The following is an abbreviated form of an outline I recently preached at the Bear Valley church of Christ. We will elaborate on some of the components of the outline in later posts (like the conclusion, illustrations, etc.), but we have chosen to include them here to give the flavor of what a complete outline may look like.

Three Truths We Need to Remember (Jude 5-25)

INTRODUCTION

  1. A woman had reputation for always having something nice to say about even the most worthless person. When asked what she could say good about the Devil, she thought and said, “Well, he’s always on the job.” Looking at the culture, she is right about that.
  2. In the purpose of his letter, Jude urges the Christians to “earnestly contend for the faith” (3-4).
    1. Because of “the content” (the faith—an objective standard)
    2. Because of “the character” (comprehensive, completed, and directed—“once for all delivered to the saints”)
    3. Because of “the concern” (context: morals and ethics; application: whatever God binds)
    4. Because of “the challengers” (those in verse 4, who creep, turn, and deny)
  3. The rest of Jude tells us why this purpose is so vital.
    1. These Christians seem to have forgotten some fundamental truths (5,17).
    2. We can easily forget them, too.

I. THE WORLD WILL ALWAYS BE THE WORLD (4-16).

  1. These false teachers were characterized by 3 basic things (8).
    1. They defiled the flesh (cf. 4, 10).
    2. They rejected authority (see vs. 4).
    3. They spoke evil of dignitaries (their chief concern was “self,” 10,12).
  2. But Jude gives them a history lesson: The world has always been ungodly.
    1. Examples: Israel (5), angels (6), Sodom and Gomorrah (7), 3 selfish men (11)
  3. This describes the world today.
    1. Experts deny God and explain us as products of chance with no purpose or destiny.
    2. They like us to live like them, and drag us through the mud if we don’t.
  4. Jude tells them (and us) this truth so we won’t be surprised or discouraged.(1 Pet. 4:12 + 2:11; John 15:19; 17:14).
  5. Jude also repeatedly warns of the ultimate end of the ungodly (5-7,9, 11,13,15).

II. THE CHURCH HAS ALWAYS BEEN INTENDED TO BE DIFFERENT (17-23).or GOD ALWAYS INTENDED THE CHURCH TO BE DIFFERENT (17-23).

  1. Twice, Jude Says “But, you Beloved…”
    1. He is saying, “That is how it is for the world, but here is how it is for you.”
    2. Jude makes 3 admonitions to encourage the church.
  2. His first admonition is, “Remember the words of the apostles” (17).
    1. The apostles warned about these false teachers (cf. 19)
    2. Nothing is more powerful & needed, when we’re tempted to follow ungodly ways, than to remember what God’s word says about them (cf. 2 Pet. 1:12-13; 3:1).
    3. It’s why we must continue to preach basic, fundamental lessons: “We forget” (Jude 2:10).
  3. His second admonition is, “Keep yourselves in the love of God” (21; How?)
    1. Build yourselves up in your most holy faith (20).
    2. Pray (20).
    3. Wait anxiously for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ (21).
      1. We await a judgment, not of eternal fire, but of eternal life.
  4. His third admonition is, “Have mercy on some…and save others” (22-23).
    1. Faithful Christians don’t just focus on themselves; they reach out & help others
  5. This truth reminds me of my purpose as Christian.

III. GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL (24-25).

  1. Jude gives 3 measures of blessed assurance to close the letter.
    1. “God is able to keep you from stumbling.”
    2. “God is able to make you stand in the presence of His glory.”
      1. I have earned eternal punishment.
      2. By my obedient response to His sacrifice, I can be seen as blameless and receive eternal joy.
    3. “God is glorious, majestic, full of dominion and authority,”
      1.   All of my hopes are pinned on the truth of who God is!
  2. This truth gives me comfort when I am overwhelmed by this world.
    1. I can feel so small when measured against this world.

CONCLUSION

  1. James Cash (J.C.) Penney said near the time of his death, “My eyesight may be getting weaker, but my vision is increasing.”
    1. No matter how hard the world tries to block your view, you should see heaven more clearly each day.
  2. But that requires you to remember these 3 truths more clearly (review main points).
  3. Invite.