Contending for the Faith: Nourishment and Discernment
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound truths encapsulated in the book of Jude, focusing on the dangers of apostasy and the vitality of contending earnestly for the faith. We delved into the metaphorical language used by Jude to describe the deceptive allure and ultimate emptiness of apostate teachings, which promise much but deliver nothing of eternal value.
We began by examining the nature of God's word as the source of living water, essential for our spiritual nourishment and growth. I emphasized how true Christianity, unlike the empty promises of apostate teachings, offers real sustenance through a relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship transforms us, renewing our minds and hearts, enabling us to live lives of genuine abundance and purpose.
I highlighted the stark contrast between genuine faith and the superficiality of certain modern movements and lifestyles that people often pursue to fill the voids in their lives. These include social justice without spiritual foundation, environmentalism without God, and dietary trends that become almost religious in their fervor. I stressed that while these pursuits might offer temporary satisfaction, they do not address the deeper spiritual needs of our souls.
Further, I discussed the importance of understanding and recognizing the gifts and talents God has bestowed upon each of us, encouraging everyone to use these gifts not for self-promotion but for the glory of God and the edification of the church. This led to a broader discussion on the role of the church as a community where these gifts are recognized and nurtured.
Drawing from the vivid imagery in Jude, I described apostate teachers as "clouds without water" and "fruitless trees," metaphors that powerfully depict the barrenness of teachings that deviate from the Gospel. These false teachings, while often appealing and emotionally charged, ultimately lead to spiritual dryness and disconnection from the true source of life—Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, I urged the congregation to remain vigilant and discerning, to immerse themselves in the Scriptures, and to uphold the truth of the Gospel. This is crucial in a world where deceptive teachings are rampant and can easily lead even the faithful astray if they are not grounded in the truth of God's Word.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Necessity of Spiritual Nourishment: Just as our bodies require physical food, our souls need spiritual sustenance, which comes only from God's Word. Engaging deeply with the Scriptures is not an intellectual exercise but a vital practice that keeps us spiritually alive and thriving. [30:10]
2. The Danger of Superficial Faith: Apostate teachings are like junk food for the soul; they might seem appealing and even satisfying at first, but they lead to spiritual malnutrition. True faith involves a deep, abiding relationship with Christ, not just surface-level engagement with religious activities. [39:08]
3. Utilizing God-Given Gifts: Each believer is endowed with unique gifts and talents, intended not for personal glory but for serving the community and glorifying God. Recognizing and utilizing these gifts in the context of the church brings joy and fulfillment that worldly accolades cannot match. [37:16]
4. The Importance of Discernment: In a world filled with conflicting voices and ideologies, discernment is key. We must be able to distinguish between truth and error, which requires a solid foundation in the biblical doctrine and a vibrant, ongoing relationship with Jesus. [40:43]
5. Contending for the Faith: As believers, we are called to defend the truth of the Gospel passionately. This involves not only understanding our faith deeply but also being prepared to challenge false teachings and ideologies that threaten to distort the Gospel message. [06:48]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [00:50] - Introduction to Jude
- [05:18] - Prayer and Scripture Reading
- [06:48] - The Call to Contend for the Faith
- [28:17] - The Glory of God in Creation
- [30:10] - The Living Water of God's Word
- [37:16] - Celebrating Spiritual Gifts
- [39:08] - Warning Against Apostate Teachings
- [40:43] - The Futility of Worldly Ideologies
- [42:40] - Psalm 23: Guidance and Nourishment
- [44:31] - The Importance of Fruitfulness
- [53:51] - Building the Church: Service and Rewards
- [01:13:45] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Jude 1:1-13 (ESV)
> Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. 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. 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. 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. 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— 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. Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. 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. These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.
2. John 4:13-14 (ESV)
> Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
3. Psalm 23:1-3 (ESV)
> The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
### Observation Questions
1. What metaphors does Jude use to describe apostate teachers, and what do they signify? ([19:52])
2. According to the sermon, what are some modern pursuits that people use to fill the voids in their lives, and why are they insufficient? ([40:43])
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the church in recognizing and nurturing spiritual gifts? ([37:16])
4. What does Jesus promise to the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:13-14, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about spiritual nourishment? ([30:10])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jude emphasize the need to "contend earnestly for the faith," and how does this apply to modern believers? ([06:48])
2. How does the metaphor of "waterless clouds" and "fruitless trees" illustrate the dangers of apostate teachings? ([19:52])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that true Christianity offers real sustenance compared to the "junk food" of apostate teachings? ([39:08])
4. How does Psalm 23:1-3 reflect the sermon’s message about the importance of spiritual nourishment and guidance? ([42:40])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual nourishment. Are you engaging deeply with the Scriptures, or are you relying on surface-level engagement? How can you improve your spiritual diet this week? ([30:10])
2. Consider the modern pursuits mentioned in the sermon (social justice without spiritual foundation, environmentalism without God, dietary trends). Have you found yourself seeking fulfillment in any of these areas? How can you redirect your focus to address your deeper spiritual needs? ([40:43])
3. Identify the unique gifts and talents God has given you. How are you currently using them to serve the community and glorify God? What steps can you take to better utilize these gifts within your church? ([37:16])
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of discernment in a world filled with conflicting ideologies. How can you develop a more discerning spirit to distinguish between truth and error? ([40:43])
5. Reflect on the metaphor of "waterless clouds" and "fruitless trees." Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually dry or unproductive? What changes can you make to reconnect with the true source of life, Jesus Christ? ([19:52])
6. The sermon calls for believers to contend earnestly for the faith. What practical steps can you take to defend the truth of the Gospel in your daily life? ([06:48])
7. Psalm 23 speaks of God leading us beside still waters and restoring our souls. How can you create space in your life for God to lead and restore you? What specific practices can you implement to experience His guidance and nourishment? ([42:40])
Devotional
Day 1: The Necessity of Spiritual Nourishment
Just as our bodies cannot thrive without physical food, our souls require the sustenance that comes only from God's Word. Engaging deeply with the Scriptures is essential, not merely as an intellectual exercise but as a vital practice that keeps us spiritually alive and thriving. This spiritual nourishment allows us to grow in faith, understand God's will, and live out His purposes for our lives. It is through this divine connection that we find the strength and wisdom to navigate life's challenges and opportunities. [30:10]
Jeremiah 15:16: "Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts."
