto eternal life 2. But dear brethren, forces of Satan are very much at work... a. They seek to undermine our faith in Christ b. They seek to harden our hearts, and to develop an evil heart of unbelief c. They seek to make us spiritually lazy, and not to maintain the diligence necessary to keep ourselves in the love of God 3. Yet God in His grace has preserved His Word to give us Ample warning; shall we not heed the warnings found throughout His Word, such as those found in The Epistle of Jude? And as we speak of giving heed...have you given heed to the call of the gospel of Christ? - cf. Acts 2:36-38 2 Jud 1:2 Jude 1:2 ελεοςG1656 MERCY υμινG5213 TO YOU καιG2532 AND ειρηνηG1515 PEACE, καιG2532 AND αγαπηG26 LOVE πληθυνθειηG4129 [G5684] BE . Romans 1:7, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Peter 1:2, Revelation 1:4-6 Daniel 6:25 - Peace Romans 1:7 - Grace Colossians 1:2 - Grace 1 Peter 1:2 - be 2 Peter 1:2 - Grace Jude 1:2. To be multiplied means the blessings are to be very abundant. Be multiplied (plηthuntheiη). First aorist passive optative of plηthunτ as in 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:2. 4 "THE EPISTLE OF JUDE" Contending Earnestly For The Faith (Jude 1:3-4) 1. As we begin to focus on the purpose of The Epistle Of Jude, we see that his original desire was to write about our common salvation shared in Christ: "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." - Jude 1:3 2. The need to change his purpose is seen in the next verse: "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 1:4 3. That men "crept in unnoticed" should give us pause... a. That such could happen, despite the many warnings given by Jesus, Paul, and Peter b. How much easier, then, for this to happen today when we live in time far removed from those initial warnings! 4. In light of this, Jude's call to "contend earnestly for the faith" becomes even more relevant for us today... a. We ought to appreciate "the need" to contend for the faith b. We should understand "the how" when it comes to contending earnestly for the faith [In this study, "Contending Earnestly For The Faith", it is "the need" and "the how" that we examine more closely...] I. THE "NEED" TO CONTEND FOR THE FAITH A. SOME WILL DENY THE ALL- OF THE ...1. This I infer from the phrase "the faith which once for all delivered to the saints" a. The expression "once for all" can rightly be worded "one time for all time" b. That is, "the faith" (that body of doctrine which we are to believe) was delivered to the church "one time for all time" -- Revelation was not to be repeated, nor was there more to be revealed later on! 2. That God has revealed all that He would have us know Is evident from such statements like those of: a. Paul, telling the Ephesian elders he had not shunned to proclaim "the whole counsel of God" – Acts 20:27b. Peter, writing that God has given us "all things that pertain to life and godliness" - 2 Peter 1:3-- If we have "all things", and if we have the "whole Counsel of God", what else is there? 3. Thus the Scriptures, which contain the faith delivered "once for all", contains all we need to become what God wants of us! - cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-174. But when people suggest: a. That God's revelation is incomplete, or it is still in progress b. Or that God's revelation needs to be repeated -- Then our task is to "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered"! B. SOME WILL PERVERT THE OF GRACE...1. There were those in Jude's day "who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness (lewdness)" a. Their doctrine of grace gave them excuse to sin b. So much so, that they engaged in that which was openly shameful (lewd) -- Perhaps they said: "Let us sin so that grace may abound!" 2. There are some today who pervert the grace of God... a. To excuse their disregard for the commands found in God's Word b. To justify their lifestyle that is contrary to the principles of the Bible -- For they are likely to say: "God is too loving, His grace is too wonderful, to condemn us when we are so sincere!" 3. But those who "contend earnestly for the faith" will be ever mindful of what the grace of God truly teaches - cf. Titus 2:11-12a. To deny ungodliness and worldly lusts! b. To live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age! C. SOME WILL DENY GOD'S ...1. Jude had to deal with those who "deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ" a. The emphasis appears to be on the term "Lord", used to describe God and Jesus b. The term "lord" comes from kurios \ 1) Which is related to the word kuros (supremacy) 2) Meaning "supreme in authority" c. These people were denying the authority rightly belonging to God and Jesus 2. Today we often face people denying the authority of God and Jesus a. By their lack of respect to the Word of God b. By their setting up other standards of authority for what they believe or do 1) Such as a synod, convention, council 2) Such as a pope, bishop, minister, or their own person 3. But those who "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered"... a. Will recognize the authority which belongs to Christ - Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:21-22b. Will recognize the authority delegated to His apostles - John 13:20; 1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Acts 2:42 [Clearly the need to "contend earnestly for the faith" is present, for just as there were those in Jude's day who... - denied the all-sufficiency of God's Word- perverted the doctrine of grace- denied the authority of God and Jesus ...so there are such people today! How then shall we do it?] II. THE "HOW" TO CONTEND FOR THE FAITH A. WE MUST CONTEND ...1. From the "Believers' Study Bible": a. The vivid expression epagonizomai (Gk.) is translated "contend earnestly" and is related to the English word "agony." b. The term is associated with strife and combat of a most vigorous and determined variety. c. The present tense of the verb indicates that the Christian struggle is to be continuous. d. Jude believed that the foundational tenets of the Christian faith were under attack. Nothing but Vigorous counter-contention would be sufficient. 2. The use of such an expression therefore suggests: a. The matter is serious; we are at war! 1) Paul describes the nature of our warfare in 2 Corinthians 10:3-62) And again in Ephesians 6:10-13b. This is not a time to be unprepared; we must arm ourselves! -- We must therefore contend with vigor, even to the point of agony, for "the faith once delivered to the saints"! B. WE MUST USE THE WEAPONS AT OUR ...1. Paul defines our weaponry in Ephesians 6:13-18a. Girded with truth b. The breastplate of righteousness c. Feet shod with the gospel of peace d. The shield of faith e. The helmet of salvation f. The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God g. Watching with all prayer 2. Notice that most of these things are for our own defense, lest we be lost in the struggle! a. The elements of truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, etc., are needed for our own salvation as much as for those we seek to conquer b. Make sure that you let them "remove the plank for your own eye" so you will be able to see clear "to remove speck out of your brother's eye"-Matthew 7:3-5c. Some people are so quick to take up the "sword", they leave the rest of their armor behind! 3. Paul also has something to say about other weapons that are "mighty in God" a. Such qualities as "the meekness and gentleness of Christ" - 2 Corinthians 10:1-6b. Making sure that we are first "spiritual", and then displaying gentleness and caution - Galatians 6:1c. Refraining from quarrels, applying gentleness, the Word, with patience and humility correcting the opposition - 2 Timothy 2:23-26 1. The call to "contend earnestly for the faith" is not a license to engage in "contentions" and "outbursts of wrath" - cf. Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 2. But it is a call to vigorously contend with all the weapons at our disposal... a. First and foremost, with the Word of God, applied first to self and then to others b. But also, with the Christ-like qualities that are "mighty in God" to win people over to obedience to Christ 3. It is the fact... a. That many are not obeying Christ as Lord b. But perverting His teaching or setting themselves up as their own authority ...that makes it necessary that we "contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints" Dear friend, whose side of this battle are YOU on? Have you submitted to Him whom God has made both Lord and Christ? Are you continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine? - cf. Acts 2:36-42 4 Jude 1:4 Jude 1:4 παρεισεδυσανG3921 [G5656] γαρG1063 FOR CAME IN τινεςG5100 CERTAIN ανθρωποιG444 MEN, οιG3588 THEY WHO παλαιG3819 OF OLD προγεγραμμενοιG4270 [G5772] HAVE BEEN BEFORE MARKED OUT ειςG1519 TO τουτοG5124 τοG3588 THIS κριμαG2917 , ασεβειςG765 UNGODLY "PERSONS" τηνG3588 THE τουG3588 θεουG2316 ημωνG2257 OF OUR GOD χαρινG5485 GRACE μετατιθεντεςG3346 [G5723] ειςG1519 INTO ασελγειανG766 καιG2532 AND τονG3588 THE μονονG3441 ONLY δεσποτηνG1203 MASTER θεονG2316 GOD καιG2532 AND κυριονG2962 LORD ημωνG2257 OUR ιησουνG2424 JESUS χριστονG5547 CHRIST αρνουμενοιG720 [G5740] DENYING. angels: John 8:44 first estate: or, principality, Ephesians 6:12 he hath: Matthew 25:41, 2 Peter 2:4 unto: Matthew 8:29, Hebrews 10:27, Revelation 20:10 Exodus 10:21 - darkness Joshua 22:20 - General Job 4:18 - and his angels he charged with folly Job 21:22 - he judgeth Job 24:13 - nor abide Psalms 88:6 - darkness Isaiah 45:7 - create darkness Lamentations 3:2 - brought Matthew 8:29 - torment Matthew 22:13 - outer Matthew 25:41 - prepared Mark 5:7 - that John 8:12 - shall not John 8:44 - and abode Acts 1:25 - by Romans 11:10 - their eyes 1 Corinthians 6:3 - judge 1 Timothy 3:6 - the condemnation 1 Timothy 5:21 - the elect James 2:19 - the 2 Peter 2:4 - the angels 2 Peter 2:10 - in the 2 Peter 2:17 - darkness 2 Peter 3:10 - the day 1 John 3:8 - for Revelation 6:17 - the great Revelation 12:8 - their Revelation 20:1 - a great Revelation 20:2 - the dragon Jude 1:4. Crept in unawares means they came in some underhanded manner to get advantage over the disciples. Ordained is from a Greek word that means they were predicted in old times, that they would do the things that would bring this condemnation. They misused the grace (favor) of God by making it seem to support their lasciviousness (filthy desires). It would be expected that such characters would deny Jesus Christ because he would condemn their wicked deeds. Are crept in (pareiseduηsan). Second aorist passive indicative of pareisduτ (-nτ), late (Hippocrates, Plutarch, etc.) compound of para (beside) and eis (in) and duτ to sink or plunge, so to slip in secretly as if by a side door, here only in N.T. