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.
• An additional 13 books called the Apocrypha.
• (They are Tobit, Judith, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, Wisdom,
• Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), and Baruch.)
Note: Just a few minutes to talk about the apocrypha:
(a).
• At the time of Jesus Hebrew was a dead language,
• It only had an ecclesiastical use by religious leaders (Scribes & Pharisees);
• Most people, including Jesus spoke Aramaic, but this was a localised language
• But the widespread language of literature, the printed page was Greek.
(b).
• The Jewish people spread all over Europe, Asia and the world;
• Could now be able to read their Bible (Old Testament),
• Translated it from Hebrew into Greek.
• This translation is called, ‘The Septuagint’;
• And was translated in the two to three hundred years BC.
• This translation meant that non-Hebrew speaking Jews could read it.
• Note: it was in this edition of the Old Testament that these extra books appear.
• They did not appear before!
• And that is important!
(c).
• Now both Protestants and Catholics use the same New Testament,
• It is the Old Testament that we differ.
• Because the Catholic Old Testament includes books these extra books,
• Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus (Sirach),
• Baruch (includes the Letters of Jeremiah), I and II Maccabees,
• And some additions to the books Daniel and Esther.
(d).
• We know that the apostle Paul and the other apostles such as
• Matthew, Mark, Luke & John as well as Peter and the writer to the Hebrews.
• All quote the Old Testament from the Septuagint translation of the Bible.
• But note:
• They never quote from the apocryphal books (only Jude does that).
• And we will look at why in a minute.
(e).
• When Jerome was commissioned by Pope Damasus I in 382;
• To produce a Catholic Bible, from a revision of the old Latin translations.
• He produced a version called ‘The Vulgate’ (i.e. ‘Common’);
• This was the official version of the Catholic Bible,
• In it, Jerome rejected from the Old Testament all books that were not in Hebrew.
• So, he rejected these additional books.
• However, under tremendous pressure from Rome,
• Jerome, included the Apocrypha
• Despite Jerome’s insistence that the Apocrypha did not belong in the Bible.
• The Latin Vulgate became the dominant and officially sanctioned Catholic Bible,
• And remained that way for around 1200 years.
• Thus, the Apocrypha became a part of the Catholic Bible.
(f).
• Note: These apocryphal books never claimed to be the word of God;
• They never claimed to be inspired;
• e.g. They never include the phrase “Thus says the Lord”
• Which occurs 3,808 times in our Old Testaments.
• The Jewish people have never claimed that these Apocryphal books are inspired;
• As they would say when talking about the other Old Testament books;
• Such as The Psalms, Isaiah or The Torah.
(g).
• Jesus, quoted from every section of Old Testament Scripture,
• But never once quoted from the apocrypha!
• Neither did any of His disciples!
• The early Protestant Reformers, in agreement with Judaism,
• Determined that the Apocrypha did not belong in the Bible,
• And therefore, removed the Apocrypha from Protestant Bibles.
Question: So why does Jude quote from it?
• e.g. In verse 9 the information is gleaned from the Assumption of Moses.
• e.g. The gist of what is contained in verses 14-15 is documented rom the book of Enoch.
Answer: Although they are not inspired (‘The Word of God’):
• Quoting from the apocrypha in New Testament days;
• Would be like a preacher quoting from Shakespeare or Pilgrim’s Progress today.
• These great writings may be used to illustrate a point;
• But that is all.
• If I were to do that, and quote from Shakespeare or Pilgrim’s Progress;
• I am sure none of you would not view those writings as you would the Bible,
• You would understand that I am using these works of literature to illustrate a point.
• Other New Testament writers do that as well;
Ill:
• On three occasions the apostle Paul quotes from Greek writers, Greek poets:
• The poet Aratus (Acts chapter 17 verse 28)
• The poet Menander (I Corinthians chapter 15 verse 33)
• The poet Epimenides or Euripes (Titus chapter 1 verse 12)
Ill:
• The apostle James used rabbinical tradition in James chapter 5 verse 17.
• The quotation:
“Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.”
• Although based on the story of Elijah,
• It is taken from Jewish rabbinical tradition;
• It is not a direct Old Testament quote.
• TRANSITION: Well, because Jude is more obvious in his secular quote;
• Some Christians treat this book as suspect:
• And sadly, it is one of the least read;
• And therefore, least known parts of the New Testament!
Note:
• Yet despite the fact it is an overlooked book;
• It contains two verses which are very well known by Christians.
• It contains in verses 24-25:
• One of the great benedictions or doxologies of the New Testament;
“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – 25 to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and for evermore! Amen.”
(2). Who was Jude?
Ill:
• A French taxicab driver picked up a passenger and safely delivered him to his hotel.
• On receiving a payment and a healthy tip, the taxi-driver said;
• “Thank you, Sir Arthur Cannon Doyle”
• Sir Arthur looking rather bemused enquired;
• “How did you know me?”
• The taxi driver responded;
• “I read in in the newspaper that he famous author of the English detective;
• Sherlock Holmes was coming to Paris from the South of France.
