What Makes an Individual a Christian - Part 5b

Words of Christ in red

Verse repetition is healthy; the more you read, the sooner the Word of God becomes like an old friend

We have been studying “What Makes an Individual a Christian.” It is very simple:

FAITH makes an individual a Christian

It is through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, for the forgiveness of sin, and the promise of God for everlasting life.

Faith comes from being exposed to the word of God:

Romans 10:17  “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Biblically, Jesus Christ is the only Way to salvation:

Acts 4:12  “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

One must only believe (faith in action) on Jesus Christ for salvation:

Acts 16:30-31  “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

It is through faith one is saved:

Ephesians 2:8  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”

Salvation is available for anyone who believes:

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

~ Short Study: Faith in Jesus’ Death ~

God has accepted Jesus’ vicarious death as the sufficient payment for everyone's sins; however, only those who place their faith in Jesus Christ for forgiveness are released from having to suffer their own punishment for all eternity.

~ Vicarious death means “suffered in the place of another”

John 3:16-17  “For God so loved the world {mankind}, that he gave his only begotten {to have born; brought forth} Son {Jesus Christ}, that whosoever believeth {anyone who believes} in him should not perish {eternal punishment}, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn {judge} the world; but that the world through him might be saved {rescued; born again}.”

Romans 5:8  “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

“while we were yet sinners” – we are not worthy for Jesus to have died in our place; but, because of God’s great love for us Jesus died

Romans 8:34a  “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died…”

Philippians 2:8  “And being found in fashion {appearance} as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death {submitted to the will of God}, even the death of the cross.”

1 Corinthians 15:3  “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;”

“according to the scriptures” – historically and prophetically

2 Corinthians 5:21  “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Ephesians 1:7  “In whom we have redemption through his blood {the blood He shed}, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace {unmerited favor};”

1 Timothy Chapter 2:3-6  “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; (4) Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (5) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (6) Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”

~ Expanded Study:  Faith in Jesus’ Death ~

Because of Jesus’ death, your sin debt is paid in full:

John 3:16-17  “For God so loved the world {mankind}, that he gave his only begotten {to have born} Son {Jesus Christ}, that whosoever believeth {anyone who believes} in him should not perish {eternal punishment in Hell}, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn {judge} the world; but that the world through him might be saved {rescued; born again}.”

Romans 5:8  ““But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 8:32  “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”

Ephesians 2:4  “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,”

2 Thessalonians 2:16  “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,”

1 John 4:9-10  “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”

1 John 5:13  “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (This verse was written to Believers for assurance of their salvation)

Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

“while we were yet sinners” – not worthy for Jesus to die for us; but, because of God’s great love for us Jesus died

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

1 Peter 3:18  “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins {paid in full on the cross}, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened {made alive} by the Spirit {Holy Spirit}:”

1 John 4:10  “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation {appeasing; atonement} for our sins.”

Romans 8:34  “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession {intercedes} for us.”

Philippians 2:8  “And being found in fashion {appearance} as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death {submitted to the will of God}, even the death of the cross.”

“death of the cross” – brutal, humiliating, excruciating, agony; the Romans and the Greeks learned this torturous practice from the Phoenicians to use in "capital punishment" cases; Jesus was absolutely sinless and not guilty of any crime, but was crucified

Matthew 26:39  “And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup {wrath of God} pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

Hebrews 5:8  “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;”

Hebrews 12:2  “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Though He suffered agony it was to Jesus a joy to provide eternal life for all who believe)

John 10:17-18  “Therefore doth my Father love me {Jesus}, because I lay down my life {voluntarily gave}, that I might take it again {rise from the dead}.” 18 “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again {deity of Christ and power over death}. This commandment have I received of my Father.”

Galatians 3:13  “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:”

Perfectly sinless, Christ died as “one cursed” to save us from eternal punishment in Hell

1 Corinthians 15:3  “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;”

“according to the scriptures” – historically and prophetically

Psalm 16:10  “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”

John 20:9  “For as yet they knew {understood} not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.”