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Set forth (progegrammenoi). Perfect passive participle of prographτ, to write of beforehand, for which verb see Galatians 3:1; Romans 15:4. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unto this condemnation (eis touto to krima). See 2 Peter 2:3 for krima and ekpalai. Palai here apparently alludes to Jude 1:14-15 (Enoch). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ungodly men (asebeis). Keynote of the Epistle (Mayor), in Jude 1:15 again as in 2 Peter 2:5; 2 Peter 3:7. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Turning (metatithentes). Present active participle of metatithηmi, to change, for which verb see Galatians 1:6. For the change of "grace" (charita) into "lasciviousness" (eis aselgeian) see 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 4:3; 2 Peter 2:19; 2 Peter 3:16. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our only Master and Lord (ton monon despotηn kai kurion hηmτn). For the force of the one article for one person see note on 2 Peter 1:1. For despotηn of Christ see 2 Peter 2:1. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Denying (arnoumenoi). So 2 Peter 2:1. See also Matthew 10:33; 1 Timothy 5:8; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:22. 7 "THE EPISTLE OF JUDE" Reminders Of God's Righteous Condemnation (Jude 1:5-7) 1. Exhorting his readers to "contend earnestly for the faith", in verse 4 Jude introduces the reason for them to take such as stand... a. "Certain men" have crept in unnoticed b. They were "ungodly men", guilty of: 1) Turning the grace of God into lewdness 2) Denying the Lord God and the Lord Jesus Christ 2. Jude also writes of these men that they were "long ago marked out for this condemnation"a. Some might infer that Jude meant that these men were predestined to act this way b. However, as Warren Wiersbe in The Bible Exposition Commentary correctly states: "Jude did not write that these men were ordained to Become apostates, as though God were responsible for their sin. They became apostates because they willfully turned away from the truth. But God did ordain that such people would be judged and condemned. The Old Testament prophets denounced the false prophets of their day, and both Jesus Christ and His Apostles pronounced judgment on them."c. Yes, what is ordained is their punishment, that those who turn from God will not escape His righteous condemnation! 3. To reinforce his point, Jude reminds his readers of three Examples in which the ungodly did not escape God's righteous condemnation - Jude 1:5-7a. Israel in the wilderness b. The angels who sinned c. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah 4. That we might be reminded as well, in this study we shall Briefly review what is known about these three "case histories" of divine judgment, and draw some points that can be gleaned from them a. If you feel a sense of "deja vu", it may be because Jude follows a pattern set by Peter in his second epistle - 2 Peter 2:4-6b. Jude's action is understandable, as he is warning against the very presence of those Peter had warned would one day come [There is a difference, however. Whereas Peter used as one of his examples the people destroyed in the flood, Jude selects the example of...] I. ISRAEL IN THE (Jude 1:5) A. THE OF THIS EXAMPLE...1. A well known event in Israel's history, God "saved" the nation by bringing them out of the land of Egypt 2. Yet despite their being recipients of His wonderful grace, God "destroyed" those who did not believe a. Their lack of faith required that they wander for 40 years in the wilderness b. So that those over the age of 20 when they left Egypt, none but two (Joshua and Caleb) entered the Promised Land 3. The final "tally": 603,550 men were "saved", but then 603,548 were "destroyed" B. THE POINT TO BE MADE FROM THIS EXAMPLE...1. God may destroy those He has saved! a. Paul made this point in writing to the Corinthians - 1 Corinthians 10:1-12b. The writer to the Hebrews made the same point - He 3:12-4:2,112. The reason? Lack of obedient faith! a. "God destroyed those who did not believe" - Jude 1:5b. "they could not enter in because of unbelief" - Hebrews 3:18-193. While the Bible teaches "the security of the believer" (cf. 1 Peter 1:5)... a. It warns against the believer developing a heart of unbelief b. It teaches "the insecurity of the unbeliever" 4. Therefore the Biblical admonition: "...let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." - 1 Corinthians 10:125. A recurring theme throughout the New Testament is this: "Remember what happened to Israel!" [Having reminded his readers that the example of Israel shows the possibility of "once saved, but destroyed", he then provides an example that shows God has a place reserved for the wicked...] II. THE ANGELS WHO SINNED (Jude 1:6) A. THE OF THIS EXAMPLE...1. Very little is known from the Scriptures themselves a. As described by Jude, there were angels who: 1) "did not keep their proper domain" 2) "left their own habitation" b. Peter simply writes that the angels "sinned" - 2 Peter 2:4c. A very old interpretation is that Jude refers to what is described in Genesis 6:1-41) Where "sons of God" is understood to refer to angels (as used in Job 1:6; Job 2:1; Job 38:7) who cohabited with the "daughters of men" 2) This interpretation of Gen 6:1-4 is common in Jewish literature (Enoch 7; 9:8; 10:11; 12:4), and Jude appears to quote from such literature later in verse 143) It is also found in intertestamental literature and the early church fathers (e.g., Justin in his Apology 2:5) 4) It fits in with the connection Jude later makes with the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah, that they had "gone after strange flesh" - Jude 1:72. What is clearer about these angels is their condemnation a. God has them "in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day" b. As worded by Peter in 2 Peter 2:4, God... 1) "cast them down to hell" a)The word for "hell" is tartaroo\ b) "Tartarus, thought of by the Greeks as a subterranean place lower than Hades where divine punishment was meted out, was so regarded in Jewish apocalyptic as well." (BAG, p. 813) 2) "delivered them to chains of darkness" (The NIV Renders it "gloomy dungeons") 3) "to be reserved for judgment" a) As Jude puts it, "for the judgment of the great day" b) Like to the scene described in Luke 16:19-31, where the wicked rich man was in torment awaiting the judgment at the Last Day B. THE POINT TO BE MADE FROM THIS EXAMPLE...1. God is prepared to render everlasting punishment to The wicked! a. He has the angels in "everlasting chains under darkness" - Jude 1:6b. For the "ungodly men" described later, He has "reserved the blackness of darkness forever" - Jude 1:132. Just as He had a place prepared for the angels who sinned, so He has a place prepared for the wicked and unbelievers! - cf. Revelation 21:8 [So God has demonstrated that He is prepared to punish the wicked. That He will do so is emphasized with one more example: The judgment that came upon...] III. THE CITIES OF SODOM AND (7) A. THE OF THIS EXAMPLE...1. The judgment against these cities is vividly described in Genesis 19:24-282. Why this terrible judgment? a. The LORD said it was "because their sin is very grievous" - Genesis 18:20b. Jude says that "in a similar manner to these" (the angels who sinned), they had: 1) "given themselves over to sexual immorality" 2) "gone after strange flesh" c. We see a sample of this in Genesis 19:4-11 B. THE POINT TO BE MADE FROM THIS EXAMPLE...1. Both Peter and Jude make the point that Sodom and Gomorrah are an "example" a. Peter, an example "to those who afterward would live ungodly" - 2 Peter 2:6b. Jude, an example of those "suffering the vengeance of eternal fire" - Jude 1:72. I.e., God has given us an example of the eternal fire Awaiting the subjects of His righteous vengeance! 1. We may be like the original recipients of Jude's letter, Well acquainted with these events... a. But Jude wanted to "remind" them - Jude 1:5b. And we need to be reminded often as well! 2. And what is it that we need to remember? a. Remember Israel, as an example of those once saved who were destroyed for lack of faith! b. Remember the angels who sinned, as an example of those whose incarceration tells us God has a place prepared for the wicked! c. Remember Sodom and Gomorrah, as an example that God will not withhold the vengeance of eternal fire when the time is right! 3. It is only when we keep such events in mind that we will... a. Take serious the warnings about those who would lead us astray! b. Take serious the admonitions designed to keep us preserved in Jesus Christ! Are you letting these examples serve their intended purpose? Will you let them motivate you to make whatever changes need to be made in your life? The "judgment of the great day" draws nearer... 6 Jude 1:6 Jude 1:6 αγγελουςG32 ANGELS τεG5037 AND τουςG3588 WHO μηG3361 τηρησανταςG5083 [G5660] KEPT NOT τηνG3588 εαυτωνG1438 THEIR OWN αρχηνG746 FIRST STATE, αλλαG235 BUT απολιπονταςG620 [G5631] LEFT τοG3588 ιδιονG2398 THEIR OWN οικητηριονG3613 , ειςG1519 UNTO "THE" κρισινG2920 OF μεγαληςG3173 "THE" GREAT ημεραςG2250 DAY δεσμοιςG1199 IN BONDS αιδιοιςG126 ETERNAL υποG5259 UNDER ζοφονG2217 τετηρηκενG5083 [G5758] HE KEEPS; angels: John 8:44 first estate: or, principality, Ephesians 6:12 he hath: Matthew 25:41, 2 Peter 2:4 unto: Matthew 8:29, Hebrews 10:27, Revelation 20:10 Exodus 10:21 - darkness Joshua 22:20 - General Job 4:18 - and his angels he charged with folly Job 21:22 - he judgeth Job 24:13 - nor abide Psalms 88:6 - darkness Isaiah 45:7 - create darkness Lamentations 3:2 - brought Matthew 8:29 - torment Matthew 22:13 - outer Matthew 25:41 - prepared Mark 5:7 - that John 8:12 - shall not John 8:44 - and abode Acts 1:25 - by Romans 11:10 - their eyes 1 Corinthians 6:3 - judge 1 Timothy 3:6 - the condemnation 1 Timothy 5:21 - the elect James 2:19 - the 2 Peter 2:4 - the angels 2 Peter 2:10 - in the 2 Peter 2:17 - darkness 2 Peter 3:10 - the day 1 John 3:8 - for Revelation 6:17 - the great Revelation 12:8 - their Revelation 20:1 - a great Revelation 20:2 - the dragon Jude 1:6. This has the same point as the preceding verse. These angels had a favorable estate at first, but left their own habitation (their proper domain). These are the angels that sinned in 2 Peter 2:4, and they are kept in everlasting chains under darkness which means Hades; they will be judged at the last day. And angels (aggelous de). The second example in Jude, the fallen angels, accusative case after tetηrηken (perfect active indicative of tηreτ, for which verb see 2 Peter 2:4; 2 Peter 2:7) at the end of the verse (two emphatic positions, beginning and end of the clause). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kept not (mη tηrηsantas). First aorist active participle with negative mη, with play on "kept not" and "he hath kept." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Principality (archηn). Literally, "beginning," "rule," (first place of power as in 1 Corinthians 15:24; Romans 8:38). In Acts 10:11 it is used for "corners" (beginnings) of the sheet. In Ephes. 6:12 the word is used for evil angels. See Deuteronomy 32:8. Both Enoch and Philo (and Milton) discuss the fallen angels. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- But left (alla apolipontas). Second aorist active participle of apoleipτ, old verb, to leave behind (2 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 4:20). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Their own proper habitation (to idion oikηtηrion). Old word for dwelling-place (from oikηtηr, dweller at home, from oikos), in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 5:2 (the body as the abode of the spirit). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In everlasting bonds (desmois aidiois). Either locative (in) or instrumental (by, with). Aidios (from aei, always), old adjective, in N.T. only here and Romans 1:20 (of God's power and deity). It is synonymous with aiτnios (Matthew 25:46). Mayor terms aidios an Aristotelian word, while aiτnios is Platonic. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under darkness (hupo zophon). See 2 Peter 2:4 for zophos. In Wisd. 17:2 we find desmioi skotous (prisoners of darkness). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Great (megalηs). Not in 2 Peter 2:9, which see for discussion. 7 Jude 1:7 Jude 1:7 ωςG5613 AS σοδομαG4670 SODOM καιG2532 AND γομορραG1116 καιG2532 AND αιG3588 THE περιG4012 AROUND αυταςG846 THEM πολειςG4172 CITIES, τονG3588 IN ομοιονG3664 LIKE τουτοιςG5125 WITH THEM τροπονG5158 MANNER εκπορνευσασαι G1608 [G5660] HAVING GIVEN TO καιG2532 AND απελθουσαι G565 [G5631] HAVING GONE οπισωG3694 AFTER σαρκοςG4561 FLESH ετεραςG2087 OTHER προκεινταιG4295 [G5736] ARE SET FORTH AS δειγμαG1164 AN EXAMPLE πυροςG4442 OF FIRE αιωνιουG166 ETERNAL δικηνG1349 "THE" PENALTY υπεχουσαιG5254 [G5723] . as: Genesis 13:13, Genesis 18:20, Genesis 19:24-26, Deuteronomy 29:23, Isaiah 1:9, Isaiah 13:19, Jeremiah 20:16, Jeremiah 50:40, Lamentations 4:6, Ezekiel 16:49-50, Hosea 11:8, Amos 4:11, Luke 17:29 strange: Gr. other, Genesis 19:5, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9 are: Matthew 11:24, 2 Peter 2:6 eternal: Deuteronomy 29:23, Isaiah 33:14, Matthew 25:41, Mark 9:43-49 Genesis 13:13 - But the Genesis 19:5 - General Genesis 19:7 - General Genesis 19:13 - Lord hath Genesis 19:24 - the Lord Genesis 19:28 - General Leviticus 18:22 - General Leviticus 20:13 - General Numbers 26:10 - they became a sign Judges 19:22 - Bring forth 1 Kings 15:12 - the sodomites 1 Kings 22:46 - the remnant Job 31:3 - a strange Proverbs 5:14 - General Isaiah 34:9 - General Jeremiah 20:16 - as Jeremiah 23:14 - Sodom Jeremiah 49:18 - in the Jeremiah 50:40 - General Ezekiel 16:46 - thy younger sister Ezekiel 16:50 - and committed Ezekiel 24:9 - I will Hosea 11:8 - Admah Amos 4:11 - as God Nahum 3:6 - will set Matthew 11:23 - in Sodom Mark 3:29 - but is Mark 6:11 - It shall Luke 17:29 - General Acts 1:25 - by Romans 1:26 - vile Romans 9:29 - Sodoma 1 Corinthians 10:6 - these 2 Corinthians 12:21 - uncleanness 1 Timothy 1:10 - defile 2 Peter 2:3 - whose 2 Peter 2:6 - turning Revelation 11:8 - Sodom Revelation 14:10 - be Revelation 19:3 - And her Jude 1:7. Even as denotes that the people of Sodom and Gomorrha will also be punished at the last day. Suffering the vengeance refers to the future judgment day. The last word means a sentence unto punishment the same as 2 Thessalonians 1:9. The destruction of those cities was for this world only and did not constitute the eternal fire, for that is to come at the day of judgment. But their destruction in Genesis was intended as an example for the warning of others, and when that calamity came upon them they were given this sentence to be carried out at the last day. Strange flesh refers to their filthy immorality as described in Romans 1:27. Even as (hτs). Just "as." The third instance (Jude passes by the deluge) in Jude, the cities of the plain. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The cities about them (hai peri autas poleis). These were also included, Admah and Zeboiim (Deuteronomy 29:23; Hosea 11:8). Zoar, the other city, was spared. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In like manner (ton homoion tropon). Adverbial accusative (cf. hτs). Like the fallen angels. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Having given themselves over to fornication (ekporneusasai). First aorist active participle feminine plural of ekporneuτ, late and rare compound (perfective use of ek, outside the moral law), only here in N.T., but in LXX (Genesis 38:24; Exodus 34:15-16, etc.). Cf. aselgeian in Jude 1:4. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strange flesh (sarkos heteras). Horrible licentiousness, not simply with women not their wives or in other nations, but even unnatural uses (Romans 1:27) for which the very word "sodomy" is used (Genesis 19:4-11). The pronoun heteras (other, strange) is not in 2 Peter 2:10. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are set forth (prokeintai). Present middle indicative of prokeimai, old verb, to lie before, as in Hebrews 12:1-2. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As an example (deigma). Predicate nominative of deigma, old word (from deiknumi to show), here only in N.T., sample, specimen. 2 Peter 2:6 has hupodeigma (pattern). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Suffering (hupechousai). Present active participle of hupechτ, old compound, to hold under, often with dikηn (right, justice, sentence 2 Thessalonians 1:9) to suffer sentence (punishment), here only in N.T. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Of eternal fire (puros aiτniou). Like desmois aidiois in Jude 1:7. Cf. the hell of fire (Matthew 5:22) and also Matthew 25:46. Jude has no mention of Lot. 6 "THE EPISTLE OF JUDE" The Ungodly Dreamers (Jude 1:8-16; Jude 1:19) 1. So far in this epistle, we have noticed that Jude has... a. Exhorted his readers to "contend earnestly for the faith" - Jude 1:3b. Made mention of "ungodly men" who have "crept in unnoticed" - Jude 1:41) Men who "turn the grace of our God into licentiousness" 2) And who "deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ" c. Reminded them of examples of God's righteous condemnation in the past - Jude 1:5-71) The nation of Israel in the wilderness 2) The angels who sinned 3) The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah 2. At this point, Jude follows the example set by Peter (cf. 2 Peter 2:10-17) and describes these "ungodly men"-Jude 1:8-16; Jude 1:19a. In doing so, Jude does more than simply repeat Peter b. He reinforces Peter's words and adds more information about these "ungodly men" 3. In this study we shall consider Jude's description of these "ungodly dreamers", noticing that what is said of them is summarized in 3Jud 1:8 : a. They "defile the flesh"b. They "reject authority"c. They "speak evil" [As Jude elaborates, he starts with the last of these, how...] I. THEY "SPEAK EVIL" (Jude 1:8-11) A. OF ... (Jude 1:8-9)1. The word "dignitaries" comes from doxa \, Meaning "dignity, glory (-ious), honour, praise, worship" a. It can refer to angelic beings, or those in positions of authority b. In either case, these "ungodly dreamers" would not hesitate to speak evil 2. To illustrate the folly of their behavior, the dispute over the body of Moses is given: a. Michael, the archangel, dared not bring a reviling accusation against the devil b. Saying only "The Lord rebuke you" -- How foolish, then, for these "dreamers" to speak evil of those in authority B. OF THEY DO NOT KNOW... (Jude 1:10-11)1. Unafraid to speak evil of dignitaries, they do not hesitate to speak evil of things they know nothing about! 2. And what they know naturally, in that they corrupt themselves! - cf. 2 Peter 2:123. In conducting themselves in this manner... a. They have gone in the way of Cain 1) Whose works were evil - 1 John 3:122) Who did not act out of faith - cf. Hebrews 11:4b. They have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit 1) Loved the wages of unrighteousness-2 Peter 2:15-162) Who put a stumblingblock before the children of Israel - cf. Revelation 2:14c. They have perished in the rebellion of Korah 1) A rebellion that was ostensibly against Moses and Aaron - Numbers 16:1-452) But was really against the Lord Himself - cf. Numbers 26:9 C. DOES THIS NOT CAUTION US ON HOW WE SPEAK OF OTHERS?1. James warned us about the dangers... a. Of the tongue - James 3:2-12b. Of speaking evil of brethren - James 4:11-12; James 5:92. Paul also wrote Titus to counsel Christians not to speak evil others - Titus 3:1-2-- When we add the example of the "ungodly dreamers" and Their quickness to speak evil of others, shouldn't we be very cautious of how we speak about others? [As we continue, we also notice concerning these "ungodly dreamers" that...] II. THEY "DEFILE THE FLESH" (Jude 1:12-15; Jude 1:19) A. THEY WERE "SPOTS" IN THE LOVE FEASTS... (Jude 1:12; Jude 1:19)1. Feasting "without fear, serving only themselves"; they were also "sensual persons" 2. In prophesying of their behavior, Peter elaborates: a. "carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you" - 2 Peter 2:13b. "having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, beguiling unstable souls" - 2 Peter 2:143. They took advantage of brethren's hospitality to engage in their lustful thoughts B. THE EXTENT OF THEIR VIVIDLY ... (Jude 1:12-13)1. "Clouds without water, carried about by the winds" a. Offering promise of blessing b. But not leaving any 2. "Late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots" a. Barren when fruit should be expected b. But even worse, beyond fruit-bearing because they are dead and cut off from any source of nourishment 3. "Raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame" a. Like the flotsam and jetsam spewed by the waves b. So their shame comes forth by their words and behavior 4. "Wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness Of darkness forever" a. Shining for a moment b. But without direction or orbit, they will eventually be gone forever! C. THEIR LONG AGO... (14-15)1. By Enoch, the man "who walked with God; and he was not, because God took him" - cf. Genesis 5:242. Enoch prophesied of the Lord's Coming... a. Coming with ten thousands of His saints (angels?) - cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:7b. Coming to execute judgment on all - cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9c. Coming to convict all who are ungodly (such as these ungodly dreamers) 1) Of their ungodly deeds committed in an ungodly way 2) Of harsh things spoken against the Lord by Ungodly sinners [So the judgment is sure upon these "ungodly dreamers" who speak evil and defile the flesh. But if that were not bad enough, we also learn from Jude that...] III. THEY "REJECT " (Jude 1:16; Jude 1:19) A. BY THE WAY THEY SPEAK...1. We have seen that they were quick to speak evil, contrary to apostolic teaching 2. Jude's description of them as "murmurers, complainers" also shows a lack of respect for apostolic authority - cf. 1 Corinthians 10:10; Philippians 2:143. Their use of flattery likewise was condemned by the Apostles - cf. Romans 16:17-18 B. BY THE WAY THEY WALK...1. "Walking according to their own lusts", as "sensual persons", clearly this was a rejection of apostolic authority and teaching - cf. 