Discernment in a Day of Doctrinal Danger
“Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints…” Jude 3
I. A Reason for an ALARM (v. 4)
To “contend earnestly” means to vigorously & continually __________ or fight for the Truth. (v. 3) cf. 1 Tim. 6:12 The _________ for this “appeal” is found in verse 4. (“For”) “Crept in unnoticed” – __________ “wormed their way in” The phrase means “to slip in secretly” or “under cover.”
“Attacks from outside the church often unite God’s people, but attacks from inside…usually divide & confuse.” J. Mac
“Long beforehand marked out” – ______________ Their future judgment was ordained of God! “Ungodly persons” – ___________ A favorite word of Jude’s meaning irreverent. (vv. 15,18) “Turn the grace of God into licentiousness” – _________ Means the absence of moral restraint; unrestrained vice. “Deny our only Master & Lord” – ______________ These people were rebellious & unwilling to submit. This detailed description reveals the serious _________ these “certain persons” posed to the Church.
II. A Reminder of an ACCOUNT (vv. 5-7)
Jude, like Peter, desired to __________ the church of important truths they already knew. cf. 2 Pet. 1:12; 3:1
3 O.T. Reminders of God’s Certain Judgment:
- Nation of Israel – Num. 13-14 Rebellious Unbelief When things become too __________, it’s easy to forget.
- Fallen Angels – Gen. 6; Is. 14 Rebellious Pride Though evil has been __________, it is not yet destroyed.
- Sodom & Gomorrah – Gen. 19 Rebellious Lust Though it is the most often recorded ___________ of God in Scripture, it has not been taken seriously! (20+)
POINT: God’s severest judgment is reserved for those who know the Truth, and yet still __________ it.
Practical Application:
- Theology vs. Methodology
- Clarity vs. Confusion
Appointments with God
“Doctrinal Discernment”
Jude 4-7
Monday, October 11th
Meditate upon the Judgment of Teachers:
- James 3:1
Why do you think that “teachers” will be held to a “stricter judgment?” Please pray for those who teach & influence others – School & S.S. teachers, pastors, elders, etc. For Truth & Integrity!
Tuesday, October 12th
Meditate upon the Job of Elders/Overseers/Pastors:
- Titus 1:9
Notice the words “holding fast”; “exhort”; and “refute.” What a job description!! Are our elders living up to this requirement? Pray for Doctrinal Purity!
Wednesday, October 13th
Meditate upon the Responsibility of God’s Servants:
- 1 Timothy 4:1-8, 14-16
Make as many observations as you can about deception and Truth in the “later times.” Is it easy being a spiritual leader in the last days? Spend extra time being “nourished” on the words of the Faith!!
Thursday, October 14th
Meditate upon the Need for Doctrinal Clarity:
- 2 Timothy 2:15
Notice the words “be diligent.” Check a good study Bible on the meaning. Also “accurately handling.” How do you know if you handle the Truth correctly? Pray for Biblical Discernment & Wisdom for yourself.
Friday, October 15th
Meditate upon the Subtle Danger of Deception:
- 2 Corinthians 11:12-15
Do you think “false teachers” today are going to wear a badge or announce they are deceivers? How will you recognize them? Pray for God to give us a greater love for His Truth to discern Error.
Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 16-17
Meditate upon the Judgment of False Teachers:
- 2 Peter 2:1-3
Notice the words “secretly introduce destructive heresies.” It’s happening today! Don’t be deceived! Pray for the Churches in M-town to be Strong in the Truth!
33 The Book of Jude (Jude 1_4-7)
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