Staying Grounded: Combating False Teachings in Faith
Summary
### Summary
In the letter of Jude, we find a timeless warning to the church about the dangers of false teachings and the importance of staying grounded in the faith. Jude's message, though written 2,000 years ago, is incredibly relevant today, especially in North America where many have taken the grace of Jesus Christ for granted. Jude reminds us to remember the past, as the issues faced by the early church are still prevalent today. The devil doesn't appear in obvious forms but infiltrates through false teachings and deceitful individuals within the church.
Jude provides four key actions to combat these false teachings: remember, keep, be merciful, and save. First, we must remember the teachings of the apostles and the words of Jesus Christ. This is akin to the refresher courses that professionals take to ensure they are prepared in times of crisis. Second, we must keep ourselves in God's love, which requires deliberate action and community involvement. Christianity is inherently communal, and our love for God is tested in our interactions with others.
Third, we are called to be merciful to those who doubt. In a world where everyone has an opinion and is quick to judge, showing mercy is a powerful testimony of God's grace. Finally, we are to save others, recognizing that while only Jesus saves, we are His representatives on earth. Our actions and love can lead others to Christ.
Jude's letter is a call to action, urging us to stay grounded in the Word of God, to be merciful, and to actively engage in saving others. By doing so, we can navigate the challenges of false teachings and remain steadfast in our faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. Remember the Apostolic Teachings: Jude emphasizes the importance of remembering the teachings of the apostles and Jesus Christ. This is crucial because it prepares us for the challenges we face today, much like how professionals undergo refresher courses to stay prepared. By grounding ourselves in these teachings, we can navigate crises with confidence and clarity. [12:03]
2. Keep Yourself in God's Love: Keeping oneself in God's love is a deliberate act that requires community involvement. Christianity is inherently communal, and our love for God is tested in our interactions with others. By engaging with the community, we not only strengthen our faith but also become a testament to God's love. [15:15]
3. Be Merciful to Doubters: In a world where everyone is quick to judge, showing mercy to those who doubt is a powerful testimony of God's grace. Jude calls us to be merciful, recognizing that everyone has their struggles and doubts. By showing mercy, we reflect the unconditional love that God has shown us. [18:34]
4. Actively Save Others: While only Jesus saves, we are His representatives on earth. Our actions and love can lead others to Christ. Jude urges us to remember, keep, be merciful, and save, emphasizing that these are not passive actions but deliberate efforts to bring others to the faith. [20:28]
5. Stay Grounded in the Word of God: Jude's letter is a call to stay grounded in the Word of God, not in our feelings or emotions. By continually reading, praying, and meditating on the Word, we can remain steadfast in our faith and effectively move the gospel forward. This grounding helps us navigate the challenges of false teachings and remain true to our calling. [27:12]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[07:14] - The Devil's Deception
[08:32] - Lack of Grace in the Church
[10:05] - Four Solutions to False Teachings
[12:03] - Remember the Apostolic Teachings
[15:15] - Keep Yourself in God's Love
[18:34] - Be Merciful to Doubters
[20:28] - Actively Save Others
[22:13] - Engage with the Word of God
[27:12] - Stay Grounded in the Word
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Jude 1:17-23 (NIV)
> "But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, 'In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.' These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the four key actions Jude instructs believers to take in verses 17-23? ([10:05])
2. How does Jude describe the people who cause divisions within the church? ([13:24])
3. According to the sermon, why is it important to keep ourselves in God's love? ([15:15])
4. What does Jude say about showing mercy to those who doubt? ([18:34])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jude emphasize the importance of remembering the teachings of the apostles and Jesus Christ? How does this help us today? ([12:03])
2. What does it mean to keep oneself in God's love, and why is this described as a deliberate act? ([15:15])
3. How can showing mercy to doubters serve as a powerful testimony of God's grace? ([18:34])
4. In what ways can we actively participate in saving others, according to Jude's instructions? ([20:28])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced false teachings or deceitful individuals within the church. How did you handle it, and what could you do differently now based on Jude's instructions? ([07:14])
2. How can you make a deliberate effort to keep yourself in God's love this week? Are there specific actions or community engagements you can participate in? ([15:15])
3. Think of someone in your life who is struggling with doubt. How can you show them mercy and support them in their faith journey? ([18:34])
4. Identify one person you know who is not a believer. What steps can you take to actively engage them in conversations about faith and potentially lead them to Christ? ([20:28])
5. How can you stay grounded in the Word of God amidst the distractions and false teachings prevalent today? What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine? ([27:12])
6. Consider your interactions on social media or in person. How can you demonstrate mercy and avoid quick judgments in these interactions? ([08:32])
7. Reflect on your communal involvement in the church. How can you strengthen your relationships within the church community to better keep yourself in God's love? ([15:15])
Devotional
Day 1: Remember the Apostolic Teachings
Jude emphasizes the importance of remembering the teachings of the apostles and Jesus Christ. This is crucial because it prepares us for the challenges we face today, much like how professionals undergo refresher courses to stay prepared. By grounding ourselves in these teachings, we can navigate crises with confidence and clarity. Jude's message is a reminder that the issues faced by the early church are still prevalent today, and the devil often infiltrates through false teachings and deceitful individuals within the church.
By continually revisiting the foundational teachings of our faith, we can discern truth from falsehood and remain steadfast in our beliefs. This deliberate act of remembering is not just a mental exercise but a spiritual discipline that fortifies our faith and equips us to face the challenges of our time. [12:03]
2 Peter 3:2 (ESV): "that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles."
Reflection: What specific teachings of Jesus or the apostles have you found most challenging to remember and apply in your daily life? How can you make a deliberate effort to revisit and internalize these teachings this week?
