37 The Book of Jude (Jude1_17-23)
[audio:http://www.marshalltownefc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/37-The-Book-of-Jude-Jude1_17-23.mp3|titles=37 The Book of Jude (Jude1_17-23)]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. REMEMBER the Words (vv. 17-19)
“The Christian who knows what he believes and why he believes it will rarely be seduced by the false teachers…” Warren Wiersbe
The word “remember” is the first __________ imperative that Jude uses. (v. 17) The Apostles gave numerous ____________ concerning false teachers. cf. Mt. 7:15; 24:11; 2 Cor. 11:12-15; Col. 2:16-19; 1 Th. 2:14-16; 2 Th. 2:3-12; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 2:17-19; 3:1-9; 4:1-3; 2 Pet. 2:1-22; 1 Jn. 4:1-6 In the Last Days, “mockers” will come who __________ at the Truth. (vv. 18-19) (cf. 2 Pet. 3:3-4 – laugh at) Often times we “argue” over things that don’t matter and are _________ about matters of the Truth. cf. 2 Tim. 2:23-26; 4:2-4; Titus 1:10-16; 3:8-11
“The greatest need in the church is for the gift of discernment.” A.W. Tozer
II. REMAIN TRUE to the Faith (vv. 20-23)
In the face of Apostasy, the believer has Responsibility for:
1. Himself – “Building yourselves up on your Most Holy Faith” Subjective faith rests upon _____________ Truth. “Praying in the Holy Spirit” – like Spiritual __________ “Keeping yourselves in the Love of God” Stay in a place of God’s blessing and _________. “Waiting anxiously for… our Lord Jesus Christ” Live each day with ____________ in view!
2. Others – 3 Kinds of People:
The Doubting – mercy to those saved but not grounded. The Burning – “snatch” means to seize by __________. The Polluting – use great _________ w/ some apostates.
Practical Application:
- Pay Attention (1 Tim. 4:15-16)
- Turn ‘em Back (Js. 5:19-20)
- Be Patient (1 Thess. 5:14)
Appointments with God
“Doctrinal Discernment”
Jude 17-23
Monday, November 15th
Meditate upon the Role of the Watchman:
- Jeremiah 6:16-19
A “watchman” was a lookout that kept watch for any danger facing God’s people. When danger came, he would blow a trumpet to warn. What if the people don’t listen? Pray for “ears to hear!”
Tuesday, November 16th
Meditate upon the Commission of Ezekiel:
- Ezekiel 3:4-22
Notice that God appointed Ezekiel a “watchman to the house of Israel.” What a tough job! How willing are people to “listen” today? Pray for God to raise up more prophets to boldly proclaim Truth!
Wednesday, November 17th
Meditate upon the Duty of a Watchman:
- Ezekiel 33:1-7
What would happen if danger was approaching and the Watchman did not warn the people? How are each of us to be “watchmen?” Pray for one person that God would have you to warn today?
Thursday, November 18th
Meditate upon the Mockers of the Last Days:
- 2 Peter 3:1-7
This passage closely parallels Jude 17-19. The beginning of v. 5 literally reads, “they are willfully ignorant of this fact.” Why this willful ignorance? Ask God’s Spirit to Convict Us & Illumine the Truth!
Friday, November 19th
Meditate upon how to Deal with Divisive people:
- Romans 16:17-18
Don’t miss the words “keep your eye on…” Are there some people in our body we should keep an eye on? Pray for God’s Wisdom & Discernment for the church.
Saturday/Sunday, Nov. 20-21
Meditate upon how to Help those who Stray from the Truth:
- James 5:19-20
These words are similar to Jude 22-23. Do you feel a responsibility to those who are straying from Truth? Should you? Build yourself up in the Faith and then pray for Boldness to humbly confront any known error.
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