Scholars suggest the short but powerful Book of Jude was written sometime after 64 AD, but before 80 AD. The book was written to Christians familiar with the Old Testament. In this letter there are 613 words, 25 verses, one chapter and eight illustrations from the Old Testament.

The Book of Jude is a warning against apostasy and apostates. It begins in verses 1-2 with Jude’s prayer and description of true believers (those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ). Verses 3-4 continue with Jude’s initial plan, prophetic perception and a caution and warning against apostasy. Jude then goes on to describe the characteristics and judgment of false teachers in verses 5-16.The book concludes with an exhortation to believers (vv.17-25).

We’re in a Battle

Someone recently said to me, “I hate confrontation.” The remark came from an unexpected source; a highly trained and decorated soldier. He’s not alone in his attitude about confrontation. The truth is, most people hate confrontation.

But the Christian life is not always a playground; sometimes it is a battleground. The Book of Jude can be viewed as basic training for the battle, a type of Bible boot camp for believers. The book begins with Jude’s burden to contend for the faith. What faith? “… the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

When Jude set out to write this book, his original intention was to encourage the saints in our common salvation (v.3). Salvation is a great, worthy and edifying subject. But then in the third verse Jude switched gears and felt compelled to warn us: we are in a battle, we are to contend and we must fight against false teaching and false teachers.

Paul gave a similar warning to his young protégée Timothy:

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. —1 Timothy 4:1, NKJV

 

Copyright by Gino Geraci

Gino Geraci is pastor of Calvary South Denver ( www.calvarycsd.org ). His radio broadcasts can be listened to live, M-F from 4:00 – 6:00 pm MST on www.krks.com. He can be contacted by emailing ginogeraci@yahoo.com .