Faith That Triumphs - Jude 1:1-25

by David Woods

One of the most important books concerning the Church you can find, in my opinion, is Historical Drift by Arnold L. Cook. In the introduction, he writes:

He was pastoring in the inner city of Chicago. He had a passion to reach the needy people around his church. After some years he lamented: "Fifteen years ago our church had a fisherman's club. Ten men regularly went out to preach on street corners and win souls. We were concerned about men going to hell. Now our flaming witnesses are gone. These same men are now respectable property owners." (p. 4)

Cook goes on to quote John Wesley:

Wherever riches have increased, the essence of religion has decreased in the same proportion. I do not see how it is possible, in the nature of things, for any revival of religion to continue long. For religion must necessarily produce both industry and frugality, and these cannot but produce riches. But as riches increase, so will pride, anger, and love of the world in all its branches. (p. 4)

Cook teaches that drift is almost inevitable in any organization, including the church. However, Cook suggests that drift can be combated. The church need not degenerate into his defined stages of "machinery" or "monument", but can rather start a new curve as her leaders and people seek spiritual renewal.

This is the purpose of Jude's letter. He was writing that:

Big Idea: Christians must fight for orthodoxy in Christian theology and practice.

Orthodoxy is not used out in the "real world" much, but to be orthodox means: "Adhering to the accepted or traditional and established faith, especially in religion." (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=orthodox)

Jude wrote in Jude 1:3, "It was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." That word "contend" means to struggle or fight for something.

Why is it so important for Christians to fight for orthodoxy in Christian theology and practice? Jude gives us the answer in verse one.

1. We have a precious possession, v. 1.

In this verse Jude states that we have been called, sanctified (or we are "beloved", according to which manuscripts one considers most reliable), and preserved.

Discussion: What is the significance of being "called" by God?

Discussion: Why is being sanctified or beloved so wonderful?

Discussion: What is the assurance Jude is trying to relate in telling us that we are "preserved in Jesus Christ"?

Now that we understand why we need to maintain orthodoxy in Christian theology and practice, let us consider how we are to maintain orthodoxy.

2. We have been given a potent instruction, vv. 4-23.

In the verses of Jude not printed in our lesson, we find the instruction:

a. Recognize the danger to your faith.

Read Jude 1:4-16

b. Remember the warnings concerning your faith.

Read Jude 1:17-19

Discussion: What are some of the warnings concerning the Christian faith that you have heard godly leaders issue?

Discussion: Were their fears warranted?

Discussion: Were their instructions followed? If not, how do you think the Church might be different today if their warnings had been taken to heart?

c. Remain in the center of your faith.

Read Jude 1:20-23

Discussion: Practically, how does one build himself or herself up in the faith? Who is responsible for one's spiritual growth - the person or God?

Discussion: Is Jude's instruction to "[pray] in the Holy Ghost" just another way to say, "You need to be careful to spend time in prayer" or does it refer to a deeper prayer life than many Christians experience?

Discussion: How can we practice looking for Christ's return without becoming alarmist or becoming of no use in this present world?

Discussion: How does a focus on evangelism help us maintain orthodoxy in Christian theology and practice?

Jude talks about the One who will help us maintain orthodoxy in Christian theology and practice.

3. We have a powerful Saviour, vv. 24-25.

a. He is able to keep us from falling.

b. He is able to present us faultless before the Father.

Discussion: Does the way we teach and live out the Christian faith indicate that we believe we have a powerful Saviour?
(In other words, does not an up-and-down spiritual life teach onlookers that the person's Saviour is not very powerful? Furthermore, does not teaching and/or preaching that focuses on ways to live better without a Christo-centric application betray a lack of trust in a powerful Saviour?)

Arnold L. Cook writes:

To be a leader who leads and impedes historical drift is a daunting task. We need plenty of encouragement. Biographies abound of leaders who have left their imprint on the world for time and eternity. One such leader who has inspired many is Jonathan Edwards. I too am encouraged by his life because it reminds me that one leader, with God, can make a difference.

Consider these characteristics of his life. One was its brevity - he died at age fifty-five. His volume of writing was incredible. His vision for both missions and the impacting of society was unusual. He experienced the high cost of impeding drift. His refusal to compromise as a pastor cost him his job. He handled that by becoming a missionary. His prayers and those of his wife for their children and yet unborn grandchildren and great grandchildren are powerful reminders of God's commitment to generations.

But most striking to me is his writing of seventy resolutions of his life. Most of these were written when he was twenty years of age. It's a spiritual retreat just to read them. Number seventeen is brief but powerful: "Resolved, That I will live so as I shall wish I had lived when I come to die." Jim Elliot, one of the martyrs to the Aucas expressed a similar thought: "When it comes time to die, make sure all you have to do is die."

Jonathan Edwards lived almost three centuries ago, yet through his writings he continues to mentor thousands of Christian workers. Few leaders have more effectively impeded historical drift and moved the Church forward than did Jonathan Edwards.

"Oh God, raise up a new tribe of the Sons of Issachar, leaders who will understand their times and will know what Your people ought to do. Amen." (Historical Drift, pp. 296-297)

Unfortunately, drift is all but guaranteed. Therefore, we need people who will fight for orthodoxy in Christian theology and practice. Will you be a volunteer?