Sunday School Lesson For May 30, 2010
AT RISK IN THE COMMUNITY
Devotional Reading: 1 Timothy 6:3-10
Background Scripture: Jude
Printed Text: Jude 3-8, 19-25
BACKGROUND *
The closing lesson of this quarter focuses on another epistle of a single chapter: Jude. The writer is almost certainly Judas, brother of Jesus (cf. Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). Judas was not a disciple, but became a believer after the Resurrection (cf. Acts 1:14)...
It is not clear to exactly whom Jude was written, but it could have been for Christians in Palestine. Scholars do not unanimously agree concerning the epistle’s exact destination. But it is nonetheless relevant, as it addresses a sinister plot by Satan to rob the new church of its power and effectiveness...
Jude probably wrote about 75 A.D., though some experts argue that he wrote prior to the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 A.D....
INTRODUCTION *
Jude does not call names in his salutation (verse 1), but he does identify his intended recipients by description: “…them that are sanctified by God the Father and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called…”. It is not an either/or situation, his intended readers can lay claim to all three designations. Of course those who don’t fit in all three categories might understand that the epistle is not directed to them. Still, the letter is a kind of open letter, leaving the opportunity for those on the “outside” to be helped by the writer’s words...
Jude was not a disciple; he was not an apostle. But he was instrumental in encouraging the young Christian church to stand fast against the plots of the devil. In truth, this letter could easily be addressed to believers today. After all, the devil is still the devil, and his tactics don’t change...
FIGHT FOR THE FAITH *
Jude 3-8, 19
It may be assumed that Jude is not personally acquainted with each individual to whom this letter is addressed, but he proudly points out that they all have something in common – the promise of Salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Jude does not question their salvation. He has no warnings for that; rather, he warns that they should “contend” or “fight for” the faith made possible through Jesus...
And why is there a need to fight? Because the devil is busy seeking to disrupt the workings of the church. And the destruction would likely come from inside the congregation; indeed, those outside the church probably have little interest in what goes on inside, and would do little to create problems. It is the inside element that bears watching. Satan often seeks to destroy a church through the use of smiling faces and pious sayings. He infiltrates the congregation with those who are insincere – those who plant poisonous seeds. Jude says “…there are certain men (who) crept in unawares…”. These are described as “ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness…”. And just what is here meant by “lasciviousness”? It comes from a Greek word that describes people who will do or say almost anything. Nothing is out of consideration, including illicit relationships, homosexuality, etc. But more than anything else, these infiltrators deny God and the Lord Jesus Christ...
Jude then reminds the Jewish readers of Jewish history. Look at verses 5-7. Here the writer makes it clear that God invariably punishes sinners...
And just what kind of people are created as a result of this unholy behavior? They are people who defile their own bodies and refuse to recognize authority. These characteristics are prevalent in those who “crept in unawares”. These are they, says verse 19, who create divisions in the church, since they cannot long coexist with those who are Spirit-filled...
RESCUE FROM THE FIRE *
Jude 20-25
Jude now turns to sound advice on just how Godly people should respond to the devil’s “disciples”. Notice that the writer’s advice does NOT include confrontation. No, the proper response to nonbelievers in our midst is to set a living example. Spend your time building yourself up in your faith. Keep focused on the goals that Jesus has assigned each believer. The job of the Christian is singular: he should be a witness. That is, Christians should be able to testify to personal experiences with Jesus; and that can be done best through constant communication with Him...
But there is an additional duty: the Christian’s duty to seek to help save others. “Pull them out of the fire”, says Jude. Save them from evil condemnation. But remember that in order to pull one out of danger, the one doing the rescuing must himself be on solid ground....
A
I pray daily for protection of our church and the body.
