Jude (Jud)
Book 26 of the NT, having 1 chapter. It was written to unspecified Christians about AD 65 by Jude, the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus. Time to read: 5 mins.
Key people: Jude, James, Jesus.
Outline. It is a warning to be vigilant for false teachers creep in bringing ungodly teachings (Jud 1:4). Almost as soon as the NT church age began, false teaching or heresy stared to infiltrate the fellowships and lead people into deception. By knowing and walking in the truth, we co-operate with “Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy” (Jud 1:24). Apostasy, or turning away from Christ, was prevalent under the difficult circumstances of the time.
Main lesson. It is our responsibility to remain faithful to what the Bible teaches and to continue in the faith.
Key verses and thoughts: * “To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ” (Jud 1:1). Doesn’t your heart almost burn within? We are “Called” to be God’s children – chosen to be part of His solution to the world’s problem by being a channel through which He can work; “Loved by God” – as we have received of His infinite love we are in some measure able to reciprocate a degree of gratitude; “Kept by Jesus Christ” – all we have, are and ever will be is the result of Him. We should be continually in an attitude of praise for the salvation we have freely been given, living lives that honesty represent our heavenly destiny.
* “Build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit” (Jud 1:20). Be fully committed to strengthening your life in Christ. Give diligence to it as many things will seek to erode it and pull us away from Him. The Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth guides us to pray effectively (Jn 14:26, 15:26). Praying ‘in tongues’ by-passes our understanding because often we don’t know what or how to pray in various situations but the Holy Spirit sees our concern and intercedes to bring about God’s will (Rom 8:26,27; 1 Cor 14:15). Many times our desires for the outcome of the concerns which we pray about are a long way from His will (Isa 55:8,9). Do I utilize this powerful means of beseeching God’s throne?