Jude: You Could Have Been A Contender!

Jude 3b: I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith...

When we CONTEND, we are fighting to win.

Not every attack is a frontal assault.  Sometime the enemy is sneaky. He attacks where we are not looking for him.  Other times, the enemy is devious AND ATTACKS FROM WITHIN!

In Jude's letter, he encourages believers to fight the attacks to the faith that come from the inside.
Who is Jude?

• Brother of James and Jesus
• He became a believer after Jesus died and rose from the dead
• He wrote to all Christians but probably was aware of a specific problem

The problem:

• Unbelievers slipped into roles of leadership in some churches
• These people were deceiving Christians to live immoral, ungodly lives
•  These people denied the deity of Christ and his works

 Jude 3-4: Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

How can we know if leaders in our church are not correctly teaching God's truths?

In verses 5 - 16 of Jude, God compares these people to others that he has condemned for their evil practices.  Think about these people that were condemned and why.

v.5 -  Unfaithful Israelites that were rescued from slavery in Egypt
v.6 - Fallen angels (demons)
v.7 - Sodom and Gomorrah

"They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire."

 v. 11 - Cain, Balaam, and Korah

 All of these were examples of murderous, greedy, rebellious, and spiritually proud people.
SPIRITUAL PRIDE MAKES US EASY TOOLS FOR SATAN.

They were also described this way:
v. 16 These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

Jude said that when Jesus returned they would be judged.  But when Jesus returns, he will no longer be the suffering servant, instead he will judge all the living and the dead.

What can we do to be spiritually ready for the return of Jesus?

 In the next passages, Jude talks about how we can contend for the  faith.

 Jude 17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

What can we do to contend for the faith now and be ready for his return?
1. Be led by the Spirit
2. Build up spiritual muscles with prayer and God's Word
3. Enjoy God's mercy and be merciful to others
4. Strengthen your faith and the faith of others
5. Snatch people from the fire

What is one thing you are doing that will make you a powerful man of God?

Jude 24-25  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 Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Jude ends his letter by worshiping God.  Do you really enjoy giving God your worship?  How can you be more focused during times of worship?

Summary:  Be on your guard against people that want to destroy the church from within.  Strengthen yourself and others in the faith to protect against deceivers.

I'll Be Back... It's why we have hope!

• For Arnold, it was his catch-phrase, "I'll be back"
• For Aragorn, it was his rightful place to become king of his people
• For Luke, he returned to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hut
• For Douglas MacArthur, "I shall return" was the promise he made to the people he left behind in the Philippines when the Japanese invaded during World War II.

A character in a movie can say, "I'll be back".  An American general can say, "I shall return," but only Christians have true source for hope. Jesus promised that when he returned, all believers DEAD and ALIVE would meet him in the air!



What is similar and different about the promise of General MacArthur and the promise of Jesus? 

In the letter to the people at Thessalonica, Paul helped the Christians there to understand two things:
1. what happens to a Christian who dies before Jesus returns
2. what will it be like when Jesus returns

After Paul encourages the people to remember why they have hope, he told them how they should live knowing that Jesus will return.

What is the difference between hoping or wishing for something and having HOPE in Christ?

For Christians, hope is our expression of faith that God will fulfill his promises.  Sadly, for some people, hope is wishing for something they don't really believe will happen.

"I hope we win"
"I hope I get an A"
"I hope someone loves me"

For believers, Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Faith and hope go hand in hand.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14  Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

Two weeks ago we talked about Jesus being the original superman.  One of his powers was he conquered death and came back from the dead.  Because Jesus died and rose again, all believers will also conquer death.  When Jesus returns, the dead in Christ will receive resurrected bodies.  Those alive will be transformed.

1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

What do you think that will be like?

Paul made it clear this teaching was from the Lord.  What do you think we should do with this information?  Paul's instructions were simple.

1 Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

We do have some responsibilities.  Do you remember the story of the ten bridesmaids waiting for the groom.  Five were ready because they brought extra oil for their lamps.  Five missed out because their oil ran out and they had to leave to get more.  In the meantime, the Groom came just as he promised.  But the ones who were not ready were left outside, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-7 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.

Was Paul trying to scare the people?  Are you ever afraid that you won't be ready when Jesus returns?

For believers, the return of Christ should be like waiting for Christmas morning, or like seeing a friend that has been away a long time.

Paul shared the words to encourage them and strengthen their hope.

1 Thessalonians 5:8-11 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

To do list:

• Be sober
• Put on faith and love and the hope of salvation
• Believe that in Christ you are not destined for wrath
• Be ready to live together with Jesus as well as each other
• Encourage and build people up

Unfortunately, not everyone has accepted the free gift of Jesus.  For those people, the return of Jesus will be like a home invasion where they are sleeping, get robbed, and beat up-- all because they are not ready for his return.

 

When God takes the dumbest thing you ever did... And makes it GENIUS

We can probably all think of stories where a character makes a dumb move, but it turns out pure genius.  For example, Luke Skywalker forgets to lock up R2D2 before bed, R2D2 runs away, Luke goes to search and avoids being killed by the Storm Troopers.  That would have been the end of the movie and a galaxy far, far away-- if Luke had been more responsible.

