Welcome to the study of the Word of God. Today we are looking at the book of Jude, a short epistle filled with urgent warnings for the church of today. The author, Jude, is not Judas Iscariot—the disciple who betrayed Jesus—nor Jude, one of the twelve apostles, but Jude, the half-brother of our Lord Jesus Christ by birth (Mark 6:3). Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he wrote this brief letter addressed specifically to “those who are called”—that is, Christians—not to the whole unbelieving world.
Today, we will study verses Jude 1:1–6, and, God willing, continue with the following verses in later parts.
Scripture Reading: Jude 1:1–6
1 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:
2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.
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 earnestly 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.
Understanding the Audience
Jude makes it clear that his epistle is addressed to believers—those who have already placed their faith in Christ. This means the warnings and exhortations contained here apply to all of us who claim to be in the faith.
He reminds us that even though we may already know these truths, we need to be reminded (2 Peter 1:12–13). Why? Because forgetting leads to spiritual complacency.
Contend for the Faith (v. 3)
Jude urges believers to “contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints.”
This faith was given once for all—it is not to be altered, added to, or redefined. As Paul says in Galatians 1:8–9, “If anyone preaches to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”
To contend for the faith means to:
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Stand firm in the truth of God’s Word.
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Resist false teachings and ungodly influences.
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Persevere in belief and practice, no matter the opposition.
Losing this faith is dangerous because there is no “second delivery.” If we abandon the truth, we may not get another opportunity to receive it (Hebrews 6:4–6).
A Warning from Israel’s History (v. 5)
Jude uses the example of Israel: although God delivered them from Egypt, “He later destroyed those who did not believe.”
Paul echoes this warning in 1 Corinthians 10:1–12, reminding us that all the Israelites experienced God’s salvation, yet many were struck down in the wilderness because of:
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Idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6; 1 Corinthians 10:7)
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Sexual immorality (Numbers 25:1–9; 1 Corinthians 10:8)
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Testing the Lord (Numbers 21:4–9; 1 Corinthians 10:9)
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Grumbling and discontentment (Numbers 14:1–29; 1 Corinthians 10:10)
These things happened as examples for us so that we might not desire evil as they did. Paul concludes with a sobering reminder:
“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).
Obstacles That Lead to Falling Away
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Idolatry
Like Israel, many Christians are tempted to fashion “golden calves” in their own lives—modern idols such as money, fame, or even religious images. God forbids such worship (Exodus 20:3–5; 1 John 5:21). -
Sexual Immorality
Just as Israel fell into sin with foreign women, sexual sin continues to shipwreck the faith of many believers today (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5; Hebrews 13:4). -
Grumbling and Discontentment
Complaining against God shows a lack of trust in His sovereignty. Instead, believers are commanded to “do all things without grumbling or disputing” (Philippians 2:14). -
Testing God and Coveting Evil
Many Christians fail to trust God’s plan, longing instead for the fleeting pleasures of the world. “Friendship with the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4).
The Danger of False Teachers (v. 4)
Jude warns of ungodly people who have crept in unnoticed—spiritual impostors who:
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Twist God’s grace into a license for immorality (Romans 6:1–2; Titus 2:11–12).
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Deny the Lordship of Jesus Christ, rejecting His authority over their lives (2 Peter 2:1–3).
These people are like weeds among the wheat (Matthew 13:24–30), awaiting certain judgment.
Even Angels Were Not Spared (v. 6)
If God did not spare the angels who sinned—casting them into chains of darkness until the final judgment (2 Peter 2:4; Revelation 20:10)—how much more will He judge humans who trample His grace?
A Call to Perseverance
We are on a spiritual journey. Just as Israel left Egypt but only Joshua and Caleb entered the Promised Land, not all who start will finish. Jesus Himself said:
“The one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13).
Let us, therefore:
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Guard our faith with diligence (2 Timothy 4:7–8).
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Make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10–11).
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Remain fervent, not lukewarm (Revelation 3:15–16).
Conclusion: Urgency to Repent
The time is short. Jesus is coming soon. Are you ready to meet Him?
Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Repent, renew your faith, and hold fast to the truth that was entrusted to you once for all.
“Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace” (2 Peter 3:14).
May God bless you richly