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 1:142. The same was true in "causing divisions"-Romans 16:17-18 1. The last phrase of Jud 1:19 truly sums up the condition of These "ungodly dreamers": "...not having the Spirit"a. Yes, when they "defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil..." - Jude 1:8b. They demonstrate that they are walking "according to the lusts of the flesh", not "according to the Spirit" - cf. Galatians 5:16-23 2. The end of these "ungodly dreamers" is clearly stated in The Scriptures... a. As emphasized by the apostle Paul: "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God"-Galatians 5:21b. As stated by Peter: "...to whom the gloom of darkness is reserved forever." - 2 Peter 2:17c. As stated by Jude: "for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever" - Jude 1:15 3. In our next study, we shall consider Jude's counsel on how we can avoid being misled by such "ungodly dreamers" Does Jude's characterization of these "ungodly dreamers" hit a little too close to home in some areas? If they do, why not make things right with God...? 9 Jude 1:9 Jude 1:9 οG3588 δεG1161 BUT μιχαηλG3413 MICHAEL οG3588 THE αρχαγγελοςG743 , οτεG3753 WHEN τωG3588 WITH THE διαβολωG1228 DEVIL διακρινομενος G1252 [G5734] διελεγετοG1256 [G5711] HE περιG4012 ABOUT τουG3588 THE μωσεωςG3475 OF MOSES σωματοςG4983 BODY, ουκG3756 ετολμησενG5111 [G5656] DID NOT CARE κρισινG2920 A CHARGE επενεγκεινG2018 [G5629] TO BRING AGAINST "HIM" βλασφημιαςG988 RAILING, αλλG235 BUT ειπεν G2036 [G5627] SAID, επιτιμησαι G2008 [G5659] REBUKE σοιG4671 THEE κυριοςG2962 "THE" LORD. Michael: It is most probable, that the Apostle took this account concerning Michael, and that of the prophesying of Enoch, from an ancient tradition preserved and well known among the Jews. Daniel 10:13, Daniel 10:21, Daniel 12:1, Revelation 12:7 archangel: 1 Thessalonians 4:16 the body: Deuteronomy 34:6 durst: Exodus 22:28, Isaiah 36:13-21, Mark 15:29, Luke 23:39-40, 1 Peter 3:9, 2 Peter 2:11 The Lord: 1 Chronicles 12:17, Isaiah 37:3-4, Isaiah 37:10-20, Zechariah 3:2 Genesis 31:42 - hath seen Deuteronomy 34:6 - he buried him 1 Chronicles 12:17 - rebuke it Proverbs 26:4 - General Daniel 10:13 - Michael Daniel 10:21 - Michael Daniel 12:1 - Michael Zechariah 3:2 - The Lord rebuke Matthew 5:22 - Whosoever Mark 9:25 - he rebuked Acts 9:29 - disputed Acts 23:5 - Thou Romans 15:18 - I will 1 Corinthians 4:12 - being reviled 1 Thessalonians 4:16 - the archangel 2 Timothy 3:4 - Traitors 2 Peter 2:11 - angels Revelation 12:7 - Michael Revelation 12:9 - the Devil Jude 1:9. The reference to Michael is for a contrast on the same principle as 2 Peter 2:11. Devil disputed about the body of Moses. All we know about this dispute is what is said here, but we learn from Deuteronomy 34:6 that no man knew his burying place; that does not say the devil and the angels did not know. We are not told what was the point in their discussion; the important thing is the mildness of Michael in contrast with the false teachers. Michael the archangel (ho Michael ho archaggelos). Michael is mentioned also in Daniel 10:13; Daniel 10:21; Daniel 12:1; Revelation 12:7. Archaggelos in N.T. occurs only here and 1 Thessalonians 4:16, but in Daniel 10:13; Daniel 10:20; Daniel 12:1. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contending with the devil (tτi diabolτi diakrinomenos). Present middle participle of diakrinτ, to separate, to strive with as in Acts 11:2. Dative case diabolτi. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When he disputed (hote dielegeto). Imperfect middle of dialegomai as in Mark 9:34. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Concerning the body of Moses (peri tou Mτuseτs sτmatos). Some refer this to Zechariah 3:1, others to a rabbinical comment on Deuteronomy 34:6. There is a similar reference to traditions in Acts 7:22; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2; 2 Timothy 3:8. But this explanation hardly meets the facts. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Durst not bring (ouk etolmηsen epenegkein). "Did not dare (first aorist active indicative of tolmaτ), to bring against him" (second aorist active infinitive of epipherτ). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A railing accusation (krisin blasphηmias). "Charge of blasphemy" where 2 Peter 2:11 has "blasphηmon krisin." Peter also has para kuriτi (with the Lord), not in Jude. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Lord rebuke thee (epitimηsai soi kurios). First aorist active optative of epitimaτ, a wish about the future. These words occur in Zechariah 3:1-10 where the angel of the Lord replies to the charges of Satan. Clement of Alex. (Adumb. in Ep. Judae) says that Jude quoted here the Assumption of Moses, one of the apocryphal books. Origen says the same thing. Mayor thinks that the author of the Assumption of Moses took these words from Zechariah and put them in the mouth of the Archangel Michael. There is a Latin version of the Assumption. Some date it as early as B.C. 2, others after A.D. 44. 0 Jude 1:10 Jude 1:10 ουτοιG3778 δεG1161 BUT THESE οσαG3745 THINGS μενG3303 ουκG3756 οιδασινG1492 [G5758] THEY KNOW NOT βλασφημουσιν G987 [G5719] THEY SPEAK EVIL OF οσαG3745 δεG1161 BUT THINGS φυσικωςG5447 ωςG5613 AS ταG3588 THE αλογαG249 ζωαG2226 ANIMALS, επιστανταιG1987 [G5736] THEY , ενG1722 IN τουτοιςG5125 THESE THINGS φθειρονται G5351 [G5743] THEY CORRUPT . speak: 2 Peter 2:12 in those: Romans 1:21-22 Leviticus 11:20 - General Deuteronomy 9:12 - corrupted 1 Samuel 17:28 - I know Matthew 7:16 - shall Matthew 12:45 - and the Acts 13:45 - spake Acts 19:9 - but spake Romans 1:26 - vile 1 Corinthians 15:32 - beasts 2 Corinthians 11:15 - whose Galatians 5:13 - only Ephesians 5:4 - filthiness Philippians 3:2 - evil 1 Timothy 1:19 - which 1 Timothy 6:4 - He 2 Timothy 3:2 - blasphemers Titus 3:2 - speak 1 Peter 2:15 - the ignorance 1 Peter 4:4 - speaking 2 Peter 2:2 - evil 2 Peter 2:10 - in the 2 Peter 2:12 - as natural Jude 1:10. This means they act more like beasts than men. (See 2 Peter 2:12). Whatsoever things they know not (hosa ouk oidasin). Here 2 Peter 2:12 has en hois agnoousin. The rest of the sentence is smoother than 2 Peter 2:12. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naturally (phusikτs). Here only in N.T. 2 Peter 2:12 has gegennηmena phusika. Jude has the article ta with aloga zτa and the present passive phtheirontai instead of the future passive phtharηsontai. 1 Jud 1:11 Jude 1:11 ουαιG3759 WOE αυτοιςG846 TO THEM! οτιG3754 BECAUSE τηG3588 IN THE οδωG3598 WAY τουG3588 OF καινG2535 CAIN επορευθησαν G4198 [G5675] THEY WENT, καιG2532 AND τηG3588 TO THE πλανηG4106 ERROR τουG3588 OF βαλααμG903 BALAAM μισθουG3408 FOR REWARD εξεχυθησαν G1632 [G5681] RUSHED, καιG2532 AND τηG3588 IN THE αντιλογιαG485 τουG3588 OF κορεG2879 KORAH απωλοντο G622 [G5639] . Woe: Isaiah 3:9, Isaiah 3:11, Jeremiah 13:27, Ezekiel 13:3, Zechariah 11:17, Matthew 11:21, Matthew 23:13-16, Luke 11:42-47 for: Genesis 4:5-14, 1 John 3:12 ran: Numbers 22:1 - Numbers 24:25, Numbers 31:16, Deuteronomy 23:4, Joshua 24:9-11, Micah 6:5, 2 Peter 2:15, Revelation 2:14 perished: Numbers 16:1-35, Numbers 26:9-10, Korah Genesis 4:8 - Cain rose Numbers 16:1 - Korah Numbers 16:33 - they perished Numbers 16:40 - that no Numbers 22:5 - sent Numbers 22:7 - rewards of divination Numbers 22:19 - General Numbers 22:23 - the ass saw Numbers 23:1 - Build me Numbers 24:17 - I shall see him Numbers 26:9 - General Numbers 31:8 - Balaam Joshua 13:22 - Balaam 2 Samuel 16:3 - day 2 Kings 16:16 - General Proverbs 30:15 - Give Isaiah 10:1 - Woe Isaiah 56:11 - they are Jeremiah 51:13 - and the Ezekiel 22:12 - greedily Micah 3:11 - and the prophets Micah 6:5 - Balaam Habakkuk 2:9 - that coveteth an evil covetousness Matthew 11:21 - Woe Matthew 13:22 - the care Matthew 18:7 - but Mark 14:11 - and promised Luke 22:5 - and covenanted Ephesians 4:19 - with Philippians 4:17 - because 1 Thessalonians 2:5 - a cloak 1 Timothy 3:3 - not greedy 1 Timothy 6:5 - supposing 1 Timothy 6:9 - they 1 Timothy 6:10 - coveted 2 Timothy 3:2 - covetous Hebrews 11:4 - a more Hebrews 13:5 - conversation James 5:19 - err 2 Peter 2:3 - through 2 Peter 2:14 - an heart 2 Peter 2:15 - who 1 John 3:12 - as Revelation 2:14 - Balaam Jude 1:11. Way of Cain refers to his life of wicked selfishness, and they are compared to Balaam because of his willingness to be bribed. Gainsaying means contention for one's personal desires. Such a person is like Core (Korah in Numbers 16). Woe to them (ouai autois). Interjection with the dative as is common in the Gospels (Matthew 11:21). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Went (eporeuthηsan). First aorist passive (deponent) indicative of poreuomai. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the way of Cain (tηi hodτi tou Kain). Locative case hodτi. Cain is Jude's fourth example. Not in 2 Peter, but in Hebrews 11:4; 1 John 3:11-12. From Genesis 4:7. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ran riotously (exechuthηsan). First aorist passive indicative of ekcheτ, to pour out, "they were poured out," vigorous metaphor for excessive indulgence. But it is used also of God's love for us (Romans 5:5). