Series: Jesus’ Half Brother- Jude [#1]
A LETTER OF WAR
Jude 1:1-4
Introduction:
Last week, we finished the Book of James. This week, we will begin studying the Book from another ½ brother of Jesus- Jude.
All that you have to do is read the newspaper, listen to the radio, watch tv, or look online and you will notice that there is an “all out” assault on Christianity. Just as the writer of this short, 1 chapter book of the Bible, I would like to spend all of my time preaching about how awesome our salvation through Jesus Christ is; but we need to notice that our enemy is doing everything he can to destroy us. The devil has declared war against us, and we need to see him defeated once again.
Jude 1:1-2
1. The recipients of the letter.
Who was or is the recipients of this letter? To answer this question, underline these 3 words from verse 1- “Called”, “loved”, and “kept”. These 3 words answer our question.
This letter is written to those who are…
* Called.
It is through the calling of the Holy Spirit that we can be saved and have the spiritual gifts given by God.
This letter is written to those who are…
* Loved by God the Father.
Do you want God to love you? If so, this letter is for you.
This letter is written to those who are…
* Kept by Jesus Christ.
Not only does Jesus save us; but He also keeps us. Who is this letter written to? All Christians.
Jude 1:3
2. The reason for the letter.
Jude wanted to write to these Christians about their salvation and how wonderful it is to be a child of God. Instead, he was writing a letter to these Christians about standing up for the faith. The enemy had “slipped in” among them and they had no idea. They had forgotten or lost focus of the fact that they were in a spiritual war. Jude was pleading with them to fight for the faith which was entrusted to them by God. Since Christ has left this earth and is in Heaven at the right hand of God the Father, the way people see the love of Christ is through Christians.
Jude 1:4
3. The descriptions of the enemies in the letter.
Jude now describes the enemies. We know they are secret agents because Jude says, “They have secretly slipped in among you.”
Satan’s secret agents…
* Are godless.
* Change the grace of God into a license for immorality.
* Deny Jesus Christ as our only Sovereign and Lord.
Conclusion:
What does all of this mean? Just because someone claims to be a Christian doesn’t mean they are. Satan has planted some evil people amongst believers to destroy us and discourage us. Don’t forget Christians, that we win.