Day 2: Keep Yourself in God's Love
Keeping oneself in God's love is a deliberate act that requires community involvement. Christianity is inherently communal, and our love for God is tested in our interactions with others. By engaging with the community, we not only strengthen our faith but also become a testament to God's love. Jude's call to keep ourselves in God's love is a reminder that our faith is not a solitary journey but one that thrives in the context of relationships and community.
This deliberate action involves regular participation in communal worship, fellowship, and acts of service. It is through these interactions that we experience and extend God's love, growing in our faith and becoming a living testimony of His grace. [15:15]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively engage with your church community this week to keep yourself in God's love? What specific steps can you take to encourage and support others in their faith journey?
Day 3: Be Merciful to Doubters
In a world where everyone is quick to judge, showing mercy to those who doubt is a powerful testimony of God's grace. Jude calls us to be merciful, recognizing that everyone has their struggles and doubts. By showing mercy, we reflect the unconditional love that God has shown us. This act of mercy is not just about being kind but about embodying the grace and compassion that Jesus demonstrated throughout His ministry.
Being merciful to doubters means listening without judgment, offering support, and gently guiding them back to the truth. It is an acknowledgment that faith is a journey, and everyone needs grace along the way. By extending mercy, we create a safe space for others to explore their faith and grow in their relationship with God. [18:34]
James 2:13 (ESV): "For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is struggling with doubt. How can you show them mercy and support this week? What practical steps can you take to be a source of encouragement and grace for them?
Day 4: Actively Save Others
While only Jesus saves, we are His representatives on earth. Our actions and love can lead others to Christ. Jude urges us to remember, keep, be merciful, and save, emphasizing that these are not passive actions but deliberate efforts to bring others to the faith. This call to action is a reminder that our faith is not just for our benefit but for the salvation of others.
Actively saving others involves sharing the gospel, living out our faith authentically, and being a witness to the transformative power of Jesus. It is about being intentional in our interactions, looking for opportunities to share the hope we have in Christ, and being a light in a world that desperately needs it. [20:28]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the hope you have in Christ? How can you intentionally share your faith with them this week in a way that is gentle and respectful?
Day 5: Stay Grounded in the Word of God
Jude's letter is a call to stay grounded in the Word of God, not in our feelings or emotions. By continually reading, praying, and meditating on the Word, we can remain steadfast in our faith and effectively move the gospel forward. This grounding helps us navigate the challenges of false teachings and remain true to our calling.
Staying grounded in the Word requires a disciplined approach to Bible study and prayer. It means prioritizing time with God, seeking His wisdom, and allowing His Word to shape our thoughts and actions. By doing so, we build a strong foundation that can withstand the storms of life and keep us aligned with God's will. [27:12]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: How can you make the Word of God a more integral part of your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to ensure that you are consistently grounded in Scripture and prayer?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "People have taken the Lord Jesus Christ for granted. The salvation, the redemption, the need to repent of our sins. And it's all like, well, you can do what you want, you can act how you want, and it's all okay because everything is going to work out in the end." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We know that we are saved by grace. We know that we're saved not by our own doings. It's not that we're better than anybody else. It's not that we keep the Ten Commandments. It's not that we read the Bible more than anybody else. We are saved by grace and grace alone." (18 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Christianity, different than all other religions, has always been communal. Let me say that again. Christianity has always been communal. Christianity is never, I got saved and I'm going to stay at home and I'm going to worship the Lord at home. I'm going to watch live streams. I'm going to watch preachers on TV. I'm going to bless this ministry with my offering, that ministry with my offering, but I don't want to deal with people." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God did not call us to be isolated, but he called us to be in this world. And as we are in this world, that is where our love is. Love for God and each other is tested. I could tell you right now, it's so easy to love God. If I lock myself in the basement of our house and I don't see anyone for a whole week, oh man, I'm so in love with God. Oh, I love him. He loves me. It's the most beautiful thing ever." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are saved, we have faith, and as a result, the works will come. It's not works and then salvation and then faith. No, it is saved, faith, and works. And when we know that we will want to reach out into the community, we will want to save others because he has saved us." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jude here is saying, not only you ought to remember, but you ought to what? Keep yourself. Again, this is a deliberate act where he's saying, there is a way that you can wander outside of God's love. No, I'm not talking salvation now. I'm just saying that you can wander outside when you start only to look after yourself and not care about anyone or anything else." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Be merciful to those who doubt. I don't know about you, but let me, let me do a confession time here. Things were not good before COVID and after COVID things got worse because everyone has an opinion and they don't care about your opinion. They don't care what you believe. And that has infiltrated into the church, into the world, into families, because I am right and everybody else is wrong. There's no more dialogue. There's no more conversation." (48 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jude here is saying these four commands, which are actually actions. Remember, keep, be merciful, and save. Well, I thought only Jesus saves. Yes, only Jesus saves. But always remember that we are the ones that are representing his kingdom here on earth. We are his hands and his feet." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We know that when we come together, we ought to rejoice. Remember the hymns, talk to each other in hymns and psalms and whatnot. When we come together, we ought to know that we are exalting Christ Jesus. Through our actions, through our words, we can make a difference." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "My encouragement to you this morning is continue to read the word of God. Continue to pray. Continue to meditate, and I know that if you have a cell phone, a YouVersion app, I mentioned this more than enough, you can listen to the word of God, whatever translation you want, whatever version you want, you can listen to the word of God because it is important for us to be grounded, and grounded in him." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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