Acts 26:23  “That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead {resurrect}, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.”

Genesis 3:15  “And I will put enmity {related to the word "enemy"} between thee {Satan} and the woman, and between thy seed {Satan's people} and her seed {God's people}; it {He; Christ} shall bruise {crush} thy {Satan's} head, and thou shalt bruise his {Christ's} heel {Christ being bruised on the cross}.”

Genesis 3:15 is the first Messianic prophecy in the Bible; God says the enemy of the human race is none other than Satan; Redemption was promised by God and would come through "the seed of a woman" (without a man); Christ has crushed the kingdom of Satan and will cast him into the lake of fire in the future

Psalm 22:15  “My strength is dried up like a potsherd {clay pottery}; and my tongue cleaveth {sticks} to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.”

Isaiah 53:5-9  “But he was wounded {pierced through} for our transgressions {sins}, he was bruised {utterly crushed} for our iniquities {evils}: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes {blows that cut in; wounds} we are healed {made whole spiritually}.” 6 “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him {violently struck; God's violent wrath} the iniquity of us all.” 7 “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought {was led} as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” 8 “He was taken from prison {out of oppression} and from judgment {justice; illegally and illegitimately tried}: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.” 9 “And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death {buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea - wealthy man)}; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.”

Daniel 9:26  “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off {suffer death; crucifixion of Christ}, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.”

Luke 24:25-27  “Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:” 26 “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?” 27 “And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he expounded {taught} unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”

1 Peter 2:24  “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree {cross}, that we, being dead to sins {spiritually dead; lost}, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes {cutting blows; wounds} ye were healed.”

2 Corinthians 5:21  “For he {God the Father} hath made him {His Son, Jesus} to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness {condition acceptable and approved of God} of God in him.”

Isaiah 53:6  “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity {evils} of us all.”

Isaiah 53:9  “And he made his grave with the wicked {between two thieves}, and with the rich in his death {buried in a rich man's tomb}; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.”

Galatians 3:13  “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:”

1 Peter 2:22  “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:”

Hebrews 4:15  “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

Hebrews 7:26  “For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;”

Jeremiah 23:6  “In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

Daniel 9:24  “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.”

Romans 1:17  “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

Philippians 3:9  “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above very name:”

Ephesians 1:7  “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”

Romans 3:24-25  “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” 25 “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation {appeasing; atonement} through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God:”

1 Corinthians 6:20  “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Colossians 1:14  “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”

Hebrews 9:12  “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”

Revelation 5:9  “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by the blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;”

1 Timothy Chapter 2:3 – 6  “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; (4) Who will {desires to} have all men {all people} to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (5) For there is one God, and one mediator {redeemer; Savior} between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (6) Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due {proper} time.”

“to be testified” – a testimony/proof; Jesus’ death proves God desires all to be saved

1 Corinthians 1:6  “Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:”

Romans 12:2  “And be not conformed {aligned with} to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Romans 3:29-30  “Is he that God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:” 30 “Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision {Jews} by faith, and uncircumcision {Gentiles; non-Jews} through faith.”

Isaiah 55:1  “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, by, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”

Isaiah 55:7  “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”

Ezekiel 18:23  “Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?”

Ezekiel 18:32  “For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.”

Mark 10:45  “For even the Son of man {name Jesus called Himself during His humanity} came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 17:3  “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent.”

2 Peter 3:9  “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance {change ones mind about Christ; turn from rejection and denial to acceptance of Whom Jesus is - Saviour}.”

Hebrews 9:15  “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament {covenant; under grace}, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament {Old Testament Law; manner of atonement (animal sacrifices)}, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”

Galatians 1:4  “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:”

Galatians 2:20  “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Galatians 3:20  “Now a mediator is not a mediator of one {not only one}, but God is one.”

