A Word Of Praise (The Doxology)

A doxology is a short prayer or hymn of praise that extols the glory and majesty of God.

Originally Jude (the brother of Jesus) planned to write about the "common salvation" V3 of the Brethren, but God changed his direction. God wanted us to know the reality and the danger of ungodly people in the Church. We need to know how to identify the deceivers who have crept into the church unnoticed. V4

Jude sounds a warning of danger and he issues a call to action. He calls on the Called, the Beloved, the Kept for Jesus Christ to "earnestly contend for the faith". This is a military combat term picturing hand-to-hand combat. There is an intense battle in these days of apostasy, but God does not send us into battle alone. He equips us for victory, and ultimately He is the One who ensures our victory. The truths that are revealed in this passage will help us to be ready and able to "contend for the faith".

17 – The Lesson 20 – The Labor 25 – The Lord

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I. THE LESSON “you must remember what the apostles said” “It is these scoffers who cause divisions, worldly people” In verse 19 Jude describes the apostates as causing division in the church. Their aim was and is to tear down the true faith and lead you AWAY for the finished work of Jesus! Peter taught this same lesson, 2 Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. This is the LESSON! Verse 5 teaches that the same Jesus who is Master and Lord now, is the same Jesus that saved a people out of the land of Egypt! Don’t forget that He destroyed those that did not believe! And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah which indulged in sexual immorality and serve as an example of punishment of eternal fire! Don’t forget Cain’s sin, Balaam’s error and Korah’s rebellion! Three examples of men who did whatever they wanted to do and punishment followed because of their evil ways! Jude reminds us what Enoch, the seventh from Adam prophesied, “Behold, the Lord came with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness…” We need to stop being surprised that the world acts worldly! Therefore we must LABOR!

II. THE LABOR “build yourselves up” “save others by snatching them out of the fire” In verse 20 Jude calls for us to, build up yourselves on your most holy faith! It is vital that we build on the proper foundation. Building on our most Holy faith means to build upon Christ who is the object of our faith. This involves pointing people to Jesus (Evangelism), helping those who need help (Missions) and teaching those who have been converted to grow in their faith (Discipleship).

22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

The world is full of deception and as a result of their false teaching, people may be wavering in their faith. Our goal should be for all to hear and believe the Gospel. This includes those who are doubtful and we should even desire to see the false teachers repent and believe in Jesus Christ. Jude says that we are to "have compassion" and to "show mercy". If we do, we will make a positive difference in their life. Our ultimate goal should not be to defeat the apostate, but to see them come to faith in Christ!

Jude also encourages us to approach ungodly people “with fear.” This means that we should have a concern for their souls. They are headed for eternal damnation in the Lake of Fire. So, Jude calls for us to "snatch them out of the fire". This requires compassion on our parts! How long has is been since you shed a tear over a lost soul? HOW DO WE SNATCH THEM? True believers should ever be "praying in the Holy Ghost" Praying in the Holy Spirit means praying in His strength and wisdom. When we do this He will move our heart and direct our petitions. Paul spoke of this in - Romans 8:26 …for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

I believe that Prayer without Bible study is a one-way conversation. A one-way conversation is not good communication. When we spend time in God's Word, we can learn His will. When we learn His will, we can pray "according to His will". John says in - 1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. And when we LABOR in building ourselves up, through prayer, we gain confidence that the LORD is able!