Saturday – November 18, 2023, Kislev 5, 5784
Greetings dear and precious saints of God and welcome back to our study of the Bible Book of Jude. Please take a moment and share this teaching as widely as possible by every means available to you. Thank you so much for sharing. The Lord is good. Remember, we study, not just read, the Word of God and we do it to renew our minds so that we are conformed to Him and not the world. Renewing of the mind involves displacing (Law of Displacement) the ideas of the world (by extension Satan) and replace them with the ideas of God. When our spiritual enemies present us with lying thoughts, words, and circumstances, we answer with the Word of God. We are well able to resist and fling them aside, trampling on them (the lying thoughts, words, and circumstances).
Romans 12:2 (KJV)
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
This Bible Book of Jude speaks to faith and unbelief, even the controversial topic of backsliding (going from saved to unsaved). When one has faith in something or someone they trust, rely upon and have an assurance of the thing or person. On the other hand, unbelief has to do with doubt, distrust, skepticism, and suspicion. Faith is the indispensable factor in pleasing God. Unbelief or disbelief is an anathema (abhorrence, abomination, loathing, curse) to God. He (God) doesn’t like it anymore when people don’t believe Him then you and I like it when people don’t believe us.
Now let’s pivot to our primary Bible text continuing to read out loud, yes, out loud, you know why.
Jude 1:1-3 (KJV)
1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Two weeks ago, we left off discussing the topic of peace found in verse two above. This letter is written by Jude, one who lived in the same household of Jesus a son of Joseph and Mary. The letter is addressed to the Church and thus each of us individually. Notice in verse two a part of the salutation or greeting he commands or speaks mercy unto all who are reading and are of the household of faith in Christ Jesus. Mercy is not something we develop or earn; it is a gift from another in the face of unworthiness. I tell you I am overjoyed for the mercy shown me over the years, I have about run God dry. One synonym for mercy and the meaning in the Greek is compassion. Pity is a feeling sorry for one but compassion not only feels sorry for the person but moves one to action. We see the mercy or compassion of Jude for not only felt pity for those he is writing to but brought him to action, hence the letter.
Now Jude shifts to commanding that peace and love be multiplied in the lives of those reading this letter. Both peace and love are fruits of our spirit which we have the responsibility to develop to greater and greater expression in our lives. These are not imparted they are present as part of our God imparted spirit man. When I say God imparted, I am talking about from Adam to this day. Our Godly supernatural fruits of peace and love are infantile at the new birth and it is our responsibility to develop them to maturity. As we practice peace and love in full submission to Him, He will add His peace and love to our giving a perfect expression. If we are not exercising self-control and submitting ourselves to His way and Word and are just crying out for Him to give us peace and/or love we are on our own. We are to rule and reign with Him in the Kingdom of God now and forever. We are to develop by study and practice beyond the sniveling baby stage, needing to be burped, bottle feed, and have our diaper changed.
Lord willing, I will pick up right here next week.
Authored by: Dr. David R. Wood, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
2 Chronicles 20:20 b (KJV)
20 … Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. (Bold added)
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (KJV)
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (Bold added)
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
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