Galatians 4:4  “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman made under the law,”

1 Timothy 1:1  “Paul, and apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;”

1 Timothy 4:10  “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.”

2 Timothy 1:9  “Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,”

2 Timothy 2:25  “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”

~ 2 Timothy 3:16 ~ 2 Timothy 3:17 ~

~ 2 Timothy 3:16 ~

2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture [the Holy Scripture] is given by inspiration [Divine influence] of God [by God], and is profitable for doctrine [teachings/precepts], for reproof [conviction/testing or proving], for correction [restoration to a right state/character improvement], for instruction [cultivation of the mind and morals] in righteousness [condition acceptable to God].”

The Holy Scriptures in its entirety is Divinely influenced (breathed out) by the Living God of Creation for our benefit. They teach, convict, improve and restore our character helping our minds to be upright and acceptable to God.

~ 2 Timothy 3:17 ~

2 Timothy 3:17 “That [in order that] the man [male and female] of God [Godhead*] may be perfect [fitted/complete], throughly furnished [to finish/render the days complete] unto [with regard to] all good works [acts/deeds/things done].”

In order for the man or woman belonging to the Triune God to be fitted to finish all done for Him.

*Godhead: God the Father, the first person of the trinity; Christ, the second person of the trinity; and Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity

The Book of Jude - KJV

Today's post is rather long and an all-day study; however, it is a full Book. I have expounded quite a bit. If you have thoughts, questions, or additional input please post in the comments section. 

The Book of Jude - KJV

Purpose: A reminder to the church to be consistently strong in the faith and oppose diligently heresy in the face of diluted Christian doctrine.

Jude's writing is against godless teachers with the desire, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to encourage and motivate all Christians to recognize the dangers of false teachings to protect themselves and other believers who have been deceived and bring them back into the truth. This letter from Jude is a warning to believers to avoid living a nominal Christian life with the false thinking that there is no fear to live as one pleases without God's punishment. This "letter" at the time written was probably directed to Gnostics who opposed two basic tenants of Christianity which are: 1) Christ's incarnation and 2) Christian ethics.

False teachers and leaders along with those who follow them while rejecting Christ's lordship, working to undermine others' faith, and lead them astray will be punished. 

Therefore, If you are a believer, it is a duty to staunchly defend Christian truth, avoid those who for their own purpose distort the Bible and truth of God. Believers should be genuine and sincere servants of Almighty God portraying the Lord Jesus Christ in words and conduct.

Regarding Apostasy: Jude is warning Christians. Apostasy is the turning of one away from Christ to false teachings. Be careful not to stray from faithful commitment to Christ. God will punish rebellion against Him.

Therefore, Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the truth as preached in the Bible by the apostles who wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. One is susceptible to apostasy who does not seek to know the truth in God's Word. Beware of false doctrines.

Authorship: Jude, brother of Jesus and James
- Jude identifies himself in Verse 1 as James' brother. In the New Testament, there are another four men by the name of James; however, most likely Jude is referring to the half brother of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 13:55; Galatians 1:19. Being so, James and Jude grew up with Jesus (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). We must not confuse our author, Jude, with those bearing the same name. [Mark 3:19; Luke 3:30; Luke 6:15 ("the brother of" should read "the son of"); Acts 5:37; Acts 9:11; Acts 15:22-32.]
- Jude, like others in Jesus' immediate family, had a negative response to Jesus' ministry in His earthly days (John 7:5). 1 Corinthians 9:5 reveals Jude may have been one of His brothers who ministry was preaching. Jude was a renowned Jewish Christian (Messianic Jew) leader in Jerusalem who wrote with authority and assurance that his readers would listen carefully.

To Whom Written: Jewish Christians (Messianic Jews) and all believers throughout the world. Many believers were being mislead after being infiltrated ("crept in unawares") with false teachers of their day. Those false teachers were peddling messages of immorality (moral laxity), self-destructive pride, divisiveness, and theological error. 

Date written: Approximately 65 AD - Scholars have dated Jude from 40 AD to 140 AD; however, if indeed he was Jesus' half brother he would have written this book well before the first century's end. 

Setting: From the first century and continuing through our days, the church has been and is being threatened by false teachings and heresies opposing God's Word - always be diligently on guard.

