Off the Shelf Sunday School--Jude

Introduction

The early church Christian scholar Origen said that Jude is brief but “full of the mighty words of heavenly grace.” The author of this book is the half-brother of Jesus. It was probably written between 67-70AD. This letter was written to expose false teachers and to describe their doom.?It also exhorts believers to stand firm in their faith in Jesus.

?Greeting?(1:1-2)

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

1.????Jude begins by identifying himself as a servant of Jesus. What does this tell you about how he views himself as a Christian??What is the proper attitude that Christians should have about their identity? (Prov 15:33, 22:4; Gal 2:20)

2.????Jude also says that he is the brother of James. This supports the view that he is the half-brother of Jesus. Jude asserts this to clearly identify himself as someone of authority. He does not claim to be an apostle but he is a leader in the early church. Jude mentions his relationship to Jesus as his Lord before his relationship to James. This indicates his belief that his faith in Jesus was more important than family relationships. Has your faith in Jesus been tested or strengthened by family relationships??

3.????Born-again Christians have been called by God through the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Those who are genuine Christians have been chosen for salvation. This is entirely by the will of God and not through human effort. (Eph 2:8-9).??

4.????Genuine Christians also are made holy through faith in Jesus. They are also kept eternally secure because God’s call and his work of salvation can’t be changed. ?(Jn 10:27-29; 1 Cor 1:2; Col 3:12; 1 Pet 2:9)

5.????Mercy, peace and love are foundations in the experience of born-again Christians. Jude reminds them of the blessings they have experienced. This is another way to identify and affirm those who are genuine Christians.

A.???God grants mercy to Christians who accept the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for their sins. The blood of Jesus satisfies the wrath of God for those who are covered by it. Thus, God pardons sins and grants mercy instead of punishment. (Jn 3:16-18; Rom 8:1-4)?

B.???Peace with God comes from being adopted into his family. This peace enables us to call God our Father and we are eternally secure in this relationship. (Jn 1:12-13; Rom 8:15-16)

C.???We are loved by God. This love is a consuming fire that motivates us to love God and teaches us how to love others. (Gal 5:6; 1 Th 1:3)??