A Final Warning From The Apostle

Title: “A Final Warning from Jude” Scripture: Jude 1:17-25

Type: Expository Where: GNBC 8-28-2022

Intro: Abraham Piper is the apostate son of retired pastor and author John Piper. The younger Piper has made $$millions in mocking Christianity on TikTok and other social media platforms. This past week I was listening to a Doug Wilson critique of a recent AP rant in which he states: “Maybe, instead of thinking there are serious questions in life, we ought to first tell ourselves: “Nothing is serious.” I suppose that is how Piper can soothe his conscience. However, does it really work? You students, will you tell yourself that before your midterm or final? If so, will it affect how you study? Your grade? Will any of us employ Mr. Piper’s existential ponderings when it comes to our boss’ requirements for us? How about when we go for our annual physical and the doctor says well you have cancer but there is a good course of action with very successful possible outcome. “Ha, ha, doc, it’s not serious.” So why would Piper assume that about the question of greatest importance, our eternity? Because he is an apostate! Mr. Piper would do well to listen to the final words of Jude this morning.

Prop: Examining Jude 1:17-25 we’ll see 2 final exhortations from the Apostle.

BG: 1. Letter written sometime b/t 65-80 AD, after II Peter, certainly after Peter’s death (64ad)

2. Jude, the brother of the Lord, may be in view. The strongest reason on behalf of this view is that Jude identifies himself as “the brother of James.” A well-known James is presupposed. The only one to fit the bill is James, the brother of the Lord.

3. Jude’s purpose in writing was to encourage Christians to contend for the faith, delivered once and for all.

Prop: Let’s examine these last verses of Jude in order to see the Apostle’s final exhortations.

I. 1st Exhortation: Believers are Warned of Present and Coming Apostasy. Vv.17-18

A. Jude Expects a Different Outcome for his audience.

1. Jude begins his exhortation noting the difference of a true Christian and apostates.

a. “But you…” – Jude is setting this whole section in opposition to the previous verses (Last week.) denoting the emptiness and meaninglessness of the false teachers and their vapid audience. Look back at vv. 15-16 at the utter debauchery of these people who called themselves Christian! “But you…” Highlights the difference and the distinction. There are differences and distinctions between Christians, churches, fellowships, etc. There were those who think they are “in the club” yet refuse sound teaching, the Apostle’s doctrine, and holy living, who are in rebellion to authority and even revel in it. Jude says they are condemned. Jude still says this today!

b. Jude identifies God’s view of the true believer: “beloved”, loved of God! Praise the Lord! Are you trusting Christ? Do you love His Word and Church? Are you trying to honor Him with your life? God calls you “Beloved”! Have you told yourself that this week, dear one? God loves you!

2. Jude Exhorts Believers to Remember! (ought)

a. “remember” is one of the key words and concepts in the Bible. Many will remember today as the day of their baptism. The Jews were to remember all sorts of things: circumcision, deliverance from Egypt, Commandments, various holidays and celebrations, sacrifices, their relationship to God. Illust: We remember key events in history- 10/31/1517; 7/12/1690; 12/7/1941; 9/11/2001; Easter Sunday 33 AD. We are to remember the day gave life to Christ.

b. Christians are to also remember: The Lord’s death and resurrection, Specifically, we are to remember the words spoken of by the Apostles. We are to remember Apostolic authority. (We are to reject ANYONE today who claims this authority since the Canon is closed.) Read II Pet. 3:2 (Almost verbatim. Seems as though Jude is quoting Peter.) What did the early Church remember? Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the Apostle’s Doctrine, and the fellowship , to the breaking of bread and to prayers.” Sound doctrine/worship, fellowship, communion, prayer.

B. Heed Jude’s Warning against Apostasy. V.18

1. Jude speaks of a season of Apostasy.

a. What is this season of apostasy? “last time” – time – chronos- a space of time, a fixed time, a season. Friend, there will always be seasons of apostasy in the history of the Church. There will also be a final season of apostasy. There is a last day coming, There will be a trumpet blast. The eastern sky will open, The dead in Christ will arise. The Lord will return. However, if we are alive to see this or die before His return, there will be a “last time” for each of us. That’s why we need to plead with the lost and the backslidden and content with the apostates.