Contending for the Gospel: Warnings Against False Teachings

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God's Promises Over Popular Opinion

The Israelites' failure to trust God's promise led to their demise in the desert. This serves as a warning that false teachers often prioritize what is trendy over what is true, leading others astray. We must hold fast to God's word and not be swayed by popular opinion. The Israelites, despite being delivered from Egypt, doubted God's promise and chose to follow the majority opinion rather than trusting in God's word. This led to their demise in the desert. Similarly, false teachers today often prioritize what is trendy over what is true, leading others astray. We must hold fast to God's word and not be swayed by popular opinion. [01:07:28]

Numbers 14:11 (ESV): "And the Lord said to Moses, 'How long will this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them?'"

Reflection: Think of a time when you were tempted to follow popular opinion over God's word. How can you remind yourself to trust in God's promises today?

Day 2: Recognizing and Rejecting Self-Serving Authority

The rebellious angels who sought their own desires rather than staying within their God-given authority were imprisoned by God. This highlights that false teachers often use their authority for self-serving purposes. We must be vigilant in recognizing and rejecting such behavior. The rebellious angels, who did not stay within their God-given authority, serve as another example. They sought their own desires and were consequently imprisoned by God. False teachers often exhibit similar traits, using their authority for self-serving purposes rather than pointing others to God. [01:16:13]

2 Peter 2:4 (ESV): "For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment."

Reflection: Reflect on any leaders or influences in your life. Are there any who might be using their authority for self-serving purposes? How can you discern and distance yourself from such influences?

Day 3: Upholding God's Standards Against Sexual Immorality

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a stark warning about the dangers of sexual immorality and other sins. Jude emphasizes that minimizing sin, especially sexual sin, is a characteristic of false teachers. We must uphold God's standards and be aware of the deep and lasting effects of such sins. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah highlights the dangers of sexual immorality and other sins. Jude warns us that minimizing sin, especially sexual sin, is a characteristic of false teachers. These sins have deep and lasting effects, and we must be vigilant in upholding God's standards. [01:19:19]

Jude 1:7 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you might be minimizing sin? How can you take steps today to uphold God's standards in those areas?

Day 4: Embracing Humility and Submission to God's Authority

Our posture should be one of humility and submission to God's authority. We must contend for the gospel, be aware of false teachings, and trust that God will ultimately judge and bring justice. This requires a heart that is aligned with God's truth and a willingness to stand firm in our faith. In light of these warnings, our posture should be one of humility and submission to God's authority. We must contend for the gospel, be aware of false teachings, and trust that God will ultimately judge and bring justice. Let us remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that Jesus Christ is our Savior who has delivered us from sin and brought us into the promised land of eternal life. [01:24:22]

James 4:7 (ESV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with submission to God's authority? What practical steps can you take today to align your heart with God's truth?

Day 5: Holding Fast to the Hope of Salvation Through Jesus Christ

Jude reminds us that it was Jesus who delivered the Israelites from Egypt, symbolizing our own salvation from sin. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the grave is our hope. This passage serves as an alarm to be vigilant against false teachings and to remain steadfast in the gospel. Jude reminds us that it was Jesus who delivered the Israelites from Egypt, symbolizing our own salvation from sin. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the grave is our hope. This passage serves as an alarm to be vigilant against false teachings and to remain steadfast in the gospel. [01:30:44]

1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."

Reflection: How does the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ impact your daily life? What steps can you take to remain steadfast in the gospel amidst false teachings?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Integrity Church! Today, we delved into the book of Jude, focusing on verses 5 through 10. This passage is a powerful reminder of the importance of contending for the gospel and being vigilant against false teachings. Jude provides us with three historical examples to illustrate the characteristics of false teachers: the Israelites who doubted God's promise, the rebellious angels, and the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Each of these stories serves as a warning about the consequences of straying from God's truth and authority.

The Israelites, despite being delivered from Egypt, doubted God's promise and chose to follow the majority opinion rather than trusting in God's word. This led to their demise in the desert. Similarly, false teachers today often prioritize what is trendy over what is true, leading others astray.

The rebellious angels, who did not stay within their God-given authority, serve as another example. They sought their own desires and were consequently imprisoned by God. False teachers often exhibit similar traits, using their authority for self-serving purposes rather than pointing others to God.

