JUN 18

Jude 1–25
Memorise Jude 24-25
“…now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless…”

While studying an epistle, it is good to take a broad overview and identify general themes expressed in it. In Jude, a major theme that covers most of the epistle is that of false teachers. This is a very important theme that is applicable to the church of today as we draw closer and closer to Christ’s second coming. In this age of ecumenism and neo-evangelicalism, many will compromise on God’s truth for material gain, acceptance, pride, and for self-indulgent sins. As Jude demonstrates with examples from the OT, such men have existed from the beginning of the world and throughout the history of the church. There will always be enemies of God in our midst and we must guard against them.

This leads us to the next theme of Jude which is the Christian as a soldier. Christians are portrayed as soldiers who need to fight against false teachings and guard against anything that defies God’s Truth. To do this well, the Christian needs to earnestly contend for the faith! (v. 3)

Another theme of Jude is how the enemies of God will eventually have to face the judgment of God. The fallen angels are “reserved in everlasting chains” for the final judgment. The false teachers will be judged when Christ comes again (v.15). Michael the archangel knew that the devil would be judged by God and so did not bring his own judgment on him. We should follow Michael’s example and not seek our own vengeance when we know that God will eventually judge our enemies.

Jude ends with a beautiful benediction. It also speaks of another theme in Jude – how God will preserve His children from sin and false doctrine till we stand before Him in His glory. We may have many faults; yet Christ’s redeeming blood is able to present us faultless before Him. Therefore, do not lose heart but always turn to Jesus. He alone has the power to carry you through this life.

Drawing out the major themes in epistles can help greatly in our understanding and appreciation of the text. If only we would put in greater effort in our study of God’s Word, we would be able to gain so much more!

Thought: Can you come up with any other themes in Jude?
Prayer: Lord, help me as I study Thy Word. Help me to understand it and to grow spiritually from meditating on it.