ORDERS FROM THE TOP
Jude 1:20-25
As we complete this study on Jude, we need to notice that the focus is taken off of the false prophets, false teachers, and counterfeit Christians; and placed upon the Christian’s life.
In these last five verses of Jude we are given instructions concerning our personal spiritual responsibilities, then our spiritual responsibilities towards others and then our responsibilities towards God. Notice that we must clean up our own lives before we can become effective with others. Let’s look at God’s instructions to His soldiers.
Concerning Yourself
Jude 1:20-21
Christians are given three specific instructions on things that should be happening in their spiritual lives:
1. Pursue Growth
“Build yourselves up in your most holy faith…”
This word “build” literally means to “build upon”. What are to build upon? The foundation of Jesus Christ. Notice that the responsibility is placed on us. We are to pursue spiritual growth. We do this through the Word of God, fellowship with other believers, and prayer.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15
2. Pray In The Holy Spirit
When we are being led by the Holy Spirit, we pray to God in a pleasing way. The Holy Spirit knows what the Father is asking us to do. The Holy Spirit reveals to us unconfessed sin. When praying in the Spirit we ask God things according to His will.
1 John 5:14-15
3. Persevere Until The End
Don’t stop! Keep serving God. The Christian walk is daily.
Matthew 16:24
Concerning Others
Jude 1:22-23
Christians are given three specific types of ways to minister to people depending on their spiritual condition:
1. The Spiritual Doubters
This is saved people who often doubt their salvation and God’s will in their life. The reason Christians doubt their salvation or God’s presence in their life is unconfessed sin. These doubters are often times new believers.
Christians are to help them grow. Babies need someone to feed them, change their diapers, hold them, caudle them, etc… Spiritual babies are no different.
2. The Spiritually Dead
Those who are not saved are spiritually dead and are bound for the fire of Hell. Christians are to snatch them from the fire. The only way someone is “snatched from the fire” is by being given new life through Jesus Christ which occurs the moment a person accepts God’s gift of salvation. We are to lead people to Jesus Christ.
3. The Spiritually Deceived
This is talking about those who say they are Christians (and they may be); but the way they live their lives doesn’t reflect that. When a fellow Christian is hurting their witness and the witness of God’s Army by sinful living we are to go to them. We correct them with a motive of love hoping that they will repent. As our text says we are to “show mercy, mixed with fear”. They must realize that it is a bad idea to play games with God. We must also notice that we are to hate sin, but love the sinner.
Concerning God
Jude 1:24-25
Christians are given three reasons to praise God:
1. Because He Keeps Us
There is nothing or nobody more powerful than God. When a person is saved, they become a member of God’s family and no one can every change that. Praise be to God!
2. Because He Will Present Us
Through the blood of Jesus we are made clean. It is only because of the blood of Jesus that we will be able to enter into Heaven for all eternity. We stand before God without fault and with great joy because of Jesus Christ.
3. Because Of Who He Is
There is none like our God. There is none more powerful than our God. There is none that love like our God. Our God is to be given all the praise and glory.
Series: War On Terror [#4]
Sunday Evening Bible Study November 30, 2003
Bel Aire Baptist Church
