Day 357

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Jude Introduction

Jude writes a fiery letter about the war the church must fight against destroyers in its own ranks. These corrupt teachers have a perverted view of God's grace and liberty, thinking salvation to be an opportunity to sin with safety. Preferring their own ideas to God's truths, their beliefs result in shocking immorality. Jude reminds his readers of God's severe judgment on such hypocrites. He tells true believers to do two things: keep themselves from such sin and rescue others roaming toward it.

Scripture

December 22—Jude: Fight for the Faith

Observation

Jude, the "brother of James" (v. 1) and therefore possibly the half-brother of Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3), originally intended to write a treatise on the doctrine of salvation. But alarmed by the presence of false teachers in the church, he compelled instead to unmask them and their deadly ways, and to exhort the believers to stand firm for the way of truth. Contending for the faith is not just a good idea; it is an imperative when the work of God is underminded by false philosophies or damaging heresies. Jude's short but powerful epistle ends with a series of urgent commands: remember Christ's words . . . remain in God's love . . . and seek to remove erring brothers from fiery danger of their ways.

Application

There are three kinds of Christians in the world today: those who contend for the faith, those who are content to leave things as they are and those who are just plan contentious. Which kind are you?

You don't need to be a public speaker or high official to make your voice heard for righteousness. If you have a phone, can write or belong to a civic club or any club or organization for that matter, then you have ample opportunity to make your convictions heard. Be sure you have done your homework in the Scriptures first; then sometime this week speak the truth clearly, concisely and (most importantly) in love! If your faith is worth having, then it is also worth declaring and defending. And the place to begin is right where God has placed you!

Prayer

Father God, we need your peace which transcends all understanding and your peace guards our heart and mind to be stayed on you to know the truth and to spread the truth of Jesus Christ's love for us so that we can do likewise and love our neighbors as ourselves. We are concerned about those who encounter false teachers that are preventing them from knowing the truth. We bring all our cares, concerns and anxieties to you today. We leave them at your feet. Give us peace and discernment and the abilities to counter that which is not according to your Word. In Jesus' name we pray! Amen!
 





© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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