The Ones

References:

• Jude’s letter to you!

  • Context

    • Author: brother of James, slave (δοῦλος - doo'-los) of Jesus Christ.

      • Jesus’ brothers didn’t put faith in Jesus until after His death and resurrection

      • Jude writes to people who are very familiar with Hebrew sources.

    • Purpose: Encouragement to stand for the True faith.

• The text:

  • vss 1-4

    • Consider the corrupt teachers/members of the community.

      • παρεισέδυσαν (παρεισδύνω [par-ice-doo'-no])

        • to enter secretly, slip in stealthily, to steal in

          • “ungodly people have wormed their way into”

          • “certain people have crept in unnoticed”

    • Not their teaching, but their lifestyle/behavior

  • vss 5-19 - Rebellion and divine justice

    • Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness - Numbers 14

    • Rebellious angels - Genesis 6 (1 Enoch), 

    • Men of Sodom and Gomorrah - Gen 19

      • (Testament of Moses, based on Deut - Michael)

    • Rebels who corrupt others

      • Cain - Gen 4

      • Balaam - Num 22-25; 31:16

      • Korah - Num 16

        • Selfish Shepherds - Ezk 34:2

        • Clouds without rain - Prov 25:14

        • Chaotic waves - Isa 57:20

    • Recent warnings from Peter, John, Paul & Jesus

  • vss 20-25 - Stay true to the faith

    • Fight for each other in the Body

    • Trust the mercy of God

• Life application:

  • Recognize counterfeits

    • Know your Bible

    • Use other resources wisely, with discernment

  • Encourage the weak in faith

  • Praise God! His grace demands a whole life response