Key verse: Verse 3

Key people: Jude, James, Jesus

Keep in mind while reading:
v3 Christians are to contend for the faith
vv 4-19 reject all ungodly falsehoods and immorality
vv 5-11, 14-16 remember the mighty acts of God's rescue and punishment
vv 17-19 warnings of the apostles
vv 20 build our own faith with prayer and reading scriptures
vv 21 continue drawing closer to Christ
vv 22, 23 help others
vv 23 hate sin
vv 24-25 Jude's conclusion and praise to God with his glorious benediction


DANGER OF FALSE TEACHERS (vv 1-16)
[Salutation - vv 1-2]
Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are 1sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
1 perfect tense - Christians are once and continually "set apart" and "kept" for the return of Christ (v 21)
- Jude was James' brother. James was, like Jude, both leaders in the early church and were the half-brothers of Jesus. Mary was their mother. Mary was Jesus' true mother, Jesus' true Father was God. Joseph was James' and Jude's father.

2 Mercy unto you, and peace and love, be 1multiplied.
1 increased
- Believers that sought God's mercy and received His peace; refers to "inner assurance" and "stability"

[JUDE'S REASON FOR WRITING - vv 3, 4]
V3 - Judgment on false teachers:
3 1Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was 2once delivered unto the saints.
1 The word Beloved shows the relationship with John and his readers to be close as he wrote this letter urgently to them, exhorting them. The content of Christian faith is unchanging, unchangeable, and definite. 
2 once for all
- The relationship between correct doctrine and true faith is important. Here Jude emphasizes this. God Himself (through His Holy Spirit) inspired (breathed) the words of the Bible and His words must never be twisted, misrepresented, or manipulated in any way to compromise the real and true facts about Jesus and salvation. Those false teachers and leaders who conform the Bible for their own purpose stir confusion to mislead people over right and wrong causing blindness to the right and only path leading to eternal life (salvation). Jude encouraged people to return on the right path and see clear the way to salvation.

4 For there are certain men crept in 1unawares, who were ^before of old 2ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into 3lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
1secretly - unnoticed; 2 prepared; 3 evil, licentiousness, promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters.
^ "before the old ordained" - long ago marked out for; recognition that there exists predictions in the Scriptures of the demise and judgement of those who flaunt God's will. It is wrong to assume that grace means "no moral laws." It is ineffective in denying the sovereignty and eternal moral lordship of both God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ). [KJV Study Bible]
- Some churches even today have ungodly false teachers intentionally twisting the teachings of the Bible to justify their own opinions, poor ungodly behavior, and life-style. Their Judge will be God. He will judge those for tolerating, excusing, condoning, and promoting sin. This is a temporary freedom of false teachers/leaders who will learn it is fire they are playing with by having distorted God's Word.
- There are people who perhaps avoid reading and studying these wonderful Scriptures prepared and preserved for their eyes by the Very God of salvation. By refusing to study, learn, and apply correct and true doctrine, it makes for susceptibility to accepting false doctrines/teachings for lack of being well grounded in the Word of God. Through applying ones' self to diligence with the Bible one will recognize corrupt doctrines to avoid an undermined faith and an act of misleading/hurting others.
- False teachers during the first century (not to say those do not exist in our day) had a flippant idea of God's holiness and His justice. They went against God's teachings teaching Christians could live as they pleased without fear of the wrath of God. In Romans 6:1-23, Paul refuted those teachings. It is a bad choice to minimize "the sinfulness of sin" and neglect remembering daily that how a person lives has little to do with their faith. Showing deep respect for God and having a sincere desire to live according to God's principles taught in the Bible (His Word) will show truly how deep one's faith is - and it will show.


[DESCRIPTION AND WARNINGS REGARDING FALSE TEACHERS, BELIEFS, AND PRACTICES]
5 ^I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
^ I will - Jude is expressing his burden of desperate warning to readers; Christians should take notice and example of the Old Testament figures.

