Discernment in a Day of Doctrinal Danger
“Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints…” Jude 1:3
I. A Personal WELCOME (vv. 1-2)
Jude identified himself as the “______-__________ of Jesus Christ” even though he was Jesus’ half-brother. cf. Mt. 13:55; Gal. 1:19; James 1:1 Jude is the ____ shortest N.T. book. i.e. 461 Greek words Jude is the only N.T. book devoted exclusively to con-fronting ____________. i.e. parallel to 2 Peter
“(The Book of Jude is) the most neglected book in the New Testament.” Douglas Rowston
The specific church or group of believers that this letter is addressed to is unknown, but 3 Descriptions are given:
- ___________ – past (2 Thess. 2:13-14)
- ___________ – present (2 Thess. 2:13)
- ____________ – future (Rom. 8:35-39)
The Christian life is a ______________, not a playground.
“The Book of Jude is, hands down, the single most dogmatic expose’ and denunciation of apostasy in all the Bible.” Charles Swindoll
II. A Perilous WARNING (v. 3)
We learn in verse 3 that Jude had originally planned to write about the doctrine of their _________ salvation, but then found it necessary to warn about false teaching! Discernment is the ability to understand & apply _______ skillfully. cf. Heb. 5:11-14 To “appeal” is to encourage or _________. i.e. parakaleo The words “contend earnestly” are actually one word that means to vigorously & continually _________, strive or struggle with. i.e. an intense wrestling match (1 Cor. 9) “The Faith” refers to the whole body of complete ______ found only in the Scriptures. i.e. “once for all delivered”
“This term describes Christianity from the perspective of the objective content of what is believed.” Philip Towner
Practical Application: “The Faith…”
- “Once for all…” – Trust it
- “Delivered to the saints” – Guard it
Appointments with God
“Doctrinal Discernment”
Jude 1-3
Monday, October 4th
Meditate upon the Deception in the Last Days:
- Matthew 24:4-14, 24-25
Matt. 24-25 is Jesus’ most extensive teaching on the conditions in the Last Days. Are we in the Last Days? Pray for God’s people to have spiritual discernment & boldness to proclaim the Gospel.
Tuesday, October 5th
Meditate upon the Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing:
- Matthew 7:15-20
Why would wolves be wearing “sheep’s clothing?” The phrase “you will know them by their fruits” is repeated by Jesus. Pray for yourself & God’s Flock to reflect the fruit of righteousness!
Wednesday, October 6th
Meditate upon the Angel of Light:
- 2 Corinthians 11:12-15
Wow- Do you think Satan is using “deceitful workers” in the Church today? Was it only a problem for Paul? Pray that you would be able to discern Truth from Error even when it is “disguised.”
Thursday, October 7th
Meditate upon the Need to Be on Guard:
- Acts 20:25-30
Notice the words “among you”(v. 29) and “among your own selves”(v. 30). This is SCARY to think this could be in our church! Pray for our pastors & elders as they seek to “oversee” God’s Flock!
Friday, October 8th
Meditate upon the Good Fight of the Faith:
- 1 Timothy 1:18; 6:12; 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 4:7
There was something precious about God’s “Truth” to Paul. It was a treasure worth fighting for! Do you see it that way? Pray for God to give you a greater reverence for Him & His Word!!
Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 9-10
Meditate upon those Dull of Hearing:
- Hebrews 5:11-14; Check out Isaiah 66:1-2
How does one get “dull of hearing?” Evaluate your spiritual “diet.” Talk with God about what truths from His Word you need to put in practice today!
32 The Book of Jude (Jude 1_1-3)
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