Title: The God who is Able
Theme: To conclude Jude 1:24 – 25 with praise and worship unto the Lord who is able to help us overcome any false teachings.
Text: Jude 1:24 - 25
Introduction
Finally, after all of his warning, Jude leaves us in a place of rest, saying God is the One who will keep us from falling.
God's love is unconditional, never turned off, never diminished. The only question is: Will you plant yourself in the place where you can be drenched with it?
Jude tells us exactly how to do that as he exhorts us to stay in the Word, pray in the Spirit, and look for our Lord's coming. "If you know these things, happy are you if you do them," Jesus said (see Joh_13:17).
Jude 1:24 Now to Him who is able i
Such is the text before us today. Indeed, the Word is full of passages that talk about God's ability—His "able-ness."
God the Protector – In the Fire – Walking us through
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.—Daniel 3:17
You know the story. King Nebuchadnezzar ordered his subjects to bow down to the golden image he had constructed. All complied—except three young Jewish men named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.
Threatened with death in a fiery furnace stoked seven times hotter than normal for their insubordination, they answered, "No matter how hot that furnace may be, God is able to deliver us."
Isaiah 43:1-2 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
God of the Impossible – Raise up people to praise Him – Never give up.
And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.—Matthew 3:9
To the Pharisees and Sadducees, John the Baptist said, "Being a Jew is nothing special. God is able, if He so chooses, to raise up stones and make them Jewish children." What does this have to do with us today? Maybe your teenage son or daughter is falling into the "stoner" scene. Take heart! God is able to take "stoners" and make them children of faith. God is able!
God will keep His promises - Abraham
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.—Romans 4:20-21
Even though he was one hundred years old and still childless, Abraham was strong in faith, knowing God was yet completely able to keep His promise. God is able!
God will Bless
Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.—2 Corinthians 9:7-8
The Greek word translated "cheerfully" actually means "hilarious," joyful abandon. In other words, God loves those who give to Him with hilarious, joyful abandon. And He is able to bless and grace them in every area—including seeing them through their financial obligations.
God is Able to Do beyond our imagination
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.—Ephesians 3:20-21
God is able to do more than we can ask or even imagine. Truly, God is able!
God is able to keep what I have committed to him.
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.—2 Timothy_1:12
It's not so much knowing what you believe as knowing in Whom you believe. "I know Who I believe," said Paul. "I can count on Him." So can we. He's able to keep that which we've committed to Him—be it our lives, our spouses, our businesses, our children, and our grandchildren. God is able!
God is able to help
For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to aid them that are tempted.—Hebrews 2:18
God is able to see you through times of temptation. He knows what you're feeling. He suffered too. Yet, He can see you through because He came through without sin. He is able!
God is able to save to the “uttermost” - fulfillment
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them.—Hebrews_7:25
A generation ago, baseball player-turned-evangelist, Billy Sunday, preached from this text, saying, "God can save to the guttermost." Maybe you feel like you're in the gutter today. Take heart. God can save you. He can save me. He is able!
to keep you from stumbling,
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling…—Jud_1:24
Here, in our text, we read that God is able to keep us from falling.
Kids, your parents can't keep you from falling. Wives, your husbands can't keep you from falling. Husbands, your wives can't keep you from falling. Precious people, the church can't keep you from falling. And I certainly can't keep you from falling.
Wait a minute," you say. "If God is able to keep us from falling, then why did I fall last week, last year, or five years ago? If He is able to keep me from falling, why didn't He?"
Based on Jud_1:24, I believe it is impossible for Christians to fall.
"But I'm a Christian, and I fell into sin," you say.
No you didn't. You walked into sin one step at a time. And God was there every step of the way, warning you to turn, providing a way of escape (1Co_10:13).
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
"I can handle this," we say. "I can go to that party. I can take in that movie. I can talk to that lady. I'm not going to have a problem. Not me."
In the Book of 2 Kings, we see what happens so often, so tragically, so needlessly as a result.
In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.—2 Kings 14:1
In 2 Kings 14, we meet a man named Amaziah, king of Judah.
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father.—2 Kings 14:3
Although Amaziah did that which was good, he didn't have a heart for the Lord like David did.
Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.—2 Kings 14:4
The high places being mountaintops where idols were worshiped, idolatry was allowed under Amaziah's reign.
He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war…—2 Kings 14:7
This guy who did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but didn't have a tender heart for the Lord as David did, experienced an impressive victory over the Edomites.
Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.—2 Kings 14:8
"To look one another in the face" means to have a face-to-face confrontation. Feeling invincible, Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, king of Israel, saying, "Come on, let's mix it up."