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the error of Balaam (tηi planηi tou Balaam). The fifth example in Jude. In 2 Peter also (2 Peter 2:15). Either locative case (in) or instrumental (by). Planη (in Peter also) is the common word for such wandering (Matthew 24:4 ff., etc.). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Perished (apτlonto). Second aorist middle (intransitive) of apollumi. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the gainsaying of Korah (tηi antilogiβi tou Kore). Again either locative or instrumental. The word antilogia is originally answering back (Hebrews 6:16), but it may be by act also (Romans 10:21) as here. This is the sixth example in Jude, not in 2 Peter. 2Jud 1:12 Jude 1:12 ουτοιG3778 THESE εισινG1526 [G5748] ARE ενG1722 IN ταιςG3588 αγαπαιςG26 υμωνG5216 YOUR LOVE FEASTS σπιλαδεςG4694 SUNKEN ROCKS συνευωχουμενοι G4910 [G5740] "WITH YOU" αφοβωςG870 , εαυτουςG1438 ποιμαινοντες G4165 [G5723] ; νεφελαιG3507 CLOUDS ανυδροιG504 WITHOUT WATER, υποG5259 BY ανεμωνG417 WINDS περιφερομεναι G4064 [G5746] BEING CARRIED ABOUT δενδραG1186 TREES φθινοπωρινα G5352 ακαρπαG175 WITHOUT FRUIT διςG1364 TWICE αποθανοντα G599 [G5631] DEAD, εκριζωθεντα G1610 [G5685] ROOTED UP are spots: 2 Peter 2:13-14 feasts: 1 Corinthians 11:21-22 feeding: Psalms 78:29-31, Isaiah 56:10-12, Ezekiel 34:8, Ezekiel 34:18, Luke 12:19-20, Luke 12:45, Luke 16:19, Luke 21:34, Philippians 3:19, 1 Thessalonians 5:6-7, James 5:5 clouds: Proverbs 25:14, Hosea 6:4, 2 Peter 2:17 carried: Ephesians 4:14 trees: Psalms 1:3, Psalms 37:2, Matthew 13:6, Matthew 21:19-20, Mark 4:6, Mark 11:21, Luke 8:6, John 15:4-6 twice: 1 Timothy 5:6, Hebrews 6:4-8, 2 Peter 2:18-20 plucked: 2 Chronicles 7:20, Ezekiel 17:9, Matthew 15:13, Mark 11:20 Leviticus 14:43 - General 1 Samuel 2:15 - General 2 Chronicles 7:20 - I pluck Job 6:15 - as the stream Job 8:17 - roots Psalms 1:3 - shall not Psalms 92:14 - They Proverbs 21:16 - remain Proverbs 23:1 - General Proverbs 23:33 - and Proverbs 25:14 - boasteth Proverbs 30:15 - Give Ecclesiastes 7:6 - as Isaiah 5:12 - the harp Isaiah 57:20 - like Ezekiel 17:10 - shall it Ezekiel 18:24 - when Ezekiel 34:8 - the shepherds Matthew 7:17 - but Matthew 7:19 - bringeth Matthew 13:22 - choke Matthew 21:19 - the fig tree Matthew 24:49 - and to Mark 4:6 - no root Mark 4:19 - unfruitful Mark 11:20 - General Luke 6:44 - For of Luk 8:13 - and these Luke 11:26 - and the Luke 12:45 - to eat Luke 15:24 - this Luke 23:31 - General John 15:6 - he Romans 16:18 - but 1 Corinthians 6:12 - but I 1 Corinthians 11:21 - and one Philippians 3:19 - whose God Colossians 2:7 - Rooted Hebrews 10:39 - we are James 1:6 - he James 5:5 - have lived 2 Peter 2:13 - the reward 2 Peter 2:17 - are wells Revelation 3:1 - and art Jude 1:12. Spots is a figure of speech drawn from a hidden rock in the sea that wrecks the vessels. Jude says they will come to the feasts of charity (love feasts, 2 Peter 2:13) for the purpose of feeding themselves. Clouds without water is explained at 2 Peter 2:17. Trees . . . twice dead is another figure, indicating something utterly useless; the same is meant by being plucked up by the roots. Hidden rocks (spilades). Old word for rocks in the sea (covered by the water), as in Homer, here only in N.T. 2 Peter 2:13 has spiloi. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Love-feasts (agapais). Undoubtedly the correct text here, though A C have apatais as in 2 Peter 2:14. For disorder at the Lord's Supper (and love-feasts?) see 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. The Gnostics made it worse, so that the love-feasts were discontinued. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When they feast with you (suneuτchoumenoi). See 2 Peter 2:13 for this very word and form. Masculine gender with houtoi hoi rather than with the feminine spilades. Cf. Revelation 11:4. Construction according to sense. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shepherds that feed themselves (heautous poimainontes). "Shepherding themselves." Cf. Revelation 7:17 for this use of poimainτ. Clouds without water (nephelai anudroi). Nephelη common word for cloud (Matthew 24:30). 2 Peter 2:17 has pηgai anudroi (springs without water) and then homichlai (mists) and elaunomenai (driven) rather than peripheromenai here (borne around, whirled around, present passive participle of peripherτ to bear around), a powerful picture of disappointed hopes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Autumn trees (dendra phthinopτrina). Late adjective (Aristotle, Polybius, Strabo) from phthinτ, to waste away, and opτra, autumn, here only in N.T. For akarpa (without fruit) see 2 Peter 1:8. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twice dead (dis apothanonta). Second aorist active participle of apothnηskτ. Fruitless and having died. Having died and also "uprooted" (ekrizτthenta). First aorist passive participle of ekrizoτ, late compound, to root out, to pluck up by the roots, as in Matthew 13:29. 3 Jud 1:13 Jude 1:13 κυματαG2949 WAVES αγριαG66 WILD θαλασσηςG2281 OF "THE" SEA επαφριζοντα G1890 [G5723] FOAMING OUT ταςG3588 εαυτωνG1438 THEIR OWN αισχυναςG152 SHAMES; αστερεςG792 STARS πλανηταιG4107 οιςG3739 TO WHOM οG3588 THE ζοφοςG2217 GLOOM τουG3588 OF σκοτουςG4655 ειςG1519 τονG3588 FOREVER αιωναG165 HAS τετηρηταιG5083 [G5769] BEEN KEPT Raging: Psalms 65:7, Psalms 93:3-4, Isaiah 57:20, Jeremiah 5:22-23 foaming: Philippians 3:19, 2 Timothy 3:13 wandering: Revelation 8:10-11 to whom: 2 Peter 2:17, Revelation 14:10-11, Revelation 20:10, Revelation 21:8 Exodus 10:21 - darkness Numbers 25:6 - in the sight of Moses 1 Samuel 2:9 - be silent Job 15:30 - depart Job 18:18 - He shall be driven Job 20:26 - darkness Job 21:30 - the wicked Psalms 49:19 - never Psalms 88:6 - darkness Psalms 88:12 - dark Proverbs 20:20 - his Proverbs 23:33 - and Proverbs 24:20 - candle Proverbs 25:14 - boasteth Proverbs 27:8 - man Ecclesiastes 7:6 - as Isaiah 8:22 - look Isaiah 45:7 - create darkness Isaiah 47:5 - silent Jeremiah 23:12 - in the Jeremiah 44:25 - Ye and Lamentations 3:2 - brought Hosea 10:7 - the water Joe 2:2 - A day of darkness Amos 5:20 - darkness Matthew 8:12 - be cast Matthew 22:13 - outer Matthew 25:30 - outer Mark 3:29 - but is Mark 9:18 - he foameth Luke 11:26 - and the Luke 12:45 - to eat John 8:12 - shall not John 15:6 - he Romans 11:10 - their eyes Ephesians 4:29 - no Ephesians 5:4 - filthiness Philippians 3:18 - many Philippians 3:19 - end Colossians 3:8 - filthy 2 Thessalonians 1:9 - be Hebrews 10:39 - we are James 1:6 - he 2 Peter 2:4 - to be 2 Peter 2:17 - are wells 2 Peter 2:18 - they speak Revelation 8:10 - a great Jude 1:13. Raging waves is used because such things make great disturbances but accomplish nothing but threatening appearances. Wandering stars refers to the planets that seem to have no fixed position and these men are like that. Blackness of darkness refers to the "outer darkness" awaiting the wicked. Wild waves (kumata agria). Waves (Matthew 8:24, from kueτ, to swell) wild (from agros, field, wild honey Matthew 3:4) like untamed animals of the forest or the sea. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Foaming out (epaphrizonta). Late and rare present active participle of epaphrizτ, used in Moschus for the foaming waves as here. Cf. Isaiah 57:20. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shame (aischunas). Plural "shames" (disgraces). Cf. Philippians 3:19. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wandering stars (asteres planηtai). "Stars wanderers." Planηtηs, old word (from planaτ), here alone in N.T. Some refer this to comets or shooting stars. See Isaiah 14:12 for an allusion to Babylon as the day-star who fell through pride. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For ever (eis aiτna). The rest of the relative clause exactly as in 2 Peter 2:17. 4 Jude 1:14 Jude 1:14 προεφητευσεν G4395 [G5656] δεG1161 AND καιG2532 ALSO τουτοιςG5125 AS TO THEE εβδομοςG1442 "THE" SEVENTH αποG575 FROM αδαμG76 ADAM ενωχG1802 ENOCH, λεγωνG3004 [G5723] SAYING ιδουG2400 [G5628] BEHOLD ηλθενG2064 [G5627] CAME "THE" κυριοςG2962 LORD ενG1722 AMIDST μυριασινG3461 MYRIADS αγιαιςG40 HOLY αυτουG846 HIS, Enoch: Genesis 5:18, Genesis 5:24, 1 Chronicles 1:1-3, Hebrews 11:5-6 Behold: Deuteronomy 33:2, Job 19:25-27, Psalms 50:3-5, Daniel 7:9-10, Zechariah 14:5, Matthew 16:27, Matthew 24:30-31, Matthew 25:31, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, Revelation 1:7 Genesis 5:18 - Enoch Genesis 6:3 - My Numbers 24:17 - I shall see him Deuteronomy 33:2 - ten thousands 1 Chronicles 1:3 - Henoch Job 19:25 - he shall Psalms 50:5 - my saints Psalms 89:5 - in the congregation Psalms 94:4 - shall Isaiah 26:21 - Lord Daniel 4:13 - an holy Daniel 7:10 - thousand thousands Daniel 8:13 - one saint Daniel 12:13 - stand Zechariah 14:5 - the Lord Malachi 3:5 - I will come Matthew 12:36 - every Matthew 13:39 - reapers Matthew 16:27 - with Matthew 25:6 - Behold Matthew 25:31 - the Son Matthew 26:53 - and he Mark 8:38 - when Luke 9:26 - when Luke 12:3 - whatsoever John 1:51 - and the Acts 17:31 - he hath appointed Romans 14:10 - for 1 Corinthians 4:5 - until 1 Corinthians 6:2 - the saints 1 Corinthians 11:26 - till 1 Corinthians 16:22 - Anathema 2 Corinthians 5:10 - we 1 Thessalonians 3:13 - with 1 Thessalonians 4:14 - God 2 Thessalonians 1:7 - when Hebrews 1:14 - ministering Hebrews 6:2 - eternal Hebrews 11:5 - Enoch Hebrews 12:22 - an innumerable 1 Peter 4:5 - shall 2 Peter 1:16 - coming 2 Peter 2:5 - a preacher 2 Peter 2:9 - and Revelation 1:7 - and every Revelation 19:14 - the armies Jude 1:14. The Bible does not record this prophecy of Enoch, but Jude was an inspired man and knew what he was talking about. Seventh from Adam means he was in that numerical place in the genealogy of Christ. The ten thousand saints include those mentioned in Matthew 27:52-53. For complete comments on this subject see those at Romans 8:29-30 in the first volume of the New Testament Commentary. And to these also (de kai toutois). Dative case, for these false teachers as well as for his contemporaries. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Enoch the seventh from Adam (hebdomos apo Adam Henτch). The genealogical order occurs in Genesis 5:4-20, with Enoch as seventh. He is so termed in Enoch 60:8; Genesis 93:3. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prophesied (eprophηteusen). First aorist active indicative of prophηteuτ. If the word is given its ordinary meaning as in 1 Peter 1:10, then Jude terms the Book of Enoch an inspired book. The words quoted are "a combination of passages from Enoch" (Bigg), chiefly from Enoch 1:9. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- With ten thousand of his holy ones (en hagiais muriasin autou). "With (en of accompaniment, Luke 14:31) his holy ten thousands" (murias regular word, feminine gender, for ten thousand, Acts 19:19, there an unlimited number like our myriads, Luke 12:1). 