LIVING INTENTIONALLY Jude 11-16 Have you ever thought why Jesus doesn’t come back and make all things right? Have you ever complained about why He has yet to return? 2 Peter 3:9 - God desires all people to come to faith. - God desires that those who are in the faith become like Him. (Connect — Grow — Go) LIVING INTENTIONALLY—WILL and WORD Three examples from the Old Testament that remind us to live intentionally: (Verse 11) - We live by faith that pleases God. In Genesis 4 Cain offered a sacrifice to God but it was not offered in faith. - Hebrews 11:6 - We live generously so that we guard our hearts from all forms of greed. In Numbers 24 the prophet Balaam served the god of money and did not guard his heart against the sin of greed. - We live in glad spiritual submission to avoid prideful rebellion. In Numbers 16 Korah (a Levite) rejected the spiritual authority of Moses and Aaron brought God’s judgment on him, his household, and his followers. Five Illustrations from nature to show how living intentionally helps us avoid deception and the danger of not being useful. (Verses 12-13) - Hidden reefs are dangerous and destructive. (v. 12) - Waterless clouds carried by the wind are disappointing. (v. 12) - Autumn trees without fruit are uprooted and doubly dead. (v. 12) - Wild waves of the sea, churning up their own shameful deeds like dirty foam. (v. 13, NASB) - Wandering stars that only deliver the gloom of darkness. (v. 13) The ungodly face the prophetic fulfillment of judgment and condemnation. (Verses 14-15) This judgment of God was told long ago by Enoch. (v. 14) This judgment of God will deal with the ungodly. (v. 15) Jude uses the word “ungodly” four times in this verse and it refers to those who do not have respect and reverence for God. - they live an ungodly life. - they act in an ungodly way. - they speak in an ungodly manner. (even against God Himself) This judgment of God shows us three characteristics of the ungodly we must avoid. (v. 16) - being discontent and grumbling. (Philippians 2:14) - living according to our desires. (Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Corinthians 10:31-33) - being insincere in our speech. (Ephesians 4:15a, Ephesians 4:29) Next Step: How can you live intentionally more like Jesus this week? - WILL and WORD