Lastly, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah highlights the dangers of sexual immorality and other sins. Jude warns us that minimizing sin, especially sexual sin, is a characteristic of false teachers. These sins have deep and lasting effects, and we must be vigilant in upholding God's standards.

In light of these warnings, our posture should be one of humility and submission to God's authority. We must contend for the gospel, be aware of false teachings, and trust that God will ultimately judge and bring justice. Let us remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that Jesus Christ is our Savior who has delivered us from sin and brought us into the promised land of eternal life.

###

Key Takeaways

1. given authority were imprisoned by God. This highlights that false teachers often use their authority for self-serving purposes. We must be vigilant in recognizing and rejecting such behavior. [01:16:13]
3. The Consequences of Sexual Immorality: The story of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a stark warning about the dangers of sexual immorality and other sins. Jude emphasizes that minimizing sin, especially sexual sin, is a characteristic of false teachers. We must uphold God's standards and be aware of the deep and lasting effects of such sins.

4. Humility and Submission to God's Authority: Our posture should be one of humility and submission to God's authority. We must contend for the gospel, be aware of false teachings, and trust that God will ultimately judge and bring justice. This requires a heart that is aligned with God's truth and a willingness to stand firm in our faith.

5. The Hope of Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Jude reminds us that it was Jesus who delivered the Israelites from Egypt, symbolizing our own salvation from sin. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the grave is our hope. This passage serves as an alarm to be vigilant against false teachings and to remain steadfast in the gospel.

### [76:13]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[57:50] - Introduction and Announcements
[59:01] - Prayer and Opening
[60:17] - Ignoring Alarms and Warnings
[61:32] - The Importance of Stories
[62:57] - False Teachers in Jude's Day
[64:32] - Three Stories of Warning
[66:01] - Israel's Doubt and Disobedience
[67:28] - The Need for Reminders
[68:44] - The Story of Israel in Numbers 14
[70:09] - Relevance of Biblical Stories
[71:29] - The Spies in Canaan
[73:00] - Choosing Trendy Over True
[74:38] - The Rebellion of Angels
[76:13] - Authority and Self-Serving Behavior
[77:51] - Characteristics of False Teachers
[79:19] - The Story of Sodom and Gomorrah
[81:20] - Minimizing Sexual Sin
[82:57] - Consequences of Rebellion
[84:22] - Our Heart Posture
[85:55] - Michael the Archangel and the Devil
[87:34] - Personal Story of Encountering False Teachers
[89:10] - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord
[90:44] - Jesus as Our Savior
[92:18] - Contending for the Gospel
[93:50] - Prayer and Response
[95:13] - Invitation to Respond and Communion