5 Jude 1:15 Jude 1:15 ποιησαιG4160 [G5658] TO EXECUTE κρισινG2920 καταG2596 AGAINST παντωνG3956 ALL, καιG2532 AND εξελεγξαιG1827 [G5658] TO CONVICT πανταςG3956 ALL τουςG3588 THE ασεβειςG765 UNGODLY αυτωνG846 OF THEM περιG4012 παντωνG3956 ALL τωνG3588 OF εργωνG2041 WORKS ασεβειαςG763 αυτωνG846 THEIR ωνG3739 WHICH ησεβησανG764 [G5656] THEY DID καιG2532 AND περιG4012 παντωνG3956 ALL τωνG3588 THE σκληρωνG4642 HARD ωνG3739 "THINGS" WHICH ελαλησανG2980 [G5656] SPOKE κατG2596 AGAINST αυτουG846 HIM αμαρτωλοιG268 SINNERS ασεβειςG765 UNGODLY. execute: Psalms 9:7-8, Psalms 37:6, Psalms 50:1-6, Psalms 98:9, Psalms 149:9, Ecclesiastes 11:9, Ecclesiastes 12:14, John 5:22-23, John 5:27, Acts 17:31, Romans 2:16, Romans 14:10, 1 Corinthians 4:5, 1 Corinthians 5:13, Revelation 22:12-15, Revelation 22:20 convince: Romans 2:5, Romans 3:19-20 and of all: Jude 1:16, Exodus 16:8, 1 Samuel 2:3, Psalms 31:18, Psalms 73:9, Psalms 94:4, Isaiah 37:22-36, Daniel 7:20, Daniel 11:36, Malachi 3:13-15, Matthew 12:31-37, Revelation 13:5-6, Revelation 13:11 Genesis 5:18 - Enoch Genesis 6:3 - My Numbers 24:17 - I shall see him 1 Samuel 2:3 - let not arrogancy Psalms 1:5 - shall Psalms 31:18 - grievous things Psalms 89:5 - in the congregation Psalms 94:4 - shall Psalms 99:4 - executest Psalms 139:20 - for they speak Isaiah 3:8 - because Isaiah 26:21 - Lord Jeremiah 23:36 - for every Ezekiel 11:9 - and will Ezekiel 25:11 - I will Ezekiel 35:13 - with Daniel 12:13 - stand Zechariah 14:5 - the Lord Malachi 3:5 - I will come Matthew 12:36 - every Matthew 25:6 - Behold Matthew 25:27 - oughtest Mark 8:38 - when Luke 6:45 - and an Luke 12:3 - whatsoever Luke 19:21 - because John 16:8 - reprove Acts 17:31 - he hath appointed Acts 20:30 - speaking Romans 5:6 - ungodly Romans 14:10 - for 1 Corinthians 6:2 - the saints 1 Corinthians 16:22 - Anathema 2 Corinthians 5:10 - we 1 Thessalonians 4:14 - God 2 Thessalonians 1:7 - when Hebrews 6:2 - eternal Hebrews 9:27 - but James 2:9 - are James 3:6 - a world 1 Peter 4:5 - shall 1 Peter 4:18 - where 2 Peter 2:2 - evil 2 Peter 2:3 - whose 2 Peter 2:5 - a preacher 2 Peter 2:9 - and 2 Peter 2:18 - they speak Jude 1:15. This verse describes some of the work Jesus will do when he comes at the last day. Convince means to convict and punish these ungodly persons. All their ungodly deeds and hard speeches are considered as being against Him. To execute judgment (poiηsai krisin). "To do justice." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To convict (elegxai). First aorist (effective) active infinitive like poiηsai before it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ungodly (asebeis). See Jude 1:4 and end of this verse. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Of ungodliness (asebeias). Old word as in Romans 1:18, plural in Jude 1:18 as in Romans 11:26. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Which (hτn). Genitive by attraction from ha (cognate accusative with ηsebηsan, old verb, to act impiously, here alone in N.T. save some MSS. in 2 Peter 2:6) to agree with the antecedent ergτn (deeds). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hard things (sklηrτn). Harsh, rough things as in John 6:60. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Which (hτn). Genitive by attraction from ha (object of elalηsan, first aorist active indicative of laleτ) to the case of the antecedent sklηrτn. Four times in this verse as a sort of refrain asebeis (twice), asebeias, ηsebηsan. 6 Jude 1:16 Jude 1:16 ουτοιG3778 THESE εισινG1526 [G5748] ARE γογγυσταιG1113 , μεμψιμοιροιG3202 , καταG2596 AFTER ταςG3588 επιθυμιαςG1939 αυτωνG846 THEIR LUSTS πορευομενοι G4198 [G5740] WALKING; καιG2532 AND τοG3588 στομαG4750 αυτωνG846 THEIR MOUTH λαλειG2980 [G5719] SPEAKS υπερογκαG5246 GREAT "WORDS", θαυμαζοντεςG2296 [G5723] προσωπαG4383 PERSONS ωφελειαςG5622 PROFIT χαρινG5484 FOR THE SAKE OF. remember: Malachi 4:4, Acts 20:35, Ephesians 2:20, Ephesians 4:11, 2 Peter 3:2, 1 John 4:6 1 Corinthians 14:37 - let Ephesians 3:5 - as it Ephesians 4:11 - he 2 Timothy 3:1 - in 2 Peter 1:12 - I will not 2 Peter 3:2 - and of 1 John 4:6 - We are Revelation 18:20 - and ye Revelation 21:14 - and in Jude 1:16. Murmurers and complainers are usually those who wish to walk after their own lusts. They speak great swelling words for their effect upon those whom they think they can deceive. Having men's persons (de-sirable appearances) in admiration. That is, they become "respecter of persons" for their own personal advantage. The whole passage describes people extremely selfish.em. Murmurers (goggustai). Late onomatopoetic word for agent, from gogguzτ (Matthew 20:11; 1 Corinthians 10:10) in the LXX (Exodus 16:8; Numbers 11:1; Numbers 11:14-29). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Complainers (mempsimoiroi). Rare word (Isocrates, Aristotle, Plutarch) from memphomai to complain and moira lot or fate. Here alone in N.T. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lusts (epithumias). As in 2 Peter 3:3. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Swelling (huperogka). So in 2 Peter 2:18 (big words). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Showing respect of persons (thaumazontes prosτpa). Present active participle of thaumazτ to admire, to wonder at. Nowhere else in N.T. with prosτpa, but a Hebraism (in Leviticus 19:15; Job 13:10) like lambanein prosτpon (Luke 20:21) and blepein prosτpon (Matthew 22:16) and prosopτlempteτ (James 2:9). Cf. James 2:1. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the sake of advantage (τpheleias charin). To themselves. See also Jude 1:11. The covetousness of these Gnostic leaders is plainly shown in 2 Peter 2:3; 2 Peter 2:14. For charin as preposition with genitive see Ephesians 3:1; Ephesians 3:14. 3 "THE EPISTLE OF JUDE" Exhortations To The Beloved (Jude 1:17-23) 1. Up to this point, Jude has established the "need" for his readers to contend earnestly for the faith... a. With reminders of God's righteous condemnation of the ungodly - Jude 1:5-7b. With a vivid depiction of the ungodly men who have crept in unnoticed - Jude 1:9-16; Jude 1:19 2. Now Jude provides a series of exhortations designed to make Sure that they stand strong in the faith "once for all delivered to the saints" - Jude 1:17-23 3. Twice in these verses, Jude addresses his readers as "beloved" - Jude 1:17; Jude 1:20a. As an appellation, the term "beloved" is used frequently in the Scriptures 1) By Paul in Romans 12:192) By the author of Hebrews - Hebrews 6:93) By Peter in 1 Peter 2:114) By John - 1 John 4:1; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:115) And by Jude at the beginning of his epistle in Jude 1:3b. It describes those addressed as being very dear to the heart of the one using it 4. It is with such love in his heart that we find Jude giving The exhortations necessary to keep from being misled by the ungodly [As we consider these "Exhortations To The Beloved", let us bear in mind that as God's children we too are "beloved" (beloved of God – Romans 1:7) and that these exhortations are therefore directed to us as well. The first exhortation, designed to keep us from stumbling, is to...] I. THE WORDS SPOKEN BEFORE (Jude 1:17-18) A. WHO SPOKE THEM...1. They were the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. That is, those duly appointed and sent out by Jesus Himself 3. To heed them is to heed the Lord Himself - cf. John 13:20 B. WHAT THEY SAID...1. That there would be mockers in the last time - cf. 2 Peter 3:1-32. That they would walk according to their own ungodly Lusts - cf. 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Timothy 4:3-4 [For us today, we must remember what they wrote. This implies diligent study of the Word of God on our part. The need for such study is also implied in the next exhortation...] II. BUILD UP IN THE MOST HOLY FAITH (20) A. TO "BUILD UP" GROWTH...1. It is not enough to just lay down one level of knowledge and understanding 2. We must continue to build upon it, as Peter expressed it: "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" - 2 Peter 3:183. We therefore need to take advantage of opportunities to study and learn B. TO BUILD UP "" ...1. While God, family, and brethren will be there to encourage you 2. You must accept personal responsibility and make the effort C. "THE MOST HOLY FAITH" IS THAT "FAITH ONCE ..."1. It is that body of doctrine in which our personal faith is to rest 2. It is that body of doctrine which has been revealed "one time for all times" 3. Which of course pertains to what our Lord Jesus Christ has done and will do for us! [These first two exhortations stress the importance of our "continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42), that is, to study diligently and apply the Word of God to our lives. But Bible study alone will not suffice; there is also the need to...] III. PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT (Jude 1:20) A. PRAYER IS THE TO THE WORD OF GOD...1. By the Word of God, God speaks to us; by prayer, we speak to God 2. The Word of God is a source of strength and comfort to us; but then, so also is prayer - cf. Philippians 4:6-73. Think of prayer and the Word of God as the "two legs" Upon which our spiritual well-being stands; both are need to be well-balanced in our spiritual growth B. WHAT IS MEANT BY PRAYING "IN THE SPIRIT"?1. Jude does not elaborate, nor does Paul, who uses the expression in Ephesians 6:182. But Paul does use the expression "walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25), which suggests walking or living according to the Spirit's direction as found in the Word of God 3. Perhaps "praying in the Spirit" simply emphasizes that our prayers be in harmony with what the Spirit teaches in the Word of God, which is akin to what John wrote in 1 John 5:14 [Diligent Bible study and prayer are certainly essential to keep from falling. But as we continue to consider Jude's "Exhortations To The Beloved", we learn there is more we need to do...] IV. KEEP IN THE LOVE OF GOD (Jude 1:21) A. AGAIN, WE SEE THE NEED FOR ...1. We are called upon to "keep yourselves..." 