Off the Shelf Sunday School--Jude

Christian Conduct (1:20-23)

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

1.????How do Christians build themselves up in their faith? (Col 2: 4-8; 2 Tim 2:14-18)

2.????Jude says that it is important to pray “in the Holy Spirit.”?What does this mean? Does this differ from reciting prayers?

3.????Christians are to make it a priority to live in an intimate love relationship with Jesus. This is maintained by praying often, seeking his will and obeying his commands. Sins are to be repented of and amends made so that there are no barriers to fellowship with God. (1 Jn 1:5-10)

4.????It is God’s mercy given by faith in Jesus that brings eternal life. This happens by the will of God alone. He chooses those to whom he wishes to give mercy. Jesus is the savior and the Holy Spirit makes men holy. This is God’s work alone and so he is worthy of all praise and honor. (Eph 2:8-10; Titus 3:4-7)

5.????Jude says that we are to use different approaches with those who are following false teachings. We should be kind and use gentle persuasion with those who are uncertain or have doubts. (1 Pet 3:16-17) Those who become defensive and begin to embrace false teachings should be removed from the fellowship with the hope that they will repent and return. (2 Ths 3:14-15) Christians are to keep away from those who are hardened in false beliefs and actively recruit others.?(2 Cor 6:14-18) Jude says that the corruption of these people is deep and intimate like the pollution of their innermost garments.?