Bible Pathways - Dec. 22, 2008
December 22
Highlights In Today's Reading:
II John — Stand up for Truth! Love in Truth; false teachers lead to evil ways and aren't welcome. III John — Work for Truth! Walk in truth; be hospitable to the brethren; and have a good personal report. Jude — Contend for the faith; Warn against falling away from Truth; and Teach what believers should do to remain faithful.
Jude is the only book in all of God's Word which is entirely devoted to the apostasy that will gradually draw Christians away before our Lord's return. It should be the desire of every believer to faithfully follow Jude's exhortation to actively contend for (firmly defend) the faith which was once delivered unto the saints (1:3) — all the Message of eternal life.
To earnestly contend for the faith implies not only the necessity of believing that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God but also that it alone is the final Word on all doctrine of the Church (II Tim. 3:16). The Holy Spirit led Jude to write: It was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort (urge) you. . . . For there are certain men crept in unawares . . . ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . Woe unto them! (1:3-4,11).
Balaam and Korah (Core) are mentioned as examples of leaders who perished because they rejected God's revealed truth to promote their own interests in opposition to Moses (Jude 1:11; Num. 16:1-33). Today there is a superficial and deceptive unity being promoted by some who have joined hands with religions that reject Jesus of Nazareth as The Only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 1:4).
Jude warns that such deceivers will be judged, even as Sodom and Gomorrha . . . are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. . . . these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. . . . they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! (1:7-8,10-11).
Jude said that people like this are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage (1:16). They may have received some light, but not life, having not the Spirit (1:19). They may have received the written Word to some degree, but they have not received the Living Word, the Son of God into their hearts.
Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless . . . To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever (forever). Amen (Jude 1:24-25).
Thought for Today:
The Word of God is exceptionally clear when Jesus said: I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6). Every other doctrine is a deception.
Cross References:
For Jude 1:5: See Numbers 14:28-35. Jude 1:7: See Genesis 19:24. Jude 1:11: See Genesis 4:3-8, Numbers 16:1-3,31-35; 31:8-16. Jude 1:23: See Zechariah 3:2.
Word Studies:
III John 1:10 prating against =b> falsely accusing; Jude 1:4 turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness =b> perverting the grace of God to permit immorality.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts for the week sponsored by Derek S. Ronnie • Staff: Ken Sharp • Country: South Korea (46.9 million) in northeastern Asia • Major languages: Korean and English • Religious freedom • 48% Christian; 40% Buddhist; 3% Confucian; 9% Shamanism; Chodogyo, Other • Prayer Suggestion: Let your prayers be praise to the Lord (Ps. 150:6).
Memory Verse for the Week: John 14:6
