Jude
June Memory Verse: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Read: Jude
Jude is one of the smallest books in the Bible – and although it’s often overlooked, it’s RICH in truth.
This small book is written by Jude (Judah) who identifies himself as “the brother of James,” implying the he is also the stepbrother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3). This introduction gives him the authority to deal with some of the difficult and hot burner issues that he addresses.
Although the recipients of the letter are not specifically mentioned, we know they are people who are familiar with the Old Testament and Jewish literature. They are probably the churches that Jude had visited on his journeys.
Jude is short but powerful – it deals with the subjects of false teachers who tried to manipulate the grace of God, spiritual discipline, how to defend your faith, and much more!
Jude jumps right into the action in verse 4… false teachers have wormed their way into your churches – undermining God’s teaching on grace. Do we struggle with this today? You bet! False teaching is so prevalent that many Christians don’t know the false from the true. This is also due to the lack of time many of us spend in God’s Word for ourselves “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so” (Acts 17:11). False teaching comes to us freely from the pulpit, the ipod, the radio, and the pen. We MUST be careful!
Undermining God’s grace is still a big issue on both sides. Some still teach a salvation by works such as doing the right things, attending church, or baptism. Others take the opposite side and say that God’s grace gives us the freedom to do whatever we want and God will simple turn His head and wink. Neither is correct.
Jude goes on to spell out the condemnation that these false prophets will experience in verses 5-16.
So, how can we know true from false?
Thank you SO much for reading Jumpstart faithfully. It’s a privilege to provide it for you. Our prayer is that God is growing you through it!
By: Tim Parsons
Read: Jude
Jude is one of the smallest books in the Bible – and although it’s often overlooked, it’s RICH in truth.
This small book is written by Jude (Judah) who identifies himself as “the brother of James,” implying the he is also the stepbrother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3). This introduction gives him the authority to deal with some of the difficult and hot burner issues that he addresses.
Although the recipients of the letter are not specifically mentioned, we know they are people who are familiar with the Old Testament and Jewish literature. They are probably the churches that Jude had visited on his journeys.
Jude is short but powerful – it deals with the subjects of false teachers who tried to manipulate the grace of God, spiritual discipline, how to defend your faith, and much more!
Jude jumps right into the action in verse 4… false teachers have wormed their way into your churches – undermining God’s teaching on grace. Do we struggle with this today? You bet! False teaching is so prevalent that many Christians don’t know the false from the true. This is also due to the lack of time many of us spend in God’s Word for ourselves “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so” (Acts 17:11). False teaching comes to us freely from the pulpit, the ipod, the radio, and the pen. We MUST be careful!
Undermining God’s grace is still a big issue on both sides. Some still teach a salvation by works such as doing the right things, attending church, or baptism. Others take the opposite side and say that God’s grace gives us the freedom to do whatever we want and God will simple turn His head and wink. Neither is correct.
Jude goes on to spell out the condemnation that these false prophets will experience in verses 5-16.
So, how can we know true from false?
- It begins with knowing God yourself – the Holy Spirit in you will guide you and “bear witness” to truth if you learn to listen to Him and follow Him.
- You need to know your Bible – and that only comes from spending time in it – reading it, studying it, memorizing it.
- Don’t be gullible – don’t simple accept everything your hear or read as truth. Much of it isn’t!
- Ask questions of those you trust, if you don’t understand something or have doubts about its’ accuracy.
- Protect your family from false teaching. Kids are where cults strike.
Thank you SO much for reading Jumpstart faithfully. It’s a privilege to provide it for you. Our prayer is that God is growing you through it!
By: Tim Parsons
2 Comments
Great reminder from God's word! Too many false teachers today who just want to tickle ears. The only way to avoid false doctrine is to know what the Bible says yourself. Grateful for a church that encourages its members and attenders to verify what is being said by its leaders with what is in scripture.
Thanks Scottie!