Jude 1
BSB1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who are called, loved by God the Father, and kept in Jesus Christ: 2 Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. 3 Beloved, although I made every effort to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints. 4 For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. 5 Although you are fully aware of this, I want to remind you that after Jesus had delivered His people out of the land of Egypt, He destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not stay within their own domain but abandoned their proper dwelling—these He has kept in eternal chains under darkness, bound for judgment on that great day. 7 In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain the punishment of eternal fire. 8 Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings. 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he disputed with the devil over the body of Moses, did not presume to bring a slanderous charge against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!" 10 These men, however, slander what they do not understand, and like irrational animals, they will be destroyed by the things they do instinctively. 11 Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion. 12 These men are hidden reefs in your love feasts, shamelessly feasting with you but shepherding only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried along by the wind; fruitless trees in autumn, twice dead after being uprooted. 13 They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. 14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied about them: “Behold, the Lord is coming with myriads of His holy ones 15 to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act of wickedness and every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners." 16 These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage. 17 But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ 18 when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires." 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life. 22 And indeed, have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; and to still others show mercy tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh. 24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen.
Study Notes — Jude 1
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Jude 1
- Themes from Jude 1
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Jude 1
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The book of Jude begins with a greeting from the author, who identifies himself as the brother of James (Jude 1:1). He expresses his desire to write about the salvation they share, but instead feels compelled to urge believers to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3). Jude warns about the presence of false teachers who have secretly infiltrated the church, denying the sovereignty of Jesus Christ (Jude 1:4). He reminds believers of the importance of remembering the words of the apostles, who foretold the coming of these false teachers (Jude 1:17-18). The chapter concludes with a call to action, urging believers to build themselves up in their faith, to pray in the Holy Spirit, and to keep themselves in God's love (Jude 1:20-21).
Context for the Chapter
The book of Jude is a general epistle, written to believers everywhere, urging them to contend for the faith in the face of false teachings and apostasy. The chapter is part of the larger narrative of the New Testament, which emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and the need for believers to stand firm in their faith. The book of Jude is also closely related to the book of 2 Peter, which deals with similar themes of false teaching and the importance of sound doctrine.
Heart Application
The book of Jude urges believers to contend for the faith, to build themselves up in their faith, and to keep themselves in God's love. This emphasizes the importance of being diligent in one's faith, of trusting in God's power to keep them from stumbling, and of relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength. As believers, we must be vigilant in our pursuit of truth and be willing to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition and adversity.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
The book of Jude is a call to action for believers to contend for the faith in the face of false teachings and apostasy. It emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the truth and rejecting heresy. As Jude writes, certain individuals have denied the sovereignty of Jesus Christ (Jude 1:4), highlighting the need for believers to stand firm in their faith. The chapter concludes with a call to action, urging believers to build themselves up in their faith and to keep themselves in God's love (Jude 1:20-21).
Voices from the Church
“The faith which was once delivered unto the saints is not a matter of opinion, but a matter of fact. It is not a thing which is to be received or rejected at our pleasure, but a thing which is to be believed and obeyed.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Church is not a place where we may indulge in speculation and fancy, but a place where we must be taught by the Word of God, and where we must submit ourselves to the authority of Christ.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction and Greeting (Jude 1:1-2) — The author, Jude, introduces himself as the brother of James and expresses his desire to write about the salvation they share.
- The Importance of Contending for the Faith (Jude 1:3-4) — Jude urges believers to contend for the faith, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in the truth and rejecting heresy.
- The Presence of False Teachers (Jude 1:5-7) — The chapter warns about the presence of false teachers who have secretly infiltrated the church, denying the sovereignty of Jesus Christ and leading believers astray.
- The Importance of Remembering the Words of the Apostles (Jude 1:17-18) — Jude reminds believers of the importance of remembering the words of the apostles, who foretold the coming of these false teachers.
- The Call to Action (Jude 1:20-25) — The chapter concludes with a call to action, urging believers to build themselves up in their faith, to pray in the Holy Spirit, and to keep themselves in God's love.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The book of Jude emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power to keep believers from stumbling and to bring them to salvation.
- The Authority of Scripture
- The chapter highlights the importance of the Word of God as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.
