Bible Reading
Jude 1:3-19 (ESV) — > 3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
> 5 Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— 7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
> 8 Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. ...
> 11 Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion. ...
> 17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.
Galatians 1:6-9 (ESV) — > 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV) — > 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
Observation Questions
- According to Jude, what are the three Old Testament examples he uses to warn about the consequences of rebellion against God? ([39:36])
- What are the three main characteristics of false teachers that Jude points out in verse 8? ([45:20])
- In Galatians 1:8, what does Paul say should happen if anyone, even an angel, preaches a different gospel? ([47:29])
- In Matthew 7:21-23, what is Jesus’ response to those who claim to have performed miracles and prophesied in His name? ([01:13:01])
Interpretation Questions
- Why does Jude use the stories of the Israelites, the fallen angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah as warnings for believers today? What do these stories have in common? ([39:36])
- What does it mean that false teachers “rely on their dreams” and “reject authority”? How might this look in today’s context? ([45:41])
- Why is it not enough to judge a teacher or leader by their miracles or spiritual experiences, according to both Jude and Jesus? ([01:13:01])
- How do the examples of Cain, Balaam, and Korah illustrate the heart issues behind false teaching? ([01:03:58])
Application Questions
- The sermon warns that God’s standards do not change and that He does not overlook rebellion or the distortion of His truth. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to compromise or “bend” God’s truth? What would humble obedience look like for you this week? ([39:36])
- False teaching often comes cloaked in spiritual authority or impressive experiences. Have you ever encountered a teaching or leader that seemed convincing but later proved unbiblical? How did you discern the truth, or what would you do differently now? ([47:29])
- The fruit of false teachers is described as hate, greed, and pride. Are there ways you see these traits creeping into your own heart or community? What practical steps can you take to cultivate sacrificial love, humility, and integrity instead? ([01:03:58])
- The sermon says that true believers are secure in Christ and cannot be demon-possessed, but can be influenced or tempted. Are there influences (media, relationships, habits) that you need to be more discerning about? What is one change you could make this week to guard your heart? ([57:51])
- Discernment is described as essential in a world of spiritual counterfeits. What are some specific ways you can “test every teaching against Scripture” in your daily life? Is there a resource, habit, or relationship that could help you grow in discernment? ([01:16:42])
- The sermon challenges us to know what we believe and why. If someone asked you today why you are a Christian, what would you say? Is there an area of your faith you want to understand better? ([01:16:03])
- Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” What helps you recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd in your life? Are there competing voices you need to tune out? ([01:15:06])
