And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day[.]

 Jude 1:5-7

And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day[.] Jude 1:6

I continue my quick study of Jude (given it's only one chapter), and my focus today is Jude 1:5-7, Jude presses on with a warning against false teaching as he gets more pointed and shares how false teachers - identified by their sin - will be eternally condemned.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V5: Yes, Jesus did come to save and rescue - just as He did of Israel in Egypt.  Note how Jesus' name is explicitly used in the text, reminding us of how He is part of the Triune God who has existed since the beginning and will exist through end times - He reigns forever more. Ultimately, Jesus will come to judge during the final days and those who do not believer are condemned - as such v5 reminds us that there have been people who have already been eternally condemned, including Pharaoh and residents of Sodom and Gomorrah. V6: We are reminded how God reigns over all - including sin, sinful people, and Satan (see also this post). God allows a restrained Satan to roam the Earth seeking those to devour until end times when he is finally defeated by God. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: My own research reveals that, among scholars, there is some debate whether the residents of Sodom and Gomorrah are already in hell - this is deserving of further reading.  Jude wants us to be clear who these false teachers are - they are wicked and we should be able to recognize them as such by their sin.  They twist and pervert the Gospel and they are ungodly - unable to bear fruit (see also text from yesterday). 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to both avoid twisting and perverting the gospel, and falling prey to those who do.  Claim the promise that God saves (and seals) while He also judges (upon end times) those who do not believe and are ungodly. Follow the example of Jude who ultimately believed - confess and believe. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for saving and sealing me, and for giving me my church, the Holy Spirit, and my brothers and sisters in Christ to support and encourage me in my efforts to know and discern Truth.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.