- The Person and Work of Christ
- The book of Jude emphasizes the importance of contending for the faith, which is rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers believers to build themselves up in their faith and to pray effectively, keeping them from stumbling and leading them into all truth.
Lessons from Jude 1
- The Importance of Sound Doctrine — The book of Jude emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and the need for believers to contend for the faith.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian Life — The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers believers to build themselves up in their faith and to pray effectively, keeping them from stumbling and leading them into all truth.
- The Importance of Keeping Ourselves in God's Love — The chapter concludes with a call to action, urging believers to keep themselves in God's love, which is the foundation of the Christian faith and the source of all wisdom and strength.
- The Need for Vigilance in the Face of False Teaching — The presence of false teachers who have secretly infiltrated the church emphasizes the need for believers to be vigilant and to test all teachings against the Scriptures.
- The Importance of Remembering the Words of the Apostles — Jude reminds believers of the importance of remembering the words of the apostles, who foretold the coming of these false teachers.
Themes from Jude 1
- The Importance of Contending for the Faith — The book of Jude emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the truth and rejecting heresy, trusting in God's power to keep believers from stumbling.
- The Presence of False Teachers — The chapter warns about the presence of false teachers who have secretly infiltrated the church, denying the sovereignty of Jesus Christ and leading believers astray.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit — The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers believers to build themselves up in their faith and to pray effectively, keeping them from stumbling and leading them into all truth.
- The Importance of Keeping Ourselves in God's Love — The chapter concludes with a call to action, urging believers to keep themselves in God's love, which is the foundation of the Christian faith and the source of all wisdom and strength.
- The Need for Vigilance in the Face of False Teaching — The presence of false teachers who have secretly infiltrated the church emphasizes the need for believers to be vigilant and to test all teachings against the Scriptures.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which false teachers can infiltrate the church, and how can we guard against their influence?
- How can we build ourselves up in our faith, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this process?
- What are some ways in which we can keep ourselves in God's love, and what are the benefits of doing so?
- How can we contend for the faith in a way that is respectful and loving, yet firm and uncompromising?
- What are some ways in which we can remember the words of the apostles and apply them to our lives today?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction and Greeting (Jude 1:1-2)
| 1:1 | The author, Jude, introduces himself as the brother of James and expresses his desire to write about the salvation they share. |
| 1:2 | Jude expresses his desire for mercy, peace, and love to be multiplied to the believers. |
2. The Importance of Contending for the Faith (Jude 1:3-4)
| 1:3 | Jude urges believers to contend for the faith, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in the truth and rejecting heresy. |
| 1:4 | The chapter warns about the presence of false teachers who have secretly infiltrated the church, denying the sovereignty of Jesus Christ and leading believers astray. |
3. The Presence of False Teachers (Jude 1:5-7)
| 1:5 | Jude reminds believers of the importance of remembering the words of the apostles, who foretold the coming of these false teachers. |
| 1:6 | The chapter warns about the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling. |
| 1:7 | Jude notes that Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities gave themselves over to sexual immorality and perversion. |
4. The Importance of Remembering the Words of the Apostles (Jude 1:17-18)
| 1:17 | Jude reminds believers of the importance of remembering the words of the apostles, who foretold the coming of these false teachers. |
| 1:18 | The apostles foretold that in the last time there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. |
5. The Call to Action (Jude 1:20-25)
| 1:20 | The chapter concludes with a call to action, urging believers to build themselves up in their faith and to pray in the Holy Spirit. |
| 1:21 | Jude urges believers to keep themselves in God's love, which is the foundation of the Christian faith and the source of all wisdom and strength. |
| 1:22-23 | The chapter concludes with a benediction, urging believers to have mercy on those who doubt and to save others, snatching them from the fire. |
| 1:24-25 | The chapter concludes with a doxology, praising God for His power to keep believers from stumbling and to present them blameless before His glorious presence. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of the book of Jude?
The main theme of the book of Jude is the importance of contending for the faith in the face of false teachings and apostasy, trusting in God's power to keep believers from stumbling (Jude 1:3).
Who are the false teachers that Jude is warning against?
The false teachers that Jude is warning against are those who have secretly infiltrated the church, denying the sovereignty of Jesus Christ and leading believers astray (Jude 1:4).
