The Bible, the most unique book of all time. From Genesis to Revelation the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Every bit of it is packed with truths that can enrich each of our lives.
The book of Jude is no exception to this fact.
Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Jude 1:1 (KJV)
If we look at the introduction by Jude, we will find that it holds a message from God.
Looking at the first six words of the verse… “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ” the writer of this epistle was, almost certainty the brother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He begins the epistle with such modesty, by calling himself “a servant of Jesus Christ”
The word servant (doulos) means literally a “bondservant” or “slave”.
In other words, he was indebted to our Lord.
A price had been paid for him that he could never repay.
Paul himself declared that he to was s servant of Jesus Christ. Throughout the writings of Paul, we find this message being rung out loud and clear.
As children of God, we too are indebted to Christ, for the price has been paid a price that no man could ever afford to repay.
I wonder how many of us can say with true meaning in our hearts that we are servants to the Lord?
We surely are, but few will yield.
Each one that belongs to him, has been purchased by his precious blood each owes their submission, and each finds joy only in his service.
There can only be joy in his service; out of his will only brings sorrows and heartaches.
Unless you a Christian has yielded your all to him, and lay claim that, you’re his true servant of Jesus Christ.
Then there shall never be the fullness of life in your presence.
The people that Jude addresses are unnamed and unknown, but we do know this one fact that it is speaking to all Christians.
We find it so easy to confess that, this verse or that versed was wrote to someone else, for another time, when we refuse to apply it to our lives.
Man has taken the Word of God and twisted it to fit his own desires.
We find today new churches cropping up everyday. Some may be good, am not saying their not, but most haves came about because the founder has according to him a new revelation from God.
Let me say and make an announcement: THE WORD OF GOD IS COMPLETE. There is no need for more revelations, only needs to heed to the old revelations written in the Word of God.
The Bible is not just parts and pieces that are sued for our own convenience, every word has a purpose and can be use to enrich the lives of Christians.
Jude addresses every one of us here and he has a message for us.
Jude addresses; “To them that are called” These terms so beautifully describes all readers that have become “new creatures in Christ” they are called.
Those that have heard and heeded to this gracious summons, has received the gift of salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
You see we are called an elect group. Christians are something special. One that has been called means that they have a reason for being called.
What is our reason?
Why have we been called to an army, that’s commander and chief has already won the war?
Life any war there are small battles that must be cleaned up even though the War has already been won.
As Christians, we are fighting battles against an enemy that doesn’t know that the War is over.
It’s sad to say but most of the little battles that are being fought by this band of baptized believers are being lost.
If we’re losing the little battles, does that mean that we are dishonoring the commander and chief?
If we are dishonoring the commander and chief, then has he lost his love for us?
By no means…
Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Jude 1:1
In the remainder of verse, one Jude gives us a description of our credentials of our servant hood. “to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called.”
1. Sanctified by God the Father
Sanctified means to be made holy set aside.
We have been set aside to do the work of the Lord, for we are a holy race, called of God to the servant hood of Jesus Christ.
2. Preserved in Jesus Christ
Preserved means to be saved for a later date. Just as we preserve food for a later date. The Lord Jesus Christ preserves us for a later date. The difference is the preserving of the Lord is through the perfection of our Lord.
We preserve our foods with a seal and so does our Lord preserve with a seal. The difference is that our seal has imperfections and impurities. The Lord’s seal is by his precious blood that has no impurities.