6 And the angels which kept not their 1first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved 2in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
1 original place with God - proper domain; 2 in prison

7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to 1fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the 2vengeance of eternal fire.
1 sexual immorality: 2 punishment
- vv 5-7: There are three examples of rebellion listed by Jude. These are: 1) the children of Israel who refused still to trust God and enter the Promised Land even though He had delivered them from Egypt; 2) the angels though they lived in the the presence of God and were once pure and holy gave in the pride (free will to do so) when they joined up in rebellion against God and were banished from Heaven; and 3) Sodom and Gomorrha whose inhabitants were so wicked and filled with sin that God rained fire and brimstone down annihilating the cities from off the face of the earth (presumed remains to be located under the Dead Sea - perhaps why nothing will live there?) How much the more will false teachers and leaders be judged of God?
- v7: I have heard others say they will not believe that God would send people to Hell. The Scriptures clearly teach that the punishment for rejecting Him and the penalty for not seeking forgiveness from Him holds the punishment of eternal separation from Him. Would God allow those who reject Him to remain in His presence for eternity? Those who reject, ignore, and rebel against God will face eternal fire.
- Often mentioned in the Scriptures is Sodom and Gomorrha as examples of the severe judgment and wrath of God in regard to sexual sin with emphasis on sexual perversion. Apparently this sin had become familiar with Jude's readers.

8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers  (R) defile the flesh, 1despise 2dominion, and speak evil of ^3dignities.
1 reject authority; 2 Majesty; 3 glorious ones
(R) 2 Peter 2:10
^ My study Bible indicates that perhaps the "dignities" here are probably evil angels. In Genesis 19 the men of Sodom insulted the angels of God and scoffed at any type of authority. There is a danger for insulting even fallen angels. (See A. 2 Peter 2:10-12)
- Jude describes the false teachers during his warning to the people. They were self-serving paying attention to their own desires, visions or dreams instead of revealing God's Word leading the people into rebellion against authorities into insubordination against angelic and apostolic teachings while openly criticizing both authorities.
A. 2 Peter 2:10-12: (backing up to verse 9) 9 "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly our of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptions are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas **angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption. / Dignities can very well be angels, most probably fallen angels or from the unseen world - all the glories. Whichever these dignities are, false teachers scoffed at the spiritual reality of which they had not understanding of. Satan's power should never be taken lightly. The false teachers mistook the fact that they thought they had the power to judge evil. In this world we live in today, there are many who mock the supernatural, denying the reality of the spiritual world existing just out of our eyesight while claiming only what they can see or feel to be reality. Satan and his supernatural powers should absolutely not be taken lightly nor should we feel arrogant or passive about his defeat. He will be destroyed completely by Christ. Note all around you that the evil one (Satan) is busy at work with all effort attempting to make Christians ineffective in their Christian walk and/or their witness and/or ministries and service. There is an all-out attack and persecution upon Christians in this world.
**Jude 9

9 Yet Michael the archangel, when 1contending with the devil he 2disputed about the body of Moses, 3durst not bring against him a 4railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
1disputing; 2 discussed; 3 dared; 4 reviling
- There is no other mention in the Scripture of this incident regarding the contention between the devil and Moses' body. According to my study Bible, there is a book entitled "The Assumption of Moses" (ancient book) that Jude may have been referencing.
- The Archangel, Michael, refused to be provoked by Satan as he charged that Moses was a murderer (Exodus 2:11, 12) and that he was undeserving of a proper burial. Moses had risen above this through his faith in YHWH (God) and had been forgiven. When a person comes into a personal relationship - saved (born again) - with God having Christ as his/her Saviour, God places all sin as far as the east from the west and remembers them no more. Satan has no power over a person serving the Risen Saviour.

10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they 1corrupt themselves.
1 destroy
- The false teachers were claiming that they "possessed secret knowledge" that gave them authority in teaching by having a mystical and beyond human understanding type knowledge of God. The truth is, God's nature is way beyond our human understanding. He, by His grace, has chosen to reveal Himself to us through His Word and through His Son, Jesus Christ. Beware of those who appear to have all the answers and that belittle that which they do not understand. Even though with finite minds and inability to fully comprehend God, seek to know all there is about the truth in the Holy Scriptures and what He has revealed for our minds, hearts, and lives.