Reflection: How can you incorporate daily Scripture reading into your routine to ensure you are spiritually nourished?
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Day 2: The Danger of Superficial Faith
Apostate teachings, like junk food for the soul, may appear appealing and even satisfying at first, but they ultimately lead to spiritual malnutrition. True faith involves a deep, abiding relationship with Christ, not just surface-level engagement with religious activities. This relationship transforms us, renewing our minds and hearts, enabling us to live lives of genuine abundance and purpose. It is crucial to discern and avoid teachings that deviate from the Gospel, as they can lead to spiritual dryness and disconnection from the true source of life—Jesus Christ. [39:08]
2 Timothy 4:3-4: "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
Reflection: What are some current teachings or trends you have encountered that might be considered 'spiritual junk food'?
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Day 3: Utilizing God-Given Gifts
Each believer is endowed with unique gifts and talents, intended not for personal glory but for serving the community and glorifying God. Recognizing and utilizing these gifts in the context of the church brings joy and fulfillment that worldly accolades cannot match. It is through the proper use of these gifts that we contribute to the body of Christ, building up the church and advancing the Kingdom of God on earth. This service also leads to personal spiritual growth and deeper fellowship with other believers. [37:16]
1 Peter 4:10-11: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What are your spiritual gifts, and how are you currently using them to serve your church community?
---
Day 4: The Importance of Discernment
In a world filled with conflicting voices and ideologies, discernment is key. We must be able to distinguish between truth and error, which requires a solid foundation in biblical doctrine and a vibrant, ongoing relationship with Jesus. This discernment protects us from being led astray by deceptive teachings and helps us to live out our faith authentically and courageously in a complex world. [40:43]
Hebrews 5:14: "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."
Reflection: How can you improve your discernment skills to better recognize truth from error in the teachings you encounter?
---
Day 5: Contending for the Faith
As believers, we are called to defend the truth of the Gospel passionately. This involves not only understanding our faith deeply but also being prepared to challenge false teachings and ideologies that threaten to distort the Gospel message. Contending for the faith is not about being contentious but about being steadfast in our commitment to the truth, equipped to engage thoughtfully and lovingly with those who question or oppose it. [06:48]
Jude 1:3: "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."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can prepare yourself to contend for the faith in your everyday interactions?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Your life was meant to be substantial. Your life was meant to glorify Jesus Christ. Your life was meant to be profound. How? Because I'm so amazing? No, no, no. Because I'm a sinner, but I have found the source of life. His name is Jesus." [25:21]
2. "I love our beaches in North County. I love walking along the beaches in North County. And when I do, I love these pelicans that soar along the ridgeline of the cliffs along the beaches. They're remarkable. They look like prehistoric creatures, for one thing." [26:59]
3. "God would see this happening in his people, and his heart would break. And he would say to the prophet, Jeremiah, take a look at this verse, Jeremiah chapter 2, verse 13. This is God speaking. My people have committed two evils." [40:43]
4. "The Lord is my shepherd, and I will not be wanton. Anything. I have everything I need. Why? Because the Lord is my shepherd. My pantry is full. My heart is full. My life is full." [42:40]
5. "I love fruit trees. And if you think about it just for a moment, let me geek out for a moment on the glory of God. Fruit trees are amazing. Have you ever seen an orange tree? It's like, for one thing, it's just beautiful to the eye." [45:55]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We cannot know God when we are driven by our feelings, when we are driven, by our emotions, when we are driven by current ideologies and current trends that are in the world, and by driven by our own selfish lusts, we cannot know God." [21:43]
2. "Apostate Christianity promises God's rich blessings, but they never come. It promises prosperity and life, but it only delivers famine and death, like this man was speaking of where he's at right now." [23:30]
3. "Waterless clouds. I want you to listen to this. I want you to listen to this. I want you to listen to this. I want you to know something. Your life was meant to be substantial. Your life was meant to glorify Jesus Christ." [25:21]
4. "God's word reveals God to us, and it's how we know him. And it is the only way we can know the person of God is through his word. God's word gives us living water, and it equips us for life and life abundant as we follow Jesus as our Lord." [30:10]
5. "But if you drink the water that I will give you, you will never thirst again. You see, Jesus wants to come, and he wants to bring God's word to our life, to bring spiritual depth and life. It's what he wants to do for us." [32:09]
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