And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.— 2 Kings 14:9
Jehoash answered Amaziah, saying, "Amaziah, you're a little thistle. I'm a big tree. What do you want to mix it up with me for? You're going to get crushed."
You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has lifted you up. Glory in that, and stay at home; for why should you meddle with trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?"- 2 Kings 14:10
"Why are you doing this?" asks Jehoash. "Celebrate your victory over the Edomites, but don't get over your head in dealing with me. You're headed for trouble."
But Amaziah would not hear. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Beth-shemesh, which belongeth to Judah.—2 Kings 14:11
Amaziah was warned directly, but he wouldn't listen. So he engaged in battle with Jehoash. And guess what happened?
And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents.—2 Kings 14:12
Judah got stomped, just as Jehoash had predicted. Amaziah didn't fall into defeat. Having been warned directly, having been spoken to plainly, he walked into defeat.
"I can do that," we say. "I can go there. I'm strong. She won't affect me. That group won't taint me. I just gave myself to the Lord. I've had great victory. I'm okay." And, like Amaziah, we "meddle to our own hurt."
Please note three things that happened to Judah as a result of Amaziah's stroll into sin.
And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Beth-shemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.—2 Kings 14:13
First, defenses were broken. When you meddle where you ought not meddle, the first thing that happens is that defenses are broken down. Before, when we flirted with that kind of activity, that kind of language, that kind of visual presentation, we were offended and uncomfortable with them. But when we say, "I'm strong. I can take that in. I can go there. It's not going to hurt me"—the first thing that happens is our walls are broken down.
It's the proverbial story of the frog in the kettle: Put a frog in a kettle of boiling water, and he will jump out immediately. But put him in a kettle of cool water and slowly heat it up, and he'll die in the boiling water, never noticing it becoming hotter and hotter.
So, too, if we get involved in battles we should stay away from, if we go to places we know better than to go, saying, "It's no big deal," we won't even notice our defenses disappearing.
And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house…—2 Kings_14:14
Second, treasure was lost. After Jehoash tore down the walls of Judah, he took precious treasure. So, too, when our defenses are down, we become susceptible and vulnerable. Treasure is lost, never to be returned. Precious people, whenever we sin, certain precious treasures are lost permanently. Oh, we can be forgiven totally, but treasure is lost—be it innocence, health, perspective, holiness—never to be returned this side of eternity.
…And hostages, and returned to Samaria.—2 Kings 14:14
Finally, hostages were taken. When walls are broken down because I'm no longer sensitive to sin as I once was, not only is treasure lost, but hostages are taken, as I find myself prisoner to the very sin I thought was no problem. It has been rightly said that the chains of sin are too light to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.
Application: Maybe you're saying, "I've done just that. I knew when I started what I was doing could cause a problem, but I thought I was strong enough. I thought I could handle it. And now, just like Amaziah, walls are broken, treasure's taken, and I'm held hostage. What hope is there for me?"
And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Advocate
- Original: pa?a´???t?? - Transliteration: Parakletos - Phonetic: par-ak'-lay-tos
- Definition:
1. summoned, called to one's side, esp. called to one's aid
a. one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate
b. one who pleads another's cause with one, an intercessor
1. of christ in his exaltation at God's right hand, pleading with God the father for the pardon of our sins
c. in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant
1. of the holy spirit destined to take the place of christ with the apostles (after his ascension to the father), to lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth, and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom
(25) To God our Savior, Who alone is wise,
Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; (6) In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (7) Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
Psalm 37:23-24 provides a fitting, final and encouraging word: “The steps of a good man are ordered (established) be the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.”
Close with Praise - Doxology
Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.
College Press NT
God is praised with four terms.
Glory (dovxa, doxa) is a rich word pointing to the bright presence of God that overshadowed Sinai (Exodus 24:16-17) and the temple (1 Kings 8:11).
The God who is seen and can be experienced
It also suggests the reputation and renown of God.
Majesty (megalwsuvnh, megalosyne) connotes the transcendence of God. He is beyond human comprehension.
Power (kravto", kratos) and authority (ejxousiva, exousia) are synonymous. “Authority” may be Jude's final swipe at the false teachers who do not recognize God's rule.
The greatest way to fight false teachers is to praise the God they deny. All praise to God is through Jesus Christ our Lord. That praise stretches from eternity to eternity. To these words of praise, all believers say a heartfelt amen.
Amen
Note: some studies done from sermons on https://www.sabc.org/ in sermons in Jude, also https://ftc.co/resource-library/ftc-preaching-guides/preaching-guide-jude/ and other commentaries
