The Relevance of Jude

Reading the book of Jude, I can’t help but be struck with how relevant it is for today, although written 2000 years ago.  Throughout the centuries, there has certainly been apostasy in the church, but some of what goes on within the church today is mind-boggling.

Jude urges the believers to “contend for the faith (NIV) or “put up a real fight for the faith” (Phillips).  In today’s society, where we are constantly told to be tolerant and inclusive, it can be difficult to take a firm stand.  We don’t want to be viewed as uncharitable in our beliefs and actions.  However, there are lines which should not be crossed.

Jude gives three examples of individuals who fell into error:

*Cain-who relied on the works of his own hands rather than in the atoning sacrifice.  (Genesis 4)

*Balaam-who was looking for material gain and was unwilling to accept that God was clearly closing the door to something he wanted to do. (Numbers 22-24)

*Korah-who was full of pride and rebelled against God-appointed authority.  (Numbers 16)

All of these errors occur in churches today.  Some think that good works will save them.  Some believe their judgment is better than God’s direction and try to batter down closed doors.  Some are puffed up with pride and won’t accept direction from those God has clearly appointed.

Characteristics of such people listed by Jude include:  murmuring, complaining, lust, using extravagant or exaggerated speech, showing partiality, flattering and being divisive.

What is our response to be?

*Don’t allow those who are operating on their natural instincts, rather than being led by God’s spirit, to divide you. (v. 19)

*Build yourselves up through Bible study and prayer. (v. 20)

*Keep yourself in God’s love. (v. 21)

*Be merciful, but with discretion. (v.22-23)  In the process of being merciful, don’t allow yourself to get sucked in!  You may feel sorry for someone and understand how they could fall into sin, but you cannot condone it.

As Jude concludes, it is God who is able to keep us from falling.  We cannot do this in our own strength!  None of us has it within ourselves to stand against the evil schemes of the enemy of our souls.  As Jude points out in verse 9, even the archangel Michael did not attempt to rebuke the devil by his own power, but in the name of the Lord.

The book of Jude is just one chapter of 26 verses.  Read it for yourself and ask how you can “contend for the faith.”