“The Just Shall Live By Faith”

New King James Version                          Written by: David Hicks

 

Romans 1:17 “ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

Galatians 3:11 “But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith."

Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."

“Articles of Faith”

 

"Contend For The Faith"

(A Study in Jude)

Lesson 5- But You, Beloved:

We have spent the last three lessons on the heart of the threat these brethren are facing. False teachers, ungodly men, who satisfy their own lusts and desires (those who are against God, which simply equates to those who do not teach or practice that which is delivered by God and equates to rebellion). We have looked at illustrations of just such men through history and specific ways to recognize these ungodly individuals.

Now, in the close of this lesson, Jude specifically exhorts these brethren twice. First, to remember the words of the Apostles, who warned that the ungodly men would enter among them. Second, to build themselves up, to fortify themselves in the love of God and His instructions ( I John5:3 ).

Text #1:

Jude 17-19 “ But you , beloved , remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.”

Remember The Words: First, Jude draws on their more recent memories. He calls their attention to the words spoken to them before by the Apostles, concerning these of which Jude writes about. Although Jude does not quote the words here in the text, we have ample examples of what was said concerning these ungodly men through the writings of Paul and Peter (both Apostles).

First, let's look at what Paul had to say:

Acts 20:30 -31 “Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.”

Paul, speaking to the elders of the church at Ephesus , warns of those whom would come in from among the brethren and even among the elders. These would be like savage wolves ( vs. 29 ); not just killing to eat (as nature dictates), but needlessly destroying.

1 Timothy 4:1-3 “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.”

This time Paul writes to young Timothy, who he has commissioned to charge the brethren of Ephesus (including the elders), that they teach no other doctrine ( 1:3 ). Paul writes two separate warnings pointing at the same location.

Now, let's look at the warnings of Peter; especially since they are directed to the same individuals Jude is writing, note,

Comparison:

2 Peter 2:1 “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.”

2 Peter 3:1-4 “Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."

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Based on the warnings brought forth by the Apostles of Jesus Christ; it was to be a reality that there would be those who would come in among the brethren and undermine the work of the Holy Spirit (ignore or reject completely the doctrine of Christ). Since this is a reality, what then are the faithful brethren to do? How do we avoid the divisions they cause?

The answer:

Text #2:

Jude 20-23 “ But you , beloved , building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”

Building Yourselves Up: This means to edify themselves by the word which is the source of this most holy faith ( Romans 10:17 ).

Praying in the Holy Spirit: This simply means to pray according to the teachings of the Spirit's revelation (that which He has revealed for us to pray for).

In The Love of God: All who keep the commandments of God will have the love of God, and such a person may expect the mercy of the Lord.

1 John 2:3-5 “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.”

1 John 5:3 “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”

On Some Have Compassion: There is a distinction being made here between those who have come in among them to lead them astray according to their own lusts and the weak . Thus the instruction, “making a distinction” . The distinction lies in the difference between these and those of verse 23 , who are in the fire .

We are to note those who have fallen short in a fault, but have not fallen so far as to have to be pulled out of the fire (there are not different degrees of sin as some teach, however, there are many who have fallen or have been misled, that with compassion may be restored).

Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

Save Others With Fear: This has reference to those who are in direct opposition of the love of God (the ungodly). This is the fear of compromise, the tolerance of evil, and the damage such would bring.

2 John 1:9-10 “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;”

Romans 12:9 “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.”

2 Timothy 2:24-26 “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition , if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth , 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”

Summary: The simple contrast and lesson from this short letter is that we can either be those who “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints” (being adequate then and now, no alterations necessary, no modern day revelations needed). Or, we can be those who are categorized as ungodly (against God), and marked for condemnation.

If you have been following after doctrine that cannot be substantiated through the holy scriptures and you know it, it is not to late for you to restore yourself to Apostolic Christianity, and seek out others with that goal. Heed the words of Jude, flee the doctrines of men. This is the love of God and to Him be the glory!

Doxology:

Jude 1:24-25

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,