Jude 1 (AMPC) "The Warnings of History to the Ungodly" and "Keep Yourselves in the Love of God"

The book of Jude is a short but powerful epistle found in the New Testament of the Bible. It contains only one chapter, let’s look at the entire chapter, focusing on two key themes: "The Warnings of History to the Ungodly" and "Keep Yourselves in the Love of God," and their relevance to today's believers. For reference, as usual I will use the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) for the text of Jude 1.

Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!

Jude 1 (AMPC)

“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and brother of James, [writes this letter] to those who are called (chosen), dearly loved by God the Father and separated (set apart) and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, [soul] peace, and love be multiplied to you. Beloved, my whole concern was to write to you in regard to our common salvation. [But] I found it necessary and was impelled to write you and urgently appeal to and exhort [you] to contend for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints [the faith which is that sum of Christian belief which was delivered verbally to the holy people of God]. For certain men have crept in stealthily [gaining entrance secretly by a side door]. Their doom was predicted long ago, ungodly (impious, profane) persons who pervert the grace (the spiritual blessing and favor) of our God into lawlessness and wantonness and immorality, and disown and deny our sole Master and Lord, Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Now I want to remind you, though you were fully informed once for all, that though the Lord [at one time] delivered a people out of the land of Egypt, He subsequently destroyed those [of them] who did not believe [who refused to adhere to, trust in, and rely upon Him]. And angels who did not keep (care for, guard, and hold to) their own first place of power but abandoned their proper dwelling place--these He has reserved in custody in eternal chains (bonds) under the thick gloom of utter darkness until the judgment and doom of the great day. [The wicked are sentenced to suffer] just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the adjacent towns--which likewise gave themselves over to impurity and indulged in unnatural vice and sensual perversity--are laid out [in plain sight] as an exhibit of perpetual punishment [to warn] of everlasting fire. Nevertheless in like manner, these dreamers also corrupt the body, scorn and reject authority and government, and revile and libel and scoff at [heavenly] glories (the glorious ones). But when [even] the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, judicially argued (disputed) about the body of Moses, he dared not [presume to] bring an abusive condemnation against him, but [simply] said, The Lord rebuke you! But these men revile (scoff and sneer at) anything they do not happen to be acquainted with and do not understand; and whatever they do understand physically [that which they know by mere instinct], like irrational beasts--by these they corrupt themselves and are destroyed (perish). Woe to them! For they have run riotously in the way of Cain, and have abandoned themselves for the sake of gain [it offers them, following] the error of Balaam, and have perished in rebellion [like that] of Korah! These are hidden reefs (elements of danger) in your love feasts, where they boldly feast sumptuously [carousing together in your midst], without scruples providing for themselves [alone]. They are clouds without water, swept along by the winds; trees, without fruit at the late autumn gathering time--twice (doubly) dead, [lifeless and] plucked up by the roots; Wild waves of the sea, flinging up the foam of their own shame and disgrace; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of eternal darkness has been reserved forever. It was of these people, moreover, that Enoch in the seventh [generation] from Adam prophesied when he said, Behold, the Lord comes with His myriads of holy ones (ten thousands of His saints) To execute judgment upon all and to convict all the impious (unholy ones) of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed [in such an] ungodly [way], and of all the severe (abusive, jarring) things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. These are inveterate murmurers (grumblers) who complain [of their lot in life], going after their own desires [controlled by their passions]; their talk is boastful and arrogant, [and they claim to] admire men's persons and pay people flattering compliments to gain advantage. But you must remember, beloved, the predictions which were made by the apostles (the special messengers) of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). They told you beforehand, In the last days (in the end time) there will be scoffers [who seek to gratify their own unholy desires], following after their own ungodly passions. It is these who are [agitators] setting up distinctions and causing divisions--merely sensual [creatures, carnal, worldly-minded people], devoid of the [Holy] Spirit and destitute of any higher spiritual life. But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit; Guard and keep yourselves in the love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)--[which will bring you] unto life eternal. And refute [so as to] convict some who dispute with you, and on some have mercy who waver and doubt. [Strive to] save others, snatching [them] out of [the] fire; on others take pity [but] with fear, loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their sensuality. Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]-- To the one only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory (splendor), majesty, might and dominion, and power and authority, before all time and now and forever (unto all the ages of eternity). Amen (so be it).”

Now, let's delve into the two key themes and their relevance to today's believers:

The Warnings of History to the Ungodly:

In the opening verses of Jude, the author identifies himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and expresses his intent to write to believers about their common salvation. However, he quickly changes course, compelled by the urgent need to warn them about certain ungodly individuals who have infiltrated the Christian community.

The warnings he provides are deeply relevant to today's believers. Just as in Jude's time, there are false teachers and impostors who distort the message of grace and indulge in sinful behavior. These individuals may appear within the church, misleading others with their false doctrines and immoral lifestyles. Jude emphasizes that such people will face judgment and eternal consequences for their actions.

Today, believers must remain vigilant and discerning, holding firmly to the genuine teachings of the faith while recognizing and rejecting false doctrines and immoral behavior. The lessons from history, including the judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, the fallen angels, and the rebellion of Korah, serve as warnings about the consequences of ungodliness and disobedience. In our contemporary context, this admonition reminds believers to stand firm in their faith, guard against false teachings, and maintain a holy and righteous lifestyle.

Keep Yourselves in the Love of God:

Jude also encourages believers to "keep themselves in the love of God" (Jude 1:21). This exhortation underscores the importance of remaining in a close and intimate relationship with God, marked by love, devotion, and obedience.

In today's fast-paced and often chaotic world, it can be easy for believers to become distracted or spiritually complacent. Jude's counsel reminds us that maintaining our connection with God's love is paramount. This involves prayer, worship, reading and meditating on Scripture, and actively pursuing a lifestyle characterized by love, compassion, and forgiveness.

Furthermore, Jude instructs believers to "expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Jude 1:21). This highlights the Christian hope of Christ's return and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. In times of trials, doubts, or challenges, holding onto this hope and trusting in God's mercy can provide strength and endurance.

In conclusion, Jude 1 contains timeless teachings and warnings for today's believers. It calls for vigilance against false teachings and ungodly behavior, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong connection with God's love and patiently waiting for the return of Jesus Christ. These principles continue to be relevant as they guide believers in navigating the challenges and temptations of the modern world while remaining steadfast in their faith.

If You Have Ears To Hear, Then Hear It!