2. The word for "keep" is the same word translated "preserved" in Jude 1:13. So while we are indeed "preserved in Jesus Christ", Our remaining preserved in Christ is affected by our Willing cooperation with God 4. As Peter wrote, we are "kept by the power of God Through faith" - 1 Peter 1:5a. The power of God is the divine contribution to keeping us safe b. Remaining faithful is the human contribution to being kept safe B. KEEPING IN GOD'S LOVE...1. Jesus taught that keeping the commandments is the key To abiding in God's love a. How we will be loved by our Father - John 14:21; John 14:23b. It is how we will loved by the Son - John 15:9-102. This is not legalism, but a simple recognition of the importance of doing what God (and Christ) commands... a. Observing the commandments of Christ are an essential element of recognizing the Lord's authority and keeping the Great Commission - Matthew 28:18-20b. Keeping the commandments of God is what really matters, as far as Paul is concerned - 1 Corinthians 7:193. It is also the ultimate proof that we love God and His children - cf. 1 John 5:2-3 [So to Bible study and prayer we must add the actual application of God's Word to our lives if we wish to keep from falling. But to avoid turning our efforts to keep the commandments of God into legalism or thinking that we somehow earn our salvation, we need to heed the next exhortation...] V. LOOK FOR THE MERCY OF OUR LORD (Jude 1:21) A. WE MUST ALWAYS BE LOOKING FORWARD...1. Looking forward to "the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" - cf. Titus 2:11-132. Looking forward to "the coming of the day of God" - 2 Peter 3:10-123. Looking for that "new heavens and a new earth in Which righteousness dwells" - 2 Peter 3:13-14 B. AS IT TO ETERNAL LIFE AND MERCY...1. Eternal life is not something we earn, but is graciously given in Christ Jesus - Romans 6:232. We are saved, not by works of righteousness, but according to mercy, that we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal- Titus 3:4-73. Thus, the prayer that Paul had for Onesiphorus should be the prayer that we all have for ourselves: "The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day" - 2 Timothy 1:18 [The final exhortation speaks not so much to what we can do to keep ourselves from falling, but what we should do to save others in danger...] VI. BE , WITH FEAR (Jude 1:22-23) A. THE NEED FOR ...1. First, to save ourselves, for mercy will only be shown to the merciful - James 2:132. But also to save those who are in danger a. Compassion is needed to move us to action - cf. Matthew 9:36-38; Matthew 10:1a. Compassion is needed to properly handle those in danger - Galatians 6:1; 2 Timothy 2:24-25 B. THE NEED FOR FEAR...1. Lest we be caught up in the same error of the wicked - cf. Galatians 6:12. That we might be motivated to persuade those in danger of being lost - cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 1. Here, then, are Jude's final "Exhortations To The Beloved"... a. Remember the words spoken before (Jude 1:17-18) b. Build yourselves up in the most holy faith (Jude 1:20) c. Pray in the spirit (Jude 1:20) d. Keep yourselves in the love of God (Jude 1:21) e. Look for the mercy of our Lord (Jude 1:21) f. Be compassionate, with fear (Jude 1:22-23) 2. These exhortations might easily be called: a. "How To Keep From Falling" b. "How To Contend Earnestly For The Faith" -- For that is what Jude is seeking to do in writing these words of exhortation 3. Do we not see the need for heeding these same exhortations ourselves? a. Do we not face the same danger today? b. Do we not desire the same blessings promised to the original recipients of this letter? 4. May these words of Jude to his beloved serve as a guide for Us today... a. Imagine the blessedness of a congregation in which every member is heeding these exhortations! b. Imagine the blessedness of seeing everyone in this congregation receiving the mercy of the Lord on that Day! Beloved, are you keeping yourselves in the love of God today by keeping His commandments...? 8 Jude 1:18 Jude 1:18 οτιG3754 THAT ελεγονG3004 [G5707] THEY SAID υμινG5213 TO YOU, οτιG3754 THAT ενG1722 IN "THE" εσχατωG2078 LAST χρονωG5550 TIME εσονταιG2071 [G5704] THERE WILL BE εμπαικταιG1703 MOCKERS, καταG2596 AFTER ταςG3588 OWN εαυτωνG1438 THEIR επιθυμιαςG1939 DESIRES πορευομενοιG4198 [G5740] WALKING τωνG3588 OF ασεβειωνG763 . there: Acts 20:29, 1 Timothy 4:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 2 Timothy 3:13, 2 Timothy 4:3, 2 Peter 2:1, 2 Peter 3:3 who: Jude 1:16, Psalms 14:1-2 Job 11:3 - mockest Proverbs 14:9 - Fools Ecclesiastes 11:8 - yet Isaiah 30:8 - the time to come Romans 5:6 - ungodly Romans 6:12 - in the lusts Galatians 6:7 - God 1 Timothy 4:1 - the latter 2 Timothy 3:3 - incontinent 2 Timothy 3:6 - divers 2 Timothy 3:8 - men Titus 2:12 - denying Hebrews 1:2 - these 2 Peter 2:1 - even 2 Peter 3:3 - that there 1 John 2:18 - it is Jude 1:18. A mocker is one who makes fun of that which he cannot meet otherwise. The motive they have is their desire to walk after their own ungodly lusts. How that (hoti). Declarative hoti as in Jude 1:5. See discussion of 2 Peter 3:3 for differences, no en empaigmonηi here and no tτn asebeiτn there. Jude 1:19 Jude 1:19 ουτοιG3778 THESE εισινG1526 [G5748] ARE οιG3588 THEY WHO αποδιοριζοντεςG592 [G5723] SET APART "", ψυχικοιG5591 NATURAL "MEN", "THE" πνευμαG4151 SPIRIT μηG3361 NOT εχοντεςG2192 [G5723] HAVING. who: Proverbs 18:1, Isaiah 65:5, Ezekiel 14:7, Hosea 4:14, Hosea 9:10, Hebrews 10:25 sensual: 1 Corinthians 2:14, James 3:15, Gr having: John 3:5-6, Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 6:19 Leviticus 11:20 - General Numbers 11:17 - I will take Deuteronomy 13:13 - are gone Proverbs 18:1 - Through Isaiah 65:5 - Stand Ezekiel 11:21 - whose Ezekiel 14:7 - separateth Matthew 25:4 - oil Romans 8:9 - if so be Romans 16:17 - cause 1 Corinthians 2:14 - the natural man 2 Corinthians 3:8 - the ministration Galatians 3:14 - might Galatians 5:16 - Walk 2 Timothy 3:4 - lovers of God 2 Timothy 3:8 - men Hebrews 10:25 - forsaking James 3:15 - but 1 John 2:19 - went outJud_1:19. Separate themselves. They put themselves in a different class from the faithful disciples by their wicked deeds. Sensual denotes being interested only in things that gratify the senses whether good or bad. Having not the Spirit because its teaching is against the kind of life they are following. They who make separations (hoi apodiorizontes). Present active articular participle of the double compound apodiorizτ (from apo, dia, horizτ, horos, boundary, to make a horizon), rare word, in Aristotle for making logical distinctions, here only in N.T. Diorizτ occurs in Leviticus 20:24 and aphorizτ in Matthew 25:32, etc. See haireseis in 2 Peter 2:1. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sensual (psuchikoi). Old adjective from psuchη as in 1 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 15:44; James 3:15. Opposed to pneumatikos. Not used by Peter. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Having not the Spirit (pneuma mη echontes). Usual negative mη with the participle (present active of echτ). Probably pneuma here means the Holy Spirit, as is plain in Jude 1:20. Cf. Romans 8:9. 0 Jude 1:20 Jude 1:20 υμειςG5210 δεG1161 BUT YE, αγαπητοιG27 BELOVED, τηG3588 αγιωτατηG40 υμωνG5216 ON YOUR MOST HOLY πιστειG4102 FAITH εποικοδομουντεςG2026 [G5723] UP εαυτουςG1438 , ενG1722 IN "THE" πνευματιG4151 SPIRIT αγιωG40 HOLY προσευχομενοιG4336 [G5740] PRAYING, Keep: Jude 1:24, John 14:21, John 15:9-10, Acts 11:23, 1 John 4:16, 1 John 5:18, 1 John 5:21, Revelation 12:11 in: Romans 5:5, Romans 8:39, 2 Thessalonians 3:5, 1 John 3:16-17 looking: Job 14:14, Lamentations 3:25-26, Matthew 24:42-51, Luke 12:36-40, 2 Timothy 4:8, Titus 2:13-14, Hebrews 9:28, 2 Peter 3:12 the mercy: John 1:17, 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:16, 2 Timothy 1:18 unto: Romans 5:21, Romans 6:23, 1 John 5:10-11 Joshua 23:11 - love 1 Kings 2:4 - That the Lord Psalms 13:5 - But Psalms 136:1 - for his mercy Proverbs 16:17 - he Proverbs 22:5 - he Isaiah 35:10 - and come Matthew 10:22 - but Matthew 19:16 - eternal Matthew 25:46 - the righteous Luke 12:36 - men Luke 16:9 - into John 4:23 - in spirit John 6:40 - and believeth John 10:28 - I give John 15:4 - Abide John 16:27 - the Father John 17:2 - give Acts 14:22 - exhorting Acts 15:29 - if ye Romans 8:26 - but Romans 11:22 - if thou 1 Corinthians 1:7 - waiting 2 Corinthians 13:14 - the love Galatians 5:1 - Stand Galatians 6:8 - of the Spirit Ephesians 5:27 - but Philippians 4:1 - so Philippians 4:6 - in Titus 1:2 - hope Hebrews 5:9 - eternal Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Hebrews 12:15 - Looking 2 Peter 3:12 - Looking 1 John 2:25 - General 1 John 5:11 - God 1 John 5:18 - keepeth Jude 1:20. Building up means to edify themselves by the word which is the source of the most holy faith (Romans 10:17). Praying in the Holy Ghost (or Spirit) means to pray according to its teachings in the scriptures. Building up (epoikodomountes). Present active participle of epoikodomeτ, old compound with metaphor of a house (oikos), common in Paul (1 Corinthians 3:9-17; Colossians 2:7; Ephesians 2:20). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On your most holy faith (tηi hagiτtatηi humτn pistei). For the spiritual temple see also 1 Peter 2:3-5. See pistis (faith) in this sense (cf. Hebrews 11:1) in 2 Peter 1:5 with the list of graces added. A true superlative here hagiτtatηi, not elative. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Praying in the Holy Spirit (en pneumati hagiτi proseuchomenoi). This is the way to build themselves up on their faith. 1 Jud 1:21 Jude 1:21 εαυτουςG1438 ενG1722 IN "THE" αγαπηG26 LOVE θεουG2316 OF GOD τηρησατεG5083 [G5657] KEEP, προσδεχομενοιG4327 [G5740] τοG3588 THE ελεοςG1656 MERCY τουG3588 κυριουG2962 ημωνG2257 OF OUR LORD ιησουG2424 JESUS χριστουG5547 CHRIST ειςG1519 UNTO ζωηνG2222 LIFE αιωνιονG166 ETERNAL. Keep: Jude 1:24, John 14:21, John 15:9-10, Acts 11:23, 1 John 4:16, 1 John 5:18, 1 John 5:21, Revelation 12:11 in: Romans 5:5, Romans 8:39, 2 Thessalonians 3:5, 1 John 3:16-17 looking: Job 14:14, Lamentations 3:25-26, Matthew 24:42-51, Luke 12:36-40, 2 Timothy 4:8, Titus 2:13-14, Hebrews 9:28, 2 Peter 3:12 the mercy: John 1:17, 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:16, 2 Timothy 1:18 unto: Romans 5:21, Romans 6:23, 1 John 5:10-11 Joshua 23:11 - love 1 Kings 2:4 - That the Lord Psalms 13:5 - But Psalms 136:1 - for his mercy Proverbs 16:17 - he Proverbs 22:5 - he Isaiah 35:10 - and come Matthew 10:22 - but Matthew 19:16 - eternal Matthew 25:46 - the righteous Luke 12:36 - men Luke 16:9 - into John 4:23 - in spirit John 6:40 - and believeth John 10:28 - I give John 15:4 - Abide John 16:27 - the Father John 17:2 - give Acts 14:22 - exhorting Acts 15:29 - if ye Romans 8:26 - but Romans 11:22 - if thou 1 Corinthians 1:7 - waiting 2 Corinthians 13:14 - the love Galatians 5:1 - Stand Galatians 6:8 - of the Spirit Ephesians 5:27 - but Philippians 4:1 - so Philippians 4:6 - in Titus 1:2 - hope Hebrews 5:9 - eternal Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Hebrews 12:15 - Looking 2 Peter 3:12 - Looking 1 John 2:25 - General 1 John 5:11 - God 1 John 5:18 - keepeth Jude 1:21. All who keep the commandments will have the love of God, and such persons may expect the mercy of the Lord when he comes to judge the world. Keep yourselves (heautous tηrηsate). First aorist active imperative (of urgency) of tηreτ. In Jude 1:1 they are said to be kept, but note the warning in Jude 1:5 from the angels who did not keep their dominion. See also James 1:27. In Philippians 2:12 both sides (human responsibility and divine sovereignty are presented side by side). