The Significance of Jude

As part of the requirements for one of my seminary classes, all students were required to follow a guided template in explaining the significance of certain books of the Bible. Below is the third one about Jude.

The summary follows four main parts: The purpose of the book (including the argument), a short summary of the book, what I want the audience to know regarding knowledge and action, and finally how this book will affect my personal character development. Each of us will be different in how Jude challenges us to grow and it is also dependent on the season of life we are in. Certain themes are more prominent in different seasons that help us grow and stick out more to us. God will speak into our lives through Scripture to tell us what He wants us to hear. You can read the same passage a year later and be reminded of a different truth that is important.

This post will focus on the significance of Jude.

The Significance of Jude to Your Life & Ministry

1. State briefly the purpose and argument of the book? (Give references to support your statements). What I want you to do here is (1) discern the importance of what this book teaches well enough to remember it; (2) the argument is trying to assess how the author develops and accomplishes his purpose.
   1. Purpose (Major Theme or Purpose): The purpose of Jude is to encourage believers to contend earnestly to the true faith that was taught to them and handed down to them (v. 3). The false teachers had infiltrated the church and perverted the grace of God into a license for sin and misused Christian liberty (v. 4).
   2. Argument (What is the author trying to accomplish and how is he doing it?):Jude, much like his brother James, uses a poetic and picturesque language. The severity of the tone of Jude in his denunciation of the false teachers is passionate and shows his righteous indignation against the blatant evils that are occurring. Jude uses two quotation from apocryphal books that his audience would have been familiar with in order to give weight to his argument (vv. 9, 14). The similarities that Jude has to 2 Peter help reinforce the idea about the threat the church was facing against these false teachers. Throughout the book, Jude uses a number of triads, between 10 to 12, that helps give reference to the readers and aid in memorization (vv. 2, 5-8, 11, 25).

2. Give a short paragraph of how this book fits into the overall message or argument of the whole Bible. Support your statements with passages from the OT & NT. Give cross-references from both Testaments—(like chapter and verse, 2:12 for example; “passages” means more than one)?

3. What do I want my congregation, audience, or study group to apply after studying this book? What would I want them NOT to forget? What does it do for YOU? KNOWING/MEMORY – Give four (4) PRINCIPLES (values; ethical standards; doctrines; main beliefs) that you gleaned from this book and that you and your congregation will think of and remember when the book is named. These should be appropriate to the text, so GIVE REFERENCES (chapters and verses) for each. 
   • Always be prepared to contend for your faith (Jude 1:3-4)
     • I want the audience to know the foundations of their Christian faith and the bigger concepts of faith that way they will be able to defend the faith against those who oppose Christ. From the biggest doctrines to the smallest, every member must be prepared in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). Jude teaches us how we are to live ethically toward other believers and non-believers. Jude inspires us to wait on the Lord’s return and live in the love of God.
   • Walking in the Spirit does not lead to a liberty that perverts grace (Jude 1:4-16).
     • I would like the audience to remember that even though we have been saved by grace and we have freedom in Christ, that does not mean we are free to do whatever we please as the world does. We are not to follow after our own lust, grumble, be or speak arrogantly, or flattering others for our own advantages (v. 16). As believers we are to live above reproach and leave the judgment to God as Michael does in Jude (v. 9).
   • A life that denies Christ leads to destruction (Jude 1:11-16).
     • I want the audience to remember that if we claim to know and believe in Christ, we are to live lives that show Jesus. We are to be examples and models of the faith. But many in this world deny Christ and that decision leads to destruction (vv. 8, 10, 1415). Just like Cain, Korah and Balaam, those who deny Christ will perish. Faith cannot just be superficial. It must impact our every move and decision. The Lord is coming to judge and our lives should reflect Christ, not the satisfaction of our flesh.
   • Meditate and memorize Scripture that you may be kept in the love of God (Jude 1:1723).
     • The audience should remember that we are to read God’s Word and meditate on it. We should have consistent devotion and readings. Also, it is important to remember Scripture that way when trials come, we have God’s Word hidden in our heart ready to refute the doubts that Satan brings up. The audience should pray in the Spirit always trusting God’s will. The Bible will begin to reign in our lives and changes us that we may show mercy and grace to others. God’s Word will encourage us to help others in need, especially those that are experiencing doubts.

4. DOING/ACTION – What you will lead others to do that is based on the text or passage that suggested this action. You are required to do two (2) of these and be sure to give references It must be supported by a particular text, so be sure to give chapters and verses, example 2:12.

• Develop ways to teach fellow Christians about faith and common misconceptions that way they are able to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3-4).
  • Work with small groups to encourage them to read an apologetics book in order to prepare them for any attacks
  • In Sunday school classes, do a teaching series on common questions about Christian faith and ways to debunk those misconceptions. In addition, provide ways to strengthen the member’s faith by giving answers and resources to the members
  • Provide a list of resources (books) for members who want to study further. Also provide a short answer FAQ to common questions about Christianity to publish on the website
• Develop ways to support deeper and greater Bible study (Jude 1:17-24)
  • Design and create a weekly Scripture memorization verse for the audience to remember. Encourage the small groups to “test” the memory of the members from previous weeks. This weekly verse can be done over 52 weeks with a verse chart on the website for easy reference
  • Do a teaching series on ways to study Scripture that encourages memorization and helps the reader gain a