11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for 1reward, and perished in the 2gainsaying of Core.
1 profit; 2 rebellion
- The three men listed by Jude here are examples of men who did whatever they pleased. They are: 1) Cain - out of vengeful jealousy, he murdered his brother Able (the first murder committed) in Genesis 4:1-16; 2) Balaam - he prophesied to gain money, not out of obedience to God's command; 3) Core (Korah) - he wanted power for himself and rebelled against the divinely-appointed leaders of God. These three men all had something typical in common as do false teachers/leaders: pride, selfishness, jealousy, greed, lust for power, and a disregard for God's will.
- Cain was not in proper relationship with God. His heart was not right. Israel was led into sin by Balaam. And Core (Korah) led a rebellion against Moses and in so doing - a rebellion against God.

12 These are 1spots in your 2feasts of 3charity, when they feast 4with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; 5trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
1 hidden reefs or stains; 2 love feasts; 3 love; 4 with you without fear, serving only themselves; 5 late autumn trees without fruit
- In the day of the early church, before celebrating the Lord's Supper, believers would have eaten a full meal prior to Communion. The meal was referenced as a love feast or "feast of charity." This time was designed to be a sacred time of fellowship and preparation of their hearts to receive Communion. False teachers began joining in these love feasts. During a time when there should be rejoicing in the Lord, they caused "spots" which, in several churches, developed into a party of gluttony and drunkenness. Sins such as gluttony, drunkenness, selfishness, greed, and disorder along with other sins should not be allowed or tolerated to destroy the unity of the church and/or to distance people's minds from the real purpose for their assembling together. 
- "twice dead" is a reference to useless trees. Useless trees do not produce fruit and would be "rooted up and burned." So as unbelievers, they were referred to as twice dead.

13 Raging waves of the sea,  (R) foaming 1out their own shame; wandering stars,  (R) to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
1 up 
(R) Isaiah 57:20; Philippians 3:19; 2 Peter 2:17



14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
- Enoch is not mentioned but twice in the Bible, once here and in Genesis 5:21-24. 
- Jesus being mentioned as coming with angels (saints) are recorded in Matthew 16:27 and 24:31. In the Book of Daniel Chapter 7:10, he speaks of God judging mankind with ten thousand times ten thousand angels in attendance.

15 (R)To execute judgment upon all, and to 1convince all that are ungodly among then of all their ungodly deeds which they have 2ungodly committed, and of all their 3hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
1 convict; 2 in an ungodly way; 3 harsh things
(R) 2 Peter 2:6; 1 Samuel 2:3
- Ungodly is the description repeatedly used by Jude to denounce the false teachers.

16 These are 1murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh *great swelling words, 2having men's persons in **admiration because of advantage.
1grumblers
2 flattering people to gain advantage
*great swelling words - bombastic, arrogant language used by the false teachers and leaders
**they use flattering language to coerce people into getting what they want


CHRISTIAN DUTY TO FIGHT FOR THE TRUTH OF GOD (vv 17-25)
Exhortations to Christians
17 (R)But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken 1before 2of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

1 in the past; 2 by
(R) 2 Peter 3:2

Warnings from other apostles about false teachers are given in Acts 20:29; 1 Timothy 4:1, 2; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Peter 2:1-3; and 2 John 1:7

18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly 1lusts.
1 passions
- The common phrase for the time between Jesus' first and second coming is referred to the "last times" - which are the days in which we live now. We should keep our eyes toward Israel and the current happenings. Remember the apostolic warnings!

19 These be *they who 1separate themselves, 2sensual, having not the Spirit.

1 cause divisions; 2 worldly

*"they who separate themselves" - people who, getting their start in the church, are divisive and "schismatic" in nature using heretical actions to mislead others in the church to eventually separate their followers from following the apostolic direction. 