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are the three historical examples Jude uses to illustrate the characteristics of false teachers? ([01:06:01])
How did the Israelites respond to God's promise about the land of Canaan, and what was the consequence of their response? ([01:11:29])
What was the sin of the rebellious angels, and what was their punishment? ([01:14:38])
According to Jude, what specific sin is highlighted in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, and what was the result of their actions? ([01:19:19])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jude emphasize the need for reminders about God's truth and authority? How does this relate to our daily spiritual practices? ([01:07:28])
How does the story of the Israelites in Numbers 14 serve as a warning against following popular opinion over God's word? ([01:11:29])
What does Jude's reference to the rebellious angels teach us about the misuse of authority and its consequences? ([01:16:13])
How does Jude's warning about minimizing sexual sin in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah apply to contemporary issues within the church? ([01:21:20])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you doubted God's promises in your life. How did that affect your faith and actions? What steps can you take to strengthen your trust in God's word? ([01:11:29])
In what ways might you be tempted to prioritize what is trendy over what is true? How can you ensure that your decisions are rooted in God's authority rather than popular opinion? ([01:13:00])
Consider a situation where you have seen authority misused in a self-serving way. How did it impact those involved? What can you do to promote humble and God-centered leadership in your community? ([01:16:13])
How do you respond to teachings or behaviors that minimize the seriousness of sin, especially sexual sin? What practical steps can you take to uphold God's standards in your personal life and within your church? ([01:21:20])
Jude calls for humility and submission to God's authority. What areas of your life do you find challenging to submit to God? How can you cultivate a heart of humility and obedience? ([01:24:22])
Reflect on the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ. How does this assurance impact your daily life and your vigilance against false teachings? ([01:30:44])
How can you support others in your small group or church community to remain steadfast in their faith and vigilant against false teachings? What specific actions can you take this week to encourage and strengthen one another? ([01:32:18])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We have all these different warnings that we'll often ignore. We'll often hear, we'll see signs that say don't text while driving and we're like cool cool cool and we look down and we're texting while driving. 45 percent of Americans text while driving. In fact, in North Carolina, we're one of the few that like will penalize you for texting while driving. And we can hear all these different stats about those kind of things like why it's dangerous. Some people will say texting while driving has the same effect on you driving your reaction time as having four beers in a single hour." [01:00:17] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I love how Jude begins this part. He says, I want to remind you. Yes, I know that you know this already, but I want to remind you. And I think this is good because if you've been a believer for a while, you probably can get in this habit of saying, well, I know this stuff already. Like, when am I going to learn something new? But friends, I want to tell you that we need reminders every single day. Like, we can't live without reminders. We have notifications on our calendar. And our phones, we have alarms for things to remind us of stuff all the time." [01:07:28] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Just because something is trendy doesn't make it true. And there are far too many examples in history where we've seen this, where we see a mass influence from a leader or a teacher, but terribly and dangerously wrong. We see something that is trendy or has a mass following. This is where we need to pause and ask, is it true though? Is it rooted in God's authority? And this is what Jude is inviting his hearers to pay attention to." [01:13:00] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And I believe Jesus had to die for all sin, and I believe all sinners are in need of a Savior, and my sin struggles are no degrees different than anyone else's. However, sexual sin is highlighted and talked about a lot in Scripture. And sexual immorality, it does have layers of effects. There's sins of our bodies, and our hearts, and our minds. This is why pornography, can have deep effects on a person's view of others, and a view of themselves." [01:21:20] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And I do not mean that arrogantly, like, that God's going to get them, right? I don't mean that arrogantly at all. I actually mean that to say that the same judgment that I would think they deserve is the judgment that I deserve. And without Christ, I could be the same way or would be the same way. And perhaps God would bring them the same kindness and mercy and grace that he's brought to me and so many of you, that God would give them repentance and God would repair and God would reconcile and God would change." [01:29:10] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "And I believe stories are important so that they help us be aware that the warnings are often real and need to be paid attention to. As we talked about in Jude, there's a tremendous amount of false teaching that's happening in Jude's day. Jude, we don't know exactly what church he's communicating to, but we know that Jude has seen the gospel be planted and seen lives changed. Now false teaching has kind of gone into the church unnoticed." [01:01:32] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And I love this section of Jude because what Jude does in verses five and then the verses that follow, he begins to tell us different stories about how different people haven't taken into consideration of God's authority and God's word. And what it looks like then to manipulate or to distort God's word away from the true gospel. And so these false teachers have come in and Jude actually says the word crept in to the church." [01:02:57] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And Jude is saying this is the character, the characteristic of a false teacher. Of course, there are many times that we all do this in the life, but he's in our lives, but he's saying this is a pattern of a false teacher. They will bend to the crowd more than they would submit to the lordship of Christ. This is a characteristic of a heretic that Jude wore. So now you see this with more and more influencers and teachers. We have more of those now more than ever." [01:13:00] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And what Jude is showing us is that one of these characteristics of a false teacher is they will use their authority to get what they want rather than what God wants. They will use power and manipulation and control. And of course, this doesn't always mean that that person is a false teacher because there are people who have low character and say true things about God. But Jude is using this as a sign of what to look for." [01:16:13] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And I say that if you've been harmed by a false teacher, there's a sobering truth here that yes, God will get the last word. And our posture should not be, well, I hope so. It should be a sobering truth for us. And it should also give us rest not to retaliate. Because our one true Savior is Jesus Christ. I love verse five. I'll mention it again. I love that. Jude names Jesus as the one who brought God's people out of Egypt. Did you notice that? Not Moses, but it was Jesus." [01:29:10] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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