Jude 3 – Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.
Jude intended to write about “the salvation we share.” He was instead directed by the Holy Spirit to write to “contend” for the faith by which we receive the gift of salvation. So, it seems that though Jude wanted to joyfully encourage those in the faith, he was instead directed to work to defend it. It would have been more pleasant to write a nice letter speaking of the faith. Contemporary pastors of the Word, will agree that it is easy to give a sermon on the love of God. They will get plenty of pats on the back. But to talk about the righteousness of God, well, the reactions can be very different. Both are necessary to understand what it is to be a believer in Christ, yet to speak the whole biblical truth is not what many want to hear. When speaking on living a righteous life that is the result of truly being transformed by God, well, pastors are obedient to speak the word but they brace themselves for the backlash of some in the congregation. Praise God for pastors who honor God by presenting the entire Gospel.
God led Jude to write about the error that had crept into the church. Speaking of error does not make one popular. But the disciple of Jesus first seeks to please God. In love to God and of others the Truth is spoken. The Apostle Paul needed to correct error and so he wrote extremely strong against the error, and concluded in Galatians 1:10 “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Recently I listened to a strong sermon by a beloved pastor who spoke the truth. Many supported him but I wonder how many did not appreciate it? Nevertheless, he spoke the truth. Praise God! Praise God for all pastors who share the unmitigated and unadulterated Word. They are those who release the Word itself because it is more powerful and effective than anything man can say. They are the one who truly love the flock. If a message from the Word stings, we most likely ought not to blame the messenger. We need to do some self-examination and pray to God that, if necessary, He will change and lead us. We must apologize to our God who gladly receives our repentance. If we are convicted by God that is good and will bring healing. It is for our good. If a messenger is speaking condemnation that drives one away, that is not from God. God draws us to Himself. Still we need to be sure that our hearts are right and we are open to hearing Truth. The difference between whether we think something convicting or condemning most often is reflective of our own heart and not a problem with the message. Let us desire, even crave correction from God. (Hebrews 12:6) Of course, obedience is the goal so that correction isn’t necessary. Obedience is both an outward response of an inner change happening. What pleases God is living as God calls us to as something that flows from a heart changed by God the Holy Spirit. Not an outward act but evidence of the state of one’s soul. God works from the inside out. The Lord will lead and help us. Praise God! In all things and at all times, with all actions and words, and with a loving and thankful heart, let us thank and praise God. To God be the glory!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”