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Looking for (prosdechomenoi). Present middle participle of prosdechomai, the very form in Titus 2:13. The same idea in prosdokτntes in 2 Peter 3:14. 2 Jud 1:22 Jude 1:22 καιG2532 AND ουςG3739 μενG3303 SOME ελεειτεG1653 [G5720] PITY, διακρινομενοιG1252 [G5734] MAKING A Jude 1:4-13, Ezekiel 34:17, Galatians 4:20, Galatians 6:1, Hebrews 6:4-8, James 5:19-20, 1 John 5:16-18 Genesis 42:24 - Simeon Leviticus 13:6 - pronounce Leviticus 13:34 - the seventh Matthew 13:28 - Wilt 1 Corinthians 5:5 - that 2 Corinthians 2:8 - that Galatians 6:1 - restore 2 Thessalonians 3:15 - count Hebrews 12:13 - but let James 5:19 - and one Jude 1:22. People should be dealt with according to their ability, and also their opportunity for knowing right from wrong. (See Galatians 6:1.) And on some (kai hous men). Demonstrative plural of hos men—hos de (hous de, below), not the relative hous, but by contrast (men, de). So Matthew 13:8. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have mercy (eleβte). Present active imperative of eleaτ (rare form in Romans 9:16 also for the usual eleeτ Matthew 9:27). But A C read elegchete, refute, in place of eleate. The text of this verse is in much confusion. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Who are in doubt (diakrinomenous). Present middle participle of diakrinτ, in the accusative case agreeing with hous men, though K L P have the nominative. If the accusative and eleate is read, see James 1:6 for the idea (doubters). If elegchete is read, see Jude 1:9 for the idea (disputers). 3 Jud 1:23 Jude 1:23 ουςG3739 δεG1161 BUT OTHERS ενG1722 WITH φοβωG5401 FEAR σωζετεG4982 [G5720] SAVE, εκG1537 OUT OF τουG3588 THE πυροςG4442 FIRE αρπαζοντεςG726 [G5723] "THEM"; μισουντεςG3404 [G5723] HATING καιG2532 EVEN τονG3588 THE αποG575 BY τηςG3588 THE σαρκοςG4561 FLESH εσπιλωμενονG4695 [G5772] SPOTTED χιτωναG5509 GARMENT. able: Jude 1:21, John 10:29-30, Romans 8:31, Romans 14:4, Romans 16:25-27, Ephesians 3:20, 2 Timothy 4:18 present: 2 Corinthians 4:14, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 5:27, Colossians 1:22, Colossians 1:28, Colossians 3:4, Hebrews 13:20-21 faultless: Revelation 14:5 the presence: Matthew 16:27, Matthew 19:28, Matthew 25:31, Luke 9:26, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 1 Peter 4:13 exceeding: Psalms 21:6, Psalms 43:4, Matthew 5:12, 2 Corinthians 4:17, 1 Peter 4:13 Genesis 41:46 - he stood Genesis 47:2 - presented Leviticus 14:11 - General Numbers 6:24 - keep thee Deuteronomy 31:14 - presented Deuteronomy 33:27 - underneath 1 Kings 2:4 - That the Lord Job 9:4 - wise in heart Job 33:26 - and he shall Job 40:10 - majesty Psalms 16:11 - in thy Psalms 17:2 - Let my Psalms 37:17 - Lord Psalms 45:15 - With Psalms 51:12 - uphold Psalms 96:7 - glory Psalms 119:117 - Hold Proverbs 2:8 - and Proverbs 16:17 - he Son 2:14 - thy countenance Son 4:7 - General Isaiah 51:11 - everlasting Isaiah 63:1 - mighty Jeremiah 15:19 - stand Jeremiah 35:19 - stand Ezekiel 13:23 - for I Daniel 2:20 - for wisdom Daniel 6:20 - able Matthew 6:4 - reward Luke 6:48 - could Luke 12:8 - confess Luke 21:36 - stand John 10:28 - they John 16:20 - your John 17:11 - keep Acts 3:26 - in Acts 15:29 - if ye Acts 20:32 - I commend Romans 8:4 - That Romans 8:37 - him Romans 14:4 - he shall Romans 16:25 - to him 1 Corinthians 1:8 - blameless 2 Corinthians 4:14 - shall present 2 Corinthians 4:17 - far Ephesians 3:20 - able Ephesians 5:27 - he Ephesians 6:11 - able Philippians 4:1 - so Colossians 1:22 - to Colossians 2:7 - stablished Colossians 3:4 - ye Colossians 4:12 - that 1 Thessalonians 2:19 - our Lord 1 Thessalonians 3:13 - unblameable 1 Thessalonians 5:23 - preserved 2 Thessalonians 2:17 - stablish 2 Thessalonians 3:3 - and 1 Timothy 6:14 - unrebukeable 2 Timothy 1:8 - according 2 Timothy 1:12 - keep 2 Timothy 4:18 - and will Hebrews 2:18 - he is Hebrews 7:25 - he Isaiah 1 Peter 1:5 - kept 1 Peter 1:7 - might 1 Peter 5:10 - make 1 John 5:18 - keepeth Revelation 2:5 - thou art Revelation 3:5 - confess Revelation 14:5 - without Revelation 22:11 - and he thatJud_1:23. Save with fear denotes a feeling of terror over the wilful doing of wrong by others. Those deserve no mercy especially and should be dealt with sternly in the hopes they may possibly be rescued, just as we would snatch a person from drowning even if we had to grasp him by the hair of his head. Hating even the garment denotes that we should abhor anything that has been near fleshly sin. James 1:27 says that pure religion consists in one's keeping himself unspotted from the world. And some save (hous de sτzete). B omits hous de. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Snatching them out of the fire (ek puros harpazontes). Present active participle of harpazτ, old verb, to seize. Quotation from Amos 4:11 and Zechariah 3:3. Cf. Psalms 106:18. Firemen today literally do this rescue work. Do Christians? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And on some have mercy with fear (hous de eleβte en phobτi). In fear "of the contagion of sin while we are rescuing them" (Vincent). For this idea see 1 Peter 1:17; 1 Peter 3:15; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Philippians 2:12. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spotted (espilτmenon). Perfect passive participle of spiloτ, late and common verb (from spilos, spot, 2 Peter 2:13), in N.T. only here and James 3:6. 4 Jude 1:24 Jude 1:24 τωG3588 δεG1161 BUT TO HIM WHO δυναμενωG1410 [G5740] IS ABLE φυλαξαιG5442 [G5658] TO KEEP αυτουςG846 THEM απταιστουςG679 WITHOUT , καιG2532 AND στησαιG2476 [G5658] TO SET "THEM" κατενωπιονG2714 BEFORE τηςG3588 δοξηςG1391 αυτουG846 HIS GLORY αμωμουςG299 ενG1722 WITH αγαλλιασειG20 , the only: Psalms 104:24, Psalms 147:5, Romans 11:33, Romans 16:27, Ephesians 1:8, Ephesians 3:10, 1 Timothy 1:17 God: Psalms 78:20, Isaiah 12:2, Isaiah 45:21, John 4:22, 1 Timothy 2:3, Titus 1:3-4, Titus 2:10, Titus 2:13, Titus 3:4, 2 Peter 1:1 be glory: 1 Chronicles 29:11, Psalms 72:18-19, Daniel 4:37, Matthew 6:13, Ephesians 3:21, 1 Peter 4:11, 1 Peter 5:10-11, 2 Peter 3:18, Revelation 1:6, Revelation 4:9-11, Revelation 5:13-14 1 Chronicles 29:11 - is the greatness Job 9:4 - wise in heart Job 25:2 - Dominion Job 28:23 - General Job 37:22 - with Job 40:10 - majesty Psalms 45:3 - glory Psalms 72:15 - daily Psalms 96:7 - Give Isaiah 31:2 - he also Isaiah 43:3 - the Holy One Isaiah 43:11 - General Isaiah 63:1 - mighty Isaiah 63:8 - so he Luke 12:8 - confess Acts 5:31 - a Saviour Acts 13:23 - raised Acts 20:32 - I commend Romans 11:36 - to whom Romans 16:25 - to him Romans 16:27 - only 1 Corinthians 1:8 - blameless 1 Corinthians 8:4 - there is Galatians 1:5 - whom Ephesians 1:8 - in Ephesians 3:21 - throughout Philippians 4:1 - so Philippians 4:20 - unto Colossians 1:11 - his 1 Timothy 1:1 - God 1 Timothy 1:17 - the only 1 Timothy 6:16 - to whom 2 Timothy 4:18 - to whom Hebrews 1:3 - Majesty Hebrews 13:21 - to whom 1 Peter 4:11 - to whom 2 Peter 3:18 - To him Revelation 1:6 - to him Revelation 5:13 - blessing Revelation 7:12 - Amen Jude 1:24. This and the next verse are a form of praise to the Lord that is most impressive. Keep you from falling will be done according to 2 Peter 1:10. Christ will present us faultless if we serve him in this life (Luke 12:8), and He will do this with exceeding joy to Him and us. From stumbling (aptaistous). Verbal from ptaiτ, to stumble (James 3:2; 2 Peter 1:10), sure-footed as of a horse that does not stumble (Xenophon), and so of a good man (Epictetus, Marcus Antoninus). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Before the presence of his glory (katenτpion tηs doxηs autou). Late compound preposition (kata, en, τps), right down before the eye of his glory as in Ephes. 1:4. Cf. Matthew 25:31-33; Colossians 1:22, where Paul has parastηsai like stηsai here (first aorist active infinitive) and also amτmous as here, but amτmηtos in 2 Peter 3:14. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In exceeding joy (en agalliasei). See Luke 1:14. 5 Jude 1:25 Jude 1:25 μονωG3441 TO "THE" ONLY σοφωG4680 WISE θεωG2316 GOD σωτηριG4990 ημωνG2257 OUR SAVIOUR δοξαG1391 GLORY καιG2532 AND μεγαλωσυνηG3172 , κρατοςG2904 MIGHT καιG2532 AND εξουσιαG1849 καιG2532 BOTH νυνG3568 NOW καιG2532 AND ειςG1519 TO πανταςG3956 ALL τουςG3588 THE αιωναςG165 AGES. αμηνG281 AMEN.the only: Psalms 104:24, Psalms 147:5, Romans 11:33, Romans 16:27, Ephesians 1:8, Ephesians 3:10, 1 Timothy 1:17 God: Psalms 78:20, Isaiah 12:2, Isaiah 45:21, John 4:22, 1 Timothy 2:3, Titus 1:3-4, Titus 2:10, Titus 2:13, Titus 3:4, 2 Peter 1:1 be glory: 1 Chronicles 29:11, Psalms 72:18-19, Daniel 4:37, Matthew 6:13, Ephesians 3:21, 1 Peter 4:11, 1 Peter 5:10-11, 2 Peter 3:18, Revelation 1:6, Revelation 4:9-11, Revelation 5:13-14 1 Chronicles 29:11 - is the greatness Job 9:4 - wise in heart Job 25:2 - Dominion Job 28:23 - General Job 37:22 - with Job 40:10 - majesty Psalms 45:3 - glory Psalms 72:15 - daily Psalms 96:7 - Give Isaiah 31:2 - he also Isaiah 43:3 - the Holy One Isaiah 43:11 - General Isaiah 63:1 - mighty Isaiah 63:8 - so he Luke 12:8 - confess Acts 5:31 - a Saviour Acts 13:23 - raised Acts 20:32 - I commend Romans 11:36 - to whom Romans 16:25 - to him Romans 16:27 - only 1 Corinthians 1:8 - blameless 1 Corinthians 8:4 - there is Galatians 1:5 - whom Ephesians 1:8 - in Ephesians 3:21 - throughout Philippians 4:1 - so Philippians 4:20 - unto Colossians 1:11 - his 1 Timothy 1:1 - God 1 Timothy 1:17 - the only 1 Timothy 6:16 - to whom 2 Timothy 4:18 - to whom Hebrews 1:3 - Majesty Hebrews 13:21 - to whom 1 Peter 4:11 - to whom 2 Peter 3:18 - To him Revelation 1:6 - to him Revelation 5:13 - blessing Revelation 7:12 - Amen Jude 1:25 Transferring the praise to God directly Jude says He is only wise. That means that God is the First Cause of wisdom as He is of all things. Glory means grandeur and majesty means greatness. Dominion means domain and power means authority. Jude ascribes these dignities to God to last now and ever.