Jude’s Urgent Message

Even though the Letter of Jude has only 25 verses, the message of this small Bible book is massive in terms of its importance.  Notice:

• “Keep” yet “Kept” (vv 1, 21, 24):  Believers are commanded to “keep” themselves in God’s love (i.e., cling to Christ, trust God’s promises, flee from sin, obey biblical teaching)—but NOT as an exercise of self-will.  Keep yourself because you know you are kept in the Good Shepherd’s strong, loving arms (John 10:28).
• “The Faith” (v 3):  Already in the mid-first century there was a known, established body of teaching about Jesus and salva­tion.  And this core of Christian doctrine had been “once for all delivered” to the church—so the gospel was not up for review.  God’s Word had been given in full.  He has spoken.  Period.
• “Delivered” yet “Contend” (v 3):  Even though God’s saving truth has been defined and transmitted to his people, we must still “contend” for it.  Trusting God’s power and leading, we strive to know, preserve, and teach his life-saving truth.
• By the way, do make sure it’s “the faith” you’re contending for!  In our contentious times we’re tempted to battle over this moral cause or that social agenda.  But all such things are secondary; make sure it’s Christ and “the faith” you live for.
• Guard the gateway to church leadership (v 4):  Don’t look the other way when eager, “relevant” leaders condone immorality or heresy.  And don’t be swayed by “God gave me a vision” (v 8):  only what’s revealed in Scripture is authoritative for the church.
• Realize that the Lord has judged religious pretenders among his people before (vv 5-16), and he’ll do it again.  So take God’s warnings seriously.  “Woe” (v 11) to unrepentant sinners!
• Finally, as we patrol the church for purity, let’s be patient and show mercy (vv 21-23).  Jude himself had once doubted Jesus (see Mark 6:3-6; John 7:5).  Don’t be quick to find fault.