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life, according to Jude?
According to Jude, the Holy Spirit is the one who empowers believers to build themselves up in their faith and to pray effectively, keeping them from stumbling and leading them into all truth (Jude 1:20).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jude 1:3 → 2 Peter 3:1-2 | Both Jude and 2 Peter emphasize the importance of remembering the words of the apostles and the prophets. |
| 2 | Jude 1:4 → Galatians 1:6-9 | Both Jude and Galatians warn about the presence of false teachers who are leading believers astray. |
| 3 | Jude 1:5 → Numbers 14:1-45 | The story of the Israelites' rebellion in the wilderness is an example of the importance of trusting in God's power and provision. |
| 4 | Jude 1:6 → 2 Peter 2:4 | Both Jude and 2 Peter warn about the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling. |
| 5 | Jude 1:7 → Genesis 19:1-29 | The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is an example of the judgment that will come upon those who give themselves over to sexual immorality and perversion. |
| 6 | Jude 1:17 → 2 Timothy 3:1-5 | Both Jude and 2 Timothy warn about the presence of false teachers who will arise in the last days. |
| 7 | Jude 1:20 → Ephesians 6:18 | Both Jude and Ephesians emphasize the importance of praying in the Spirit and building oneself up in the faith. |
| 8 | Jude 1:21 → 1 John 4:7-12 | Both Jude and 1 John emphasize the importance of keeping oneself in God's love, which is the foundation of the Christian faith and the source of all wisdom and strength. |
Sermons on Jude 1
| Sermon | Description | |
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Where Is the Fire? by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young man who came to his office. The young man had been in Nicaragua and witnessed the power of God there. He tells the speaker |
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 4 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being stripped of worldly desires and possessions in order to fully surrender to God. He mentions a story of a man who was |
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A Gospel of Slaughter by Carter Conlon | In this video, the speaker expresses deep concern and sadness over a preacher who has embraced a movement that the speaker believes is ungodly and delusional. The speaker questions |
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(Hebrews) 8-Faith by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the relevance of the book of Revelation and its connection to the present day. He emphasizes that God has spoken to us through his son, who is |
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The Anointing of the Holy Spirit by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the transformative power of God's mercy and grace. He shares a personal experience of being freed from chains and following God. The speaker |
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(1 Peter - Part 31): Christian's Trial and His Committal by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holding onto correct doctrine and teaching the truth as it is. He encourages believers to build themselves up in their fait |
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Beware of Good Liars by Francis Chan | This sermon challenges believers to examine their beliefs and mindset, urging them to align their thinking with biblical truths rather than cultural norms. It emphasizes the import |
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Error of Balamm - Part 2 by Keith Green | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Balaam and Balak from the Bible. Balaam is asked by Balak to curse the enemies of Israel, but instead, he blesses them as directe |
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Suffering With Jesus Christ by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of taking on the yoke of Jesus. He uses the analogy of a train staying on track to illustrate the importance of being in bondage |
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Revival Series 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in the Word of God. He shares his personal experience of realizing that he needed to be obedient to God a |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Jude 1
In his commentary on Jude 1, Matthew Henry notes that the book of Jude is a call to action for believers to contend for the faith in the face of false teachings and apostasy. Henry emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power to keep believers from stumbling and to bring them to salvation. He also notes that the chapter warns about the presence of false teachers who have secretly infiltrated the church, denying the sovereignty of Jesus Christ and leading believers astray. Henry urges believers to build themselves up in their faith, to pray in the Holy Spirit, and to keep themselves in God's love, which is the foundation of the Christian faith and the source of all wisdom and strength (Jude 1:20-21). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Doctrine
The book of Jude emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and the need for believers to contend for the faith. This highlights the need for believers to be grounded in the truth and to be able to discern false teachings.
The Presence of False Teachers
The chapter warns about the presence of false teachers who have secretly infiltrated the church, denying the sovereignty of Jesus Christ and leading believers astray. This emphasizes the need for believers to be vigilant and to test all teachings against the Scriptures.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers believers to build themselves up in their faith and to pray effectively, keeping them from stumbling and leading them into all truth. This highlights the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength in the Christian life.