Things like this happen in fictional stories all the time because the writer has something in mind for his characters.  What about in real life?  Is there a malevolent writer that wants to see us endure horrible things just to bring about a happy ending?

I would say no.  We make our own choices and put ourselves in those positions.  But... can you think of a time when you did something really dumb, but it worked out for the best?

Because God is a loving designer with a purpose for each of our lives, in His mercy He often brings amazing things out of our stupid or sinful mistakes.  This was the case in the life of Onesimus.

Onesimus was a slave in the Roman world to a Christian who lived in Colossae named Philemon.  Onesimus did two things that would have been considered dumb back then:
1. He ran to escape from his position as a slave
2. He probably stole from his master before leaving.
While we in modern day America might justify his actions, in the Roman world he had committed two crimes worthy of death.

God had something better in mind for Onesimus!

While on the lam, Onesimus became a believer in Christ and started ministering to Paul who was still a Roman prisoner.

Is there a time when God did something unexpectedly great in your life?

Because of the new relationship between Paul and Onesimus, Paul decided to write to Philemon to ask him to pardon his slave. He did not want Onesimus to be held guilty for his crimes.  Paul started by reminding Philemon what a blessing Philemon had been to him in the past.

Philemon 1:7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

If you want someone to do the right thing, reminding them of the good things they have done in the past is a good way to start.

Read Philemon 1:8-11: What did Paul do next to encourage Philemon to honor his request?

Philemon 1:8-11 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

How did Paul describe himself?
Why did Paul describe Onesimus as useful?

Who has taken a stand on your behalf?

Paul went one step further.

Philemon 1:18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.

Paul offered to make good on the debts of Onesimus.  This is a picture of what Jesus did for us when he took on the debt we could not pay.

How do you think Onesimus felt about Paul's letter and offer to repay his debt?

Onesimus had to face the man he wronged, have you been in the position of having to own up to your mistakes and go back to the person you wronged?

How did people respond to you?  What do you think Philemon did to Onesimus?

Ultimately, God is in control of everything.  He is able to make our personal failures into the turning points that change our lives.

Philemon 1: 15-16  Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.

Paul believed in Providence, not luck. Providence is God's design at work. When is the last time you noticed God's master plan in your life?

Testimony of a rowdy 6th grade boy that was always getting in trouble.



We can run wild, but we are all slaves until we let Jesus pay the debt that we all owe. Are you a prisoner of your past mistakes, or will you run wild with the freedom that only comes through trusting Jesus?

Jesus - Able to reconcile in a single bound!

 In Philippians 2, Paul explained how Jesus willingly lowered himself to the state of man.  But, in some ways, that was just his secret identity.  All the time Jesus was on earth subject to the limitations of his human body, he was also completely God.

Jesus had the power:

• to heal
• to raise the dead
• to overcome temptation
• to command nature
• to create as when he fed thousands with a small lunch
• TO RECONCILE ALL THINGS TO HIMSELF, THAT IS, TO GOD!

Jesus lowered himself to the state of man, but He was still pure God.

 The Supremacy of the Son of God

Colossians 1:15: The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 

In this verse, Paul asserts that Jesus is not a replica of God or picture of God.  Rather Jesus is God with all his qualities.  For a time, Jesus gave up some of his nature as God to live with people on earth.  But never forget, Jesus IS God!

In Colossians 1:16-20, Paul describes some of Jesus' accomplishments and roles.  Listen carefully because this is why Jesus is not like any other human or god (with a lowercase g).

Colossians 1:16-20: For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

1. Jesus CREATED all things
2. Thrones, powers, rulers, and authorities were created FOR Him
3. He pre-existed creation. Jesus was not from the beginning of time.  He existed BEFORE time began
4. Jesus is actually the glue that holds together creation
5. Jesus is the head of the church which is his body
6. Jesus was the first to conquer death so all believers could conquer death
7. The fullness of God lives in Jesus AND through Jesus all creation can once again be at peace with God
8. Jesus' blood shed on the cross guaranteed that reconciliation.

What does it mean to be reconciled?

Who and what are not reconciled to God right now? 

If Jesus wants us to be reconciled to him, how should that affect the way we treat the sinful people around us?

Colossians 1:21-22: Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—

If God was willing to reconcile with His enemies (us), why do we think it is OK not to do everything we can to reconcile with our enemies?  By the way, does every enemy accept reconciliation?

When we are inspired by our 'superman' Jesus, we can do impossible things as well.  Paul set the example for us.

Paul’s Labor for the Church

Colossians 1:24-27:  Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

What are these great things we are inspired to do?

• Suffer as Jesus suffered for his body, the Church
• Share the hope of glory with people we wouldn't want to be around (Jews shared with Gentiles)
• To be amazed by the mystery and treasure of Jesus -- the mystery was that Jesus was not just for the special people, the rich, famous, or beautiful.  The treasure of Jesus is for all of us!

Colossians 2:2-3 summarizes the most important thing we need to know about the original Superman:

² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Our goal (should be) to make known the mystery of Christ to others and uncover that treasure for ourselves.