I continue my quick study of Jude (given it's only one chapter), and my focus today is Jude 1:14-16, as Jude uses an extra-biblical source to argue against the false teaching threatening the church. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God's Word is perfect - and we are exhorted not to add to or subtract from His Word in ways that Jude's opponents (to whom he addresses as false teachers) - see also Psalm 18:30, 19:7, and 2 Timothy 3:16. At the same time, within scripture both Jude and Paul use extra-biblical sources against their opponents and in the text today Jude is apparently quoting the Jewish book of Enoch to warn against how the ungodly are to be condemned - see John Piper on this use of extra-biblical sources. This is not a contradiction of scripture (where an author adds to scripture) as the condemnation spoken of in this extra-biblical source is wholly consistent (and supports) with vast examples of text of the coming judgement of God when He returns. This is a case of Jude using his opponents' own arguments against them.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: We know that God opposes the proud (see James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5, and Proverbs 3:34) and here Jude is addressing arrogant false teachers who are easily identified by those who know Truth - and one way in which they are identified is by their persistent patterns of sin. V16 shares how these false teachers to whom Jude is addressing seek to "gain advantage." Arrogance and selfishness are two of the most spoken about sins in scripture - instead God seeks for us to be humble.
- 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 avoid selfishness and arrogance. Claim the promise that we (believers) are sealed and saved. Follow the example of Jude and others who "contend for the faith," by defending Truth and helping others discern Truth. Seek God with all of Your heart, soul, and mind, and love Him and others - be humble.
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for revealing Yourself to me, for saving me, and for giving me the church, and my brothers and sisters in Christ to discern and defend 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.
