Sunday, December 25, 2011

Day 359c: Jude


Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to show others mercy, mixed with fear – hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. (Jude 22,23)

Although his audience is not identified, these friends are dear to Jude, the half-brother of Jesus. He exhorts them to contend for the faith (v. 3) and not fall prey to those who deny Christ and persuade others to deny him too.

Jude says these apostates have infiltrated the church and use God’s grace as an excuse for immorality. Not content with satisfying their own lust, they draw others into their web of sexual depravity. He compares them to three earlier apostates. Cain was jealous of Abel’s acceptance by the Lord; Balaam enticed the Israelites into sexual immorality; and Korah urged others to join him in his rebellion against Moses. Likewise these traitors against God will be destroyed as are all God’s enemies.

But Jude differentiates between instigators and those who are led astray because their faith is weak. These they are urged to rescue if they can (vv. 22,23).

He closes with one of the most beautiful doxologies in the New Testament: To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and great joy – the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen (vv. 24,25).

How do you protect yourself against ungodly influences?

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