20 But ye, beloved, (R)building up yourselves on your most holy faith, (R)praying in the Holy Ghost.
(R) Romans 8:26, Ephesians 6:18
- When praying in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit, one is to "pray in the Holy Ghost." The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Godhead (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). Romans 8:26-27 tells us He prays for us; John 14:26 tells us praying in the Holy Ghost opens our minds to Jesus; John 15:26 tells us that the Holy Spirit teaches us about Him. Note: The Holy Spirit is the Person who convicts our hearts of our sin and points us toward Jesus Christ to accept Him as our Personal Savior. 
- Cling to God in prayer, building up to what is right in the eyes of God and renounce that which is ungodly and in error.

21 1Keep yourselves in the love of God, (R)looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
1guard
(R) 2 Peter 3:12
- The emphasis is to "keep yourselves in the love of God" essentially is to live close to Him and His people, deafen our ears and protect our hearts against listening to false teachers that want to draw us away from God.
- In Verse 1, Jude used the word "preserved" to denote God's role and ability to keep a grasp on those He has adopted as His children (those saved by grace). 
- Jude expresses his belief of the literal return of Jesus Christ as described in the Scriptures.

22 And 1of some have compassion, making the 2difference:
1 on; 2 distinction

23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment 1spotted by the flesh.

1 made unclean, defiled
(R) Zechariah 3:4, 5

- v 22, 23 "Hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" is a powerful statement from God. This indicates we should hate sin but love and witness (tell them of the saving grace of Jesus Christ) to the sinner. To some, witnessing comes through compassion and kindness. To others, witnessing is as if we are "snatching them from the fire of hell itself" (which in reality when one gets saved Jesus is snatching them from hell's fire). Witnessing is a matter of life and death that shouldn't be taken lightly. All unbelievers are in need of salvation no matter what position they have in this life.
- When witnessing to unbelievers compromising the truth is not an option. In reaching out towards the "lost" our stand must be concreted in the truth of God and Jesus. 
- For Christians a very important factor in keeping your faith active and vibrant is to serve others. Even when there is danger or immorality in the extreme Christians must meditate on His word, remember His love for sinners, and share the gospel truth with those that are lost.

Benediction:
24 (R)Now unto him that is able to keep you from 1falling, and (R)to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
1 falling - literally stumbling
(R) Ephesians 3:20; Colossians 1:22

25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, (R)both now and ever. Amen.
(R)Hebrews 13:8
- The word Saviour is referring to God the Father; however, the term is often used for Jesus Christ (Titus 1:4; 2 Peter 3:18). During Old Testament days the thought was that there was only one Savoiur Isaiah 43:10, 11) and with the early church's application of the term would imply (as is true) Jesus' unity with God the Father. The one whom Jude grew up with from childhood to adulthood is the One he placed his personal trust in as his own Personal  Saviour. My study Bible states that many of the ancient manuscripts using the words "through Jesus Christ our Lord" after the word "Saviour." Quite a tribute to the One named Jesus Christ.

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References:
2 Peter 2:10 "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and *despise government. Presumptuous are they self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities." *belittle control
Isaiah 57:20 "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt."
Philippians 3:19 "Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly things."
2 Peter 2:17 "These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever."
2 Peter 2:6 "And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an *ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;" *illustration
1 Samuel 2:3 "Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogance come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed."
2 Peter 3:2 "That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:"
Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession  for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
2 Peter 3:12 "Looking for and *hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?" *earnest desiring
Zechariah 3:4, 5 (Speaking of Joshua, the high priest, before God with Satan accusing him of being dirty with sin) "And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the *filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with **change of raiment. *sin, **clean clothes (representing forgiveness of sin - salvation)
Ephesians 3:20 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,"
Colossians 1:22 "In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:"
Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever. (Note: immutability of God)

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Today's world certainly fits the descriptions given by Jude so many years ago. 

Dear Lord, 
Help me to be steadfast, contending for the faith, denying false teachings, studying and meditating Your word daily, learning about You and your precepts, and applying them to my life. I pray too that You will help me witness to others of Your great love and Son Jesus Christ in Whom salvation is found.
In Jesus' name i pray. Amen.