• I deduced from the cut of your clothes you are English;
• Observing your haircut and tanned face,
• I knew I could make a calculated guess”
• Sir Arthur Cannon Doyle looked impressed
• And then the taxi driver said: “and of course the label on your luggage helped!”
• TRANSITION: The name on the label says it all!
• The name ‘Jude’ is short for ‘Judas’:
• (Hebrew, Judah, or Greek, Judas)
• His name may well have been shortened to distinguish him from Judas the betrayer.
Ill:
• A bit like today in our country you tend not meet many Adolph’s
• Or Osama bin Laden.
Question: Who was Jude?
Answer:
• Now there are seven Jude’s mentioned in the New Testament:
• See below.
• Most scholars believe this Jude was a half-brother of Jesus & James.
• You can pick up a Bible commentary or Google online;
• To read the reasons why or why not this may or may not be correct!
• An ancestor of Jesus, Luke 3:30
• The Galilean, Acts 5:37
• Jude Iscariot, Matthew 3:19
• Jude, with whom Paul lodged in Damascus, Acts 9:11
• Jude Barsabas, Acts 15:22
• Son of James (an apostle but not the author of the book, Luke 6:16)
• Jude was a half-brother of Jesus & James.
• (Matthew chapter 13 verse 55 & Mark chapter 6 verse 3).
Note:
• If this Jude was a half-brother of Jesus & James.
• I like the way he describes himself “a servant/bondservant of Jesus Christ.”
• That is a humble description to use!
• We might be tempted to name drop;
• We might start the letter; “And by the way, I'm Jude, Jesus’ brother”?
• But he is not name dropping to impress and to demand respect.
• In fact, the opposite;
• He identifies himself simply as “a servant/bondservant of Jesus Christ.”
And I think that tells you a lot about his own self-understanding.
• He calls himself, “the brother of James,”
• Even though elsewhere in the New Testament; other people call him “the brother of our Lord.”
• (e.g. The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 9 verse 5)
• But this writer doesn't say, ‘I'm Jude the brother of Jesus.’
• He says, “I'm Jude, the slave of Jesus the Messiah and the brother of James.”
• It has been speculated that both James and Jude, the half-brothers chose,
• Out of humility, not to identify themselves as biologically related to Jesus.
• Both James and Jude knew Jesus as their Master and Lord.
• That is reflected in the way they describe themselves in their letters.
(3). What Is Jude About?
• And don’t say, “About 25 verses!”
• I make the corny jokes in this place!
• I mean of course, why did Jude take time-out to pen this letter?
• What was the message burning in his heart and mind?
Question: Would it surprise you if I said he wrote the letter by mistake?
• This letter was written unintentionally.
• Jude started with one set of thoughts and ended up with another!
• Look at verse 3: Jude was going to write about ‘the salvation we share’.
• He was going to pen a treatise, a discourse on the Christian faith.
• But he got distracted by the Holy Spirit and instead wrote a letter of warning.
Ill:
• In verse 3 we have the word; “Urge” (NIV) or “Exhort” (KJB) in the Greek language;
• Was used to describe a general giving orders to the army;
• So, the atmosphere of this letter is ‘military’.
• Jude has been called; Quote: “A trumpet call to defend the faith”.
• Quote: Moffet called it: “A fiery cross to rouse the Churches”.
• It has also been nicknames; “The Acts of the Apostates”
• The Purpose of his letter was to remind the Church to be Watchful;
• In verse 4: He warns of false teachers who have infiltrated the Church.
• Jude is the only book in the New Testament;
• Exclusively dedicated to confronting apostasy.
• Apostasy is a defect or revolt against ‘\the Faith.’
Jude uses five negative images to describe them (vs 12):
• Shepherds who feed only themselves,
• Clouds without rain,
• Dead autumn trees,
• Wild waves,
• Wandering stars.
• Powerful images that call us to be on our guard!
• To be watchful, to make sure we know what and why we believe what we do!
ill:
• The Great Wall of China is 3,460 kilometres long (2150miles);
• And was built over a period of 2,000 years.
• It was built so high that nobody could climb over it,
• And so thick that nobody could break it down.
• Yet during the first 100 years of the wall’s existence,
• China was invaded three times.
• Not once did the enemy break down the wall or climb over it,
• Each time their enemies bribed the gatekeeper and they just marched on through.
• TRANSITION: Jude is a very powerful reminder;
• That the biggest danger to the Church is often from within!
Note: The style of Jude – notice that he uses many triads or triplets:
• #1: There are three actions of God (vs 1): “called, loved, and kept”
• #2: There are three blessings (vs 2): “mercy, peace, and love”;
• #3: There are three historic warnings (vs 5-7):
• Leaving Egypt, deserting angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah.
• #4: There are three negative actions (vs 8):
• Pollute their bodies, reject authority, and slander angels.
• #5: There are three bad examples (vs 11):
• Cain, Balaam, and Korah.
• #6: There are three characteristics of ungodly men in the church: (vs 19)
• They cause division, follow natural instincts, and do not have the Spirit.
