03.65. Jude
Walking Thru The Bible
JUDE (see also 2PETER)
1. Author: Several men in the NT bear the name “Jude,” a name quite common among the Jews. among the twelve there are two - Luke 6:16, John 14:22.
Jude calls himself “brother of James.” At the time he wrote this no James other than the Lord’s brother was so well known. - Acts 15:13 f; Galatians 1:19; 1 Corinthians 15:7.
Jesus had four half-brothers, James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas - Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3. The brothers of the Lord were not disciples during his earthly ministry (John 7:5). Jude was present in Jerusalem with the disciples in Acts 1:14 which indicates that the resurrection of Jesus made his brothers believers- and strong ones. Jude and his wife must have done some evangelistic traveling - 1 Corinthians 9:5.
(Eusebius quotes the father of church history, Hegesippus, c. AD 150 concerning the grandchildren of Jude and their persecution by the Roman Emperor Domitian, p. 120.)
Strong external evidence caused the book to be accepted by the early church as written by Jude the brother of the Lord, and brother of James 2:1-26. Jude and Second Peter: There are many similarities between these two books. Both deal with the same subject matter, giving similar warnings, and sometimes employ the same words and phrases.
3. Date: Probably late AD 60s ( AD 65 - 70; some say AD 70-75). It seems that by 1 John 2:19 these false teachers had already separated themselves from the church. I take it that these were the last two NT books written.
4. Recipients: Many think it was written to the same people to whom Peter wrote.
5.Contents: This epistle furnishes us information about some of the problems which the first century churches had to deal. Jude treats the subject boldly and sternly. He shows concern for true doctrine and right living. True doctrine is the basis for morality, perversion of doctrine for immorality and apostasy. The Unchanging Faith In A Changing World
Introduction:
1. Out world is in a state of change. Aircraft and missiles are outmoded before they are off the assembly line. Textbooks and technologies are outdated by the time they are in print. It is “change” that sells automobiles, etc., year by year.
2. The opinion is widespread that a modern age demands an updated religion. Science has made old beliefs taboo. Society rebels against traditional and obsolete modes of worship and service.
I. The Realm Of The Changeable
A. There have been bast changes in Physical Expedients from the first to the 21 centuries. Transportation; communication (Ephesians 6:21-22); conveniences.
B. Social customs have changed considerably in 20 centuries. Slavery (cf. Philemon and Onesimus, Ephesians 6:5-9); dress has radically changed (Acts 21:11; 1 Corinthians 11:1-34); methods of greeting (Romans 16:16).
C. There were temporary necessities in the early church that were to pass away because they would no longer be needed when the faith was established. Inspiration of apostles and prophets, Ephesians 1:1; miracles to confirm the spoken word (Mark 16:17, Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-4); community of goods (Acts 2:44 ff).
II. The Realm of the Unchangeable
A. The Godhead is the same today as ever. God changes not (Malachi 3:6); Christ remains the same (Hebrews 13:8); the Holy Spirit abides forever (John 14:26).
B. Satan and sin have remained unchanged. (1 John 2:16). The same works of the flesh are practiced (Galatians 5:19-21). The same type of people live.
C. Man is basically the same today as always. He is still body-soul-and spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:23). He stills needs 4-fold growth (Luke 2:52). His choice are still two masters to serve, two roads to travel.
D. Principles of faith and right have not and cannot change. (cf. Jude 1:3).
1.Principles behind changing customs and temporary necessities of the 1st century are still obligatory. (Submission to husbands; modesty, brotherly affection; humility and hospitality, love). 2.Principles of ethics and morals are unchanged. Matthew 5:1-48; Matthew 6:1-34; Matthew 7:1-29 still relevant. 3.Principles of faith are still binding. Hebrews 11:6; John 8:24; James 2:24 III.Changing the Unchangeable A.There are efforts to change the unchangeable.
1. New theology -- God is dead. (Psalms 14:1); 2. New Christology - Christ’s deity, miracles & resurrection denied (Matthew 22:42; 2 Peter 2:1) . 3. New soteriology; 5. New morality.
B. There are efforts within the church to change the unchangeable. New hermeneutics; new rapport with error. These are not new, but centuries old.
Conclusion:
1. Change is permissible only in the area of expedients. (1 Corinthians 9:19 f)
2. In matters of faith and doctrinal truth we much preach the unchanging gospel (Galatians 1:6-9) and stand for the old paths (Jeremiah 6:16).