YOU MUST REMEMBER – Jude 16-23

In the interest of providing the church with means to discern and oppose anyone or any idea that would deny or diminish the glory, majesty, dominion, and authority of Jesus Christ, Jude's epistle highlights distinctions between the holy and the ungodly, the disruptive and the sincere... enemies and allies within the visible church's scope of operations. Jude understands it is in the enemy of the gospel's best interest to blur the lines of sound moral judgement with a goal to corrupting the Body of Christ. He therefore opposes this nefarious strategy with clarity and distinctions. In this way, Jude's letter equips the church of all ages to contend for the faith when challenged no matter the threat. For aid in studying verses 16-23 we might draw 2 columns in our notebook. Column one titled: 'The ungodly' followed by nine phrases: 1.) Grumblers & malcontents, 2.) Follow their own sinful desires, 3.) Loud mouth boasters, 4.) Show favoritism to gain advantage, 5.) Scoffers, 6.) Follow ungodly passions, 7.) Cause divisions, 8.) Worldly people, 9.) Devoid of the Spirit. & Column 2 titled: 'The Holy' followed by nine corresponding phrases: 1.) Beloved, 2.) Remember predictions of the apostles, 3.) Build up their most holy faith, 4.) Pray in the Spirit, 5.) Keep themselves in the love of God, 6.) Wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus, 7.) Have mercy on those who doubt, 8.) Save others by snatching them from fire, & 9.) Show mercy with fear hating even garments stained by the flesh. With these columns side by side, let us consider the first 2 contrasts