Contending For The Faith Speaker: Taylor Standridge Scripture: Jude 1-23 Unpacking Jude's Argument Leading Up to Verse 17: Introduction and Context: ○ Jude’s greeting parallels 2 Peter 1:2. Jude 1-2: ○ Establishes God’s care and provision for believers. Jude 3-4: ○ Emphasizes that grace does not give a license to sin (Romans 6:1-2). ○ Salvation involves justification, sanctification, and glorification. Jude 5-16: ○ Warns against false teachers who distort Christianity’s core message. ○ Believers must discern and know their faith to maintain unity. ○ Spiritual battles require spiritual tools (Ephesians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Jude 17-19: A Call to Remain Faithful ● Historical context: False prophets and messiahs have always been a threat. (Ecclesiastes 1:9) ● Jude’s warnings echo other New Testament writings. (Acts 20:29-30, 1 Timothy 4:1-3, etc.) Instructions for Faithfulness: Keep Yourselves in the Love of God: - Remain obedient to God's will. (John 14:15-17, Luke 15:11-32) How to Remain Faithful: - Build Yourselves Up in Your Most Holy Faith: ■ Keep the Gospel central; understand the character and work of God. - Pray in the Holy Spirit: ■ Align and submit to God’s will, relying on the Spirit. - Wait Expectantly for the Mercy of Jesus Christ: ■ Live with hope, anticipating Christ’s return. Jude 20-23: Three Groups That Need Mercy 1. Have Mercy on Those Who Doubt: - Extend grace to those wrestling with faith. 2. Snatch Others from the Fire: - Evangelize to non-believers, sharing the good news. 3. Have Mercy on Others but with Fear: - Show compassion while avoiding enticement by sin. - Aim for the reconciliation and restoration of false teachers. Next Steps: ● Know What You Believe: - We need a faith that isn’t inherited but developed from our study of the Bible. ● Keep the Gospel as the foundation of your faith. - Jesus is the cornerstone, and the Gospel is the foundation. ● Connect and Grow with the Body of Christ: - Christianity is a community faith.