• #7: There are three prescriptions (vs 20-21):
• Build up your faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and stay in God’s love.
• #8: There are three ways to show mercy (vs 22):
• Help doubters, save others from destruction, and carefully rescue others without being taken down;
• #9: There are three attributes of God (vs 24):
• Keeps us from falling, presents us without fault, and has great joy.
(5). What is a Christian?
• According to Jude; “What is a Christian?”
• The answer can be found in verse 1&2:
“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,
To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for[a] Jesus Christ:
2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.”
• In answering the question, let me remind you again:
• Three actions of God (vs 1): “called, loved, and kept”
• Three blessings for us (vs 2): “mercy, peace, and love”;
FIRST: Called:
ill:
• Jesus often called people to follow him (Mark chapter 1 verses 14-20).
• Think of the fishermen Simon Peter and his brother Andrew,
• Also, James son of Zebedee and his brother John.
“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.”
ill:
• Think of Levi/Matthew at his tax-booth (Luke chapter 5 verses 27-32)
• Or Zacchaeus hiding up a tree ((Luke chapter 19 verses 1-10)
Question: Is he calling you this morning?
• Then come home while you have the opportunity!
• Jesus says; (Revelation chapter 3 verse 20):
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
SECOND: Loved:
Ill:
• I thought of the testimony of the apostle Paul who could say:
• (Galatians chapter 2 verse :20):
• “…the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Ill:
• Amy Carmichael, (16 December 1867 – 18 January 1951),
• Was an Irish missionary in India,
• She worked among young girls who were sold to the Hindu temple as prostitutes.
• She rescued the girls and opened an orphanage and a mission in Dohnavur.
• She served in India for 55 years without furlough.
• She wrote many books about the missionary work there.
• Was converted to Christ after hearing the hymn "Jesus Loves Me" (by Anna B. Warne);
• At a children's mission in Yorkshire, England.
“Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.
Refrain:
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me! This I know,
As He loved so long ago,
Taking children on His knee,
Saying, “Let them come to Me.”
Jesus loves me still today,
Walking with me on my way,
Wanting as a friend to give
Light and love to all who live.
Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.
Jesus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way;
Thou hast bled and died for me,
I will henceforth live for Thee.”
Amy Carmichael’s biography contains the famous lines:
“Upon a life I did not live
Upon a death I did not die-
Another’s life, Another’s death
I stake my whole eternity.”
THIRD: Kept: “kept for Jesus Christ”
• Quote: I love the words of Jesus:
• John chapter 10 verses 27-30:
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.’
• A double grip:
• We are in his hands (vs 28) and we are also in the Father’s hands (vs 29)
Ill:
• If you are a parent, you will have crossed a busy street with your child.
• You always grab hold of the hand of the child to keep him/her safe.
• The child may be holding onto you, without realising that you have a hold of him/her!
Ill:
• Watchman Nee became a Christian in mainland China in 1920,
• He was converted aged seventeen and began writing in the same year.
• Throughout the nearly thirty years of his ministry,
• Watchman Nee wrote many books and was greatly used of God in China.
• He tells the story of how one day a new convert came to see him,
• The man was distressed and worried.
• He said to Watchman Nee;
"No matter how much I pray, no matter how hard I try, I simply cannot seem to be faithful to my Lord. I think I'm losing my salvation."
Watchman Nee replied:
"Do you see this dog here? He is my dog. He is house-trained; he never makes a mess; he is obedient; he is a pure delight to me. Out in the kitchen I have a son, a baby son. He makes a mess, he throws his food around, he fouls his clothes, he is a total mess. But who is going to inherit my kingdom? Not my dog; my son is my heir. You are Jesus Christ's heir because it is for you that He died." We are Christ's heirs, not through our perfection but by means of His grace.”
• TRANSITION: That is why Jude mentions “Mercy, peace and love” (vs 2)
• God deals with us in mercy!
• "Mercy is when you don't get what you deserve”.
• We deserve punishment but we find forgiveness.
• We deserve separation from God;
• But instead with have peace and reconciliation.
• We deserve his wrath but instead we experience his love!
In Conclusion:
Question: What is a Christian?
Answer: found in verse 1&2:
“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,
To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for[a] Jesus Christ:
2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.”
• A Christian has been: “called, loved, and kept” by God
• A Christian has been blessed by: “mercy, peace, and love”;
If you have yet to receive Jesus Christ as your saviour, then do so now.
• I often say it’s as easy as A.B.C.
• A = Admit –I am a sinner by nature and by practice.
• And I know my sin is an offence to a holy God.
• B = Believe Jesus bore your sins when he died on the cross.
• Put your faith and trust in him and his finished work and not your good works.
• C = Consider – am I willing to make Jesus Christ Lord of my life,
• Am I willing to repent, turn from living for self and start to live for him?
• D = Do – will you do that now as I lead you in a short prayer of commitment to Christ.
• Let’s pray.
SERMON AUDIO:
https://surf.pxwave.com/wl/?id=JnFhFDT6lveysYl9lL4OTclJfnh75QaM
