Dive deep into the powerful and overlooked book of Jude. Discover how this short epistle delivers a timeless warning against false teachers, spiritual complacency, and moral compromise. Learn what it truly means to “contend for the faith” in today’s cultural and spiritual climate. We’ll explore Jude’s call to remember God’s past judgments, the characteristics of those who distort truth, and how believers can remain steadfast through prayer, mercy, and hope. Whether you’re a longtime Bible student or new to the text, this lesson will equip you with practical insights and spiritual encouragement to stand firm in your faith.
I. Introduction to Jude
A. Authorship: Jude, brother of James (and likely Jesus)
B. Audience: Jewish Christians familiar with OT and apocryphal texts
C. Purpose: Address false teachers misusing grace
D. Date and Location: ~60 AD, possibly from Southern Israel
II. Structure of the Epistle
A. Greeting (vv. 1–2)
B. Body Introduction (vv. 3–4)
C. Body Proper (vv. 5–16)
1. Historical examples of judgment
2. Description of false teachers
D. Call to Action (vv. 17–23)
E. Benediction (vv. 24–25)
III. Central Themes
A. Contending for the Faith
B. The misuse of grace as a license for immorality
C. The denial of Jesus as Lord
IV. Warnings and Illustrations
A. Historical Judgments:
1. Egypt (unbelievers destroyed)
2. Fallen angels (Gen 6 / 1 Enoch)
3. Sodom and Gomorrah
B. Examples of Rebellion:
1. Cain – murder
2. Balaam – greed and immorality
3. Korah – rejection of authority
C. Descriptions of False Teachers:
1. Waterless clouds, fruitless trees, wandering stars
2. Relying on instinct, not the Spirit
3. Dangerous to the community
V. Call to Faithful Living (vv. 17–23)
A. Remember the Apostolic Warnings
B. Build your faith and pray in the Spirit
C. Stay in God’s love, await Christ’s mercy
D. Rescue and show mercy to those wavering
VI. Theological Closing (vv. 24–25)
A. God’s power to preserve believers
B. Christ’s eternal authority and glory
C. Doxology affirming hope and confidence
VII. Use of Extra-Biblical References
A. 1 Enoch (vv. 14–15)
B. Assumption of Moses (v. 9)
C. Purpose: Common knowledge as illustrative tools
VIII. Additional Scriptures
Galatians 5:13, 1 Timothy 4:1, Titus 1:16, Matthew 7:15, Ephesians 4:14, Romans 6:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:1-5