Events
Planning an event of any size can be stressful, but yet rewarding. For 5 months now society in general has tried to continue with the plans that had previously been made. The calendar had camps scheduled, that have been cancelled. The calendar had business trips scheduled that have been canceled. The calendar had medical procedures scheduled that have been canceled. The calendar had scheduled school events; year end programs, proms, graduations, all canceled. Having plans, coordinating schedules, putting together events is difficult during normal times, it has been extremely frustrating during a global pandemic. But yet things must continue. Plans, schedules, events continue. Is it different, of course. However; things continue.
Jude 14-25, reminds us that things have to continue even when there are distractions. Jude reminds the reader (the church) when it comes to our task of following Christ, we can never stop preparing and training, things must continue. We need to always be prepared to stand firm in our faith. As it has been previously shared a few weeks ago Jude wrote this letter to fellow Christians, appealing to them to contend for the faith. Certain people had crept unnoticed into the church. Jude described these condemned people as ungodly. Jude made two specific charges against these heretics in verse 4. First, the heretics’ misunderstanding of grace and forgiveness led them to view God’s grace as a license for sin. Second, the false teachers denied Christ. Jude did not state specifically how these people denied Jesus Christ. Certainly they denied Him by their immoral living, disregarding His commands. Perhaps they also denied Jesus by rejecting His full humanity and deity.
As we transition to the end of this epistle we read in vs. 14-16 that condemnation is predicted (v. 14). Prior even to the flood, God made known his verdict concerning false teachers as well as the certainty of his coming at the end of time. Enoch declared, “Look!” Behold! Take notice! “The Lord [Jesus Christ] comes.” It is as if condemnation has already commenced, so sure is its coming. Jude not only was predicting the condemnation but he knew it was proper. Jude is fond of the word “ungodly,” using it four times in this verse (v. 15). It refers to those who live without reverence and respect for God. They walk in an ungodly manner, with evil deeds, they think in ungodly ways, and they talk with ungodly and harsh words. In works, wisdom. Aware of their own circumstances these individuals became “discounted grumblers, ‘walking according to their own desires’” (v.16). Speaking harshly against God, his will, and his ways, they grumble and complain (cf. v. 15). Like the Hebrew children in the wilderness, they find fault with God, griping and complaining, accusing him of withholding his best and what they believe they deserve. They are critical and negative, possessing a cloudy disposition with thunderstorms on the horizon.
The first instruction Jude gave his readers was to “remember what was predicted by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 17). He wanted them to recall what they’d already been taught: false teachers would come with ungodly ideas that would result in divisions among believers. Their teachings would contradict God’s Word
Jude’s second instruction was a practical one: actively follow God’s leading. Specifically, they were to pray in the Holy Spirit, follow Christ in obedience, and remember the ultimate gift of eternal life offered in Christ. When we pray in the Holy Spirit—allowing Him to motivate, influence, and empower our prayers—the Holy Spirit helps us stay alert to God’s work in our lives and what He is laying on our hearts. We keep ourselves in God’s love by being obedient to Him. This doesn’t mean that we can earn God’s love. His love is unmerited and unconditional. But we experience God’s love more fully when we walk in obedience with Him.
Next, Jude appealed to believers to reach out to others who may be tempted to doubt or fall into sin by listening to the false teachers. As the body of Christ, it is our responsibility to help one another through seasons of doubt. Stronger believers need to show concern for weaker ones whose faith is wavering and seek to be a godly influence in their lives. Jude closed his brief letter reminding his readers of the protection, power, and grace God provides His people. Jude’s call for Christians to contend for the faith may have seemed daunting, but God holds all majesty and authority—and always will.
So like event planning, the call to defend our faith carries on no matter the setback, struggle or distraction. Take a moment to read again the end of this letter; “24 Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless and with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now and forever. Amen.” Even when a “stumble” is about to occur, when a change in schedule is apparent, GOD WILL PROVIDE AND SUSTAIN!
Serving Him and Missing You
Pastor Jeff