A Warning Against Apostasy

Title: A Warning Against Apostasy Script: Jude 1:1-11

Type: Expository Where: GNBC 8-14-22

Intro: I can still recall the conversation I had with a friend nearly 35 yrs ago. A shocked friend asked, "Have you heard that Michael is no longer a Christian?" What was so alarming to my friend was that Michael had been one of the most influential, and apparently fruitful, members of our Inter-Varsity group. What would those who had been influenced by his witness to Christ say, or do? Would they be shaken to the core and now doubt their own Christian faith? After all, the person who had pointed them to Christ no longer trusted Him. We wondered if our friend was ever truly converted. Were there signs of something missing? That was probably my first brush with “apostasy” in my Christian life. Sadly, would not be my last. “Apostasy” is the word we use to describe someone’s abandonment of Christ. Heb. 6:4-6 tells us this is a terrifying fate to consider and contemplate.

Prop: Today as we examine Jude 1:1-11, we’ll 3 important insights on apostasy.

BG: 1. Authorship: V.1 is our answer. He was in fact the ½ brother of Jesus. Yet, he does not use this designation. I am convinced out of humility for his failures in the past. John 7:5 tells us that even His own brothers did not believe Him, and in fact mocked Him.

2. Cannot be certain about date of the letter. I think late-60’s most likely. Could be as late as mid 80’s. It definitely would appear as though Jude used references to II Peter, so would be later.

3. The unquestioned theme of the letter is an address against “apostasy”. What is apostasy? It is a departure from the true and legitimate faith given once and for all by the Apostles.

Prop: In Jude 1:1-11 see 3 important insights into Apostasy of the author’s era.

I. Believers’ Assurance in the Midst of Ongoing Apostasy. Vv. 1-2

A. The Believer’s Assurance in the Midst of Ongoing Apostasy. v. 1

1. Jude begins by identifying himself to his audience.

a. How does he identify himself? Not as John did in his letters: “the Elder”, but rather: Jude identifies himself as a servant (bond slave) of Jesus Christ. He was a half-brother of the Lord, according to the flesh, and the brother of James (James 1:1; also Matthew 13:55, Acts 1:14).

b. A servant of Jesus Christ is a higher position and relationship than being a half brother. A lot of success in life is based on who your family is. Who you are related to. Who you married. Who’s your uncle, etc. Not Christianity. There are no genealogical ties to salvation in Christianity. Your grandfather may have been a Methodist pastor, it doesn’t save you. Your great grand parents may have been missionaries to Sri Lanka, that doesn’t save you! You may have even been born the ½ brother of the Lord Jesus Himself! That doesn’t save! What saves is trusting in Christ alone. Something Jude certainly DID NOT do as a young man. But now, as an elderly man, he is overjoyed to self-identify as a “bond-servant” or “slave” of the Lord’s! That’s why its hard for the powerful of this world to be saved! Need the grace of humility. Jude begins his letter by allowing us to look into the humility of his heart.

2. Jude states the reasons why the true believer has assurance even in an age of apostasy.

a. Jude lists 3 specific truths the believer is experiencing presently even in a midst when others are falling away due to the influence of apostate teachers. Jude says the believer is: called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ. Now there are some heavy truths in that little verse that need to be unpacked! 1st, you and I are called - God does not call us because of ability, effort, talent, or character. (Read I Cor. 1:22-24 – emphasize “called”). To those called He is the wisdom and power of He called on the basis of His determination. Whom He calls He keeps (see John 15:16). Next he says that you and I are “beloved in God”. "beloved" is a perfect passive participle, carrying past tense action. God has made his choice to place His love on you. “Kept” is another (ppp). Notice here not “kept in Christ” which also true, but rather, “kept for Christ”. This designates the special object of affection that you are to your Savior. (Illust- Have a safety deposit box at bank. Few important documents. Securely kept for us.)

b. Illust: The word “keep” or kept” is used 5x in this little letter. Keeping is the preserving power of God. Jude promises that God will preserve us in the midst of suffering in the dark days of apostasy. Can preserve a couple of different ways. Can preserve with sugar or preserve with vinegar. Lot of saints today act like preserved in vinegar. Have a sour disposition. Sour and repellant personality. Repel others. Then there are others who are preserved as with sugar. Sugar and spice and everything nice! Sweet disposition. Jude was warning of apostasy. Great Tribulation is coming.