What Is A Christian? Series

SERMON OUTLINE:

(1). Why Study Jude?

(2). Who Was Jude?

(3). Who Did Jude Write To?

(4). What is Jude About?

(5). What is a Christian?

SERMON BODY:

Ill:

• A small boy was asked by his teacher to define the word appetite.

• He speedily and enthusiastically replied:

"When you're eating, you're 'appy; and when you get through, you're tight—that's appetite!"

Quote:

• The French have a proverb, which states,

• “A good meal ought to begin with hunger.”

• It is harder to enjoy a meal when you are not yet hungry.

• But, when you are hungry, anything tastes good!

• I hope when it comes to our brand-new series of studies in the book of Jude,

• We have an appetite, a good appetite;

• When you are spiritually hungry, this book tastes good!

• Remember: "When you're eating, you're 'appy; - Happy to hear God speaking!

• And when you get through, you're tight” – full of truth!

(1). Why Study Jude?

• At a guess, I would say that the letter of Jude;

• Is one of the least popular books in the New Testament!

• And it is certainly one that preachers avoid speaking on.

• Question: When did you last hear a sermon on the book of Jude?

• Answer: Like me you probably can’t remember!

• Quote: Jude has been called 'the most neglected book in the New Testament'.

• There are several reasons for this:

(a). IT'S SMALL

• Along with Philemon and 2 and 3 John,

• It is one of the smallest books in the New Testament.

• These New Testament postcards often get overlooked;

• Either they are too hard to find in your New Testament,

• Or maybe they are just hidden away next to a bigger book;

• In the case of Jude, the colossal book of Revelation.

• Or maybe in this case; “maybe size does matter!”

• Jude is only 25 verses long;

• And can be easily read out loud in about 4 minutes!

• But although Jude maybe small, don’t under-estimate Jude,

• He has a lot to say and his words are powerful!

ill:

• A tiny dose of penicillin can heal a person of a deadly disease.

• A micro-chip can hold vast amounts of information.

• A mosquito can cause you an awful lot of discomfort!

• TRANSITION:

• Jude may be small, but he has a lot to say and his words are powerful!

(b). IT'S STRANGE

• As you read it you encounter puzzling references;

• e.g. The Archangel Michael arguing with Satan over Moses' body.

• What does that refer to?

• There is certainly no mention of that happening in the Old Testament account.

• e.g. There are references to 'the sons of Korah'

• (they sound like new boy band who have just appeared on The X Factor!).

• e.g. There are references to locked in a dungeon;

• Once again to the casual reader they seem similarly obscure references;

• So, as you read it you encounter puzzling allusions;

• If you do not want to strain your brain too much;

• It is easier just to ignore this little book!

(c). IT'S SUSPECT

• Jude makes nine references or rather allusions to the Old Testament;

• No problem with that until you try to find them in your Bible!

• He does not make any direct quotes, just allusions.

• We have no problem with that, many preachers do it,

Ill:

• I may use the allusion that David killed Goliath the giant of a man,

• And go on to say that we all face giants in life, the giant of despair or doubt.

• I have alluded to a story but not any direct quote.

But Jude goes one step beyond!

• Jude quotes from what we call the Apocrypha.

• And some Christians take exception to this!

• Question: What is the Apocrypha?

• Answer:

• The Apocrypha is the name given to some extra Jewish books.

• That are added to the Catholic Bible.

The name ‘Apocrypha’ simply means ‘Hidden books’.

• Between our Old and New Testaments.

• That is the end of the OT book called Malachi;

• And the beginning of the NT book called Matthew.

• There was a 400-year period of silence. Of heavenly dumbness.

• When God never spoke through his prophets.

• There was no; “Thus sayeth the Lord” or “The Word of the Lord came to me”

• So, in the Bible you hold in your hand;

• There are 66 books, 39 in the OT and 27 in the NT.

• But if you were in a Roman Catholic Church this morning

• You might find that your Bible contains 73 books.