Contend For The Faith - Jude's Ancient Message For A Modern Church Part 1 Series

It was the winter of 1944. The German army was in retreat, but had one desperate battle strategy which became known as the BATTLE of the BULGE. A key part of their strategy was to disrupt and mis-direct reinforcement troops that the Americans would send when the battle began. German spies, dressed as US Military Police infiltrated the American line and positioned road blocks, directed military units the wrong way. Operation “Grief” was quickly discovered by the Americans, but not before causing much delay for the American troops.

18 of the infiltrators were captured, tried and faced the firing squad. The plan fell apart quickly, and most escaped when they knew that their cover was blown. But the greatest damage came in the aftermath. Soldiers did not know who to trust. Several American soldiers were killed for not answering questions about the United States correctly.

High ranking officers were detained when their credentials were questioned.

An INFILTRATOR can cause great damage.

That’s why Soldiers are trained to pay meticulous attention to details about military procedures, and uniforms. A patch in the wrong place could be the indication that someone is not who he says he is.

And so it is with the CHURCH.

The tiny book of Jude warns us about infiltrators in the church and what to do about them.

Notice the PLACEMENT of Jude just before Revelation. John MacArthur points out that it might be that Jude is placed just before Revelation because the book of Jude accurately describes the condition of the Church in the days preceding the Lord’s return.

Jude is not the first mention of false teachers found in the New Testament, but it is interesting that most of the others come as warnings, whereas Jude writes that the infiltrators are already here.

Jesus warns us that false teachers would come. Matthew 24:11 "and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people."

Paul warns us that false teachers would come. Acts 20:29–30 "I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. " "Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them." 1 Timothy 4:1 "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons."

Peter warns us that false teachers would come. 2 Peter 2:1 "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves."

But in JUDE the false teachers are HERE.

Jude 4 "For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you.

This status accurately describes the condition of the Church from the Apostolic days until now, a condition that will continue through the end of the Church age and the return of Christ.

Just reflect with me on many groups that identify themselves as Christian, but who are built on false teaching.

More than ½ of Christianity is Roman Catholic, Anglican or Orthodox. Among Protestants, we find the left Wing political activists like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson who advocate their political ideology more than Christ. At the same time, there are Right Wing political activists like Westboro Baptist Church and others who advance their politics under the false notion that hatred is somehow a Christian virtue.

There are Apostate denominations like PC USA, UCC, Methodists and American Baptists, as well as the false prophets of the Prosperity Gospel with preachers who own TV Networks and Private jets!

Now it is not to say that everyone who is a part of these Denominations of movements is unsaved. There are true believers in every one of these groups. But it is in spite of the teaching being taught, and not because of it.

So, let us examine this book more closely because it has a vital message for us today.

The AUTHOR is Jude, the Brother of Jesus. Jude 1 "Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James”

James was the Leader of the Church in Jerusalem. His Apostolic connection was PETER.

The RECIPIENTS were Jewish believers, likely in Judea, Samaria. We believe this because of the book is filled with reference from the Old Testament that indicate the recipients were familiar with Old Testament history.

Jude 1 “To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ:"

JUDE’S MESSAGE is clearly provided in verse 3. "Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints."