Jude:  Contending for the Faith

      I currently am experiencing some health problems and have been challenged with regard to writing to you, Sometimes I feel that my prayers barely reach the ceiling, Have you felt that way before? Or maybe you are there now. I will never forget a quote from “God Is Not Dead 2”, “When the test is the hardest, the teacher is silent.” Those words burned into my heart, as I struggle with pain, anxiety with world events and the attacks being made on our Christian faith. I have come to realize that God is here and He is giving me the opportunity to display my faith to Him. To be a bond-servant completely, in all things at all times. My prayer is that we join hands and serve our Lord “even when the Teacher is out of the room.”

As I prayerfully read the Word, I was lead to Jude a book that I, and maybe you have overlooked. It to be a challenging and a beautifully written book, packed neatly between III John and Revelations.  Jude is the brother of James.  James and Jude are most likely the brothers that are mentioned in Matthew 13:55. I would speculate, the name of Judas was shortened to Jude so as not to be confused with the great betrayer, Judas Iscariot. It is interesting also to note that both these brothers did not have faith in Jesus during His lifetime. (John 7:5). Later they both came to realize that Jesus was the Messiah, later becoming leaders in the first-century Christian church, with each writing in the New Testament.      

 In verses 1-4, Jude describes himself as a bond-servant or slave, we have heard this term before but let’s ponder the true definition. In the Greek, it is “Doulos” meaning to be a lifelong servant by choice to a master, through all things. In these modern times of false teaching, (which we will discuss later) persecution, attacks upon Christianity and sometimes a watered down gospel, we truly must be determined to be bond-servants regardless of the outcome. Jude in his opening verses he writes an  uplifting prayer that his audience would receive their full measure of mercy, peace, and love. His prayer was for fellow believers to develop a strong faith, stay the course and that they might have the mercy, peace, and love that only can come from Christ.

As fellow believers, we are commissioned to take up the Cross of Christ and be the light of the world realizing that the time of Christ return may be nearer than we realize. Franklin Graham said, “ I believe we are living in the last minutes of God’s clock.”  But, we have the promise that despite what any individual, cultural group, religious group or government says or believes;  Our God Is In Control!! Jude describes these false teachers in verses 5-16. Jude as “apostates”, those who heard the word but forsake Christ for things of the flesh, sexual immorality, pride and self-gratification and Jude tells us the penalty for “apostasy”, “blackness and darkness forever”. If we read on Jude clearly describes these false teachers in vs 16. “ as grumblers, faultfinders; following their own evil desires; boasting about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage” (NIV). Their ungodly lust is a threat to the body of Christ; Jesus’ apostles warns us in (Acts20:29-30; 2 Tim. 3:1-8; Pet. 2:1-3). As Christ told His apostles, we must be awake, watch and pray. This is what Jude is saying to us today.

Jude closes by instructing his readers to defend the faith at all cost, (vs 20-23) “Building up”,  has both a collective and a private component; it is done in fellowship with other believers and in the personal discipline of keeping a daily appointment with God” (Dr. David Jeremiah). Jude ends his short letter with a doxology. “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy, to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (NIV 24-25).

I shall close by prayerfully challenging you to maintain the fellowship with your faith community. If you are un-churched, seek  a church home. If you are without Christ, stop now and truly ask him to come into your heart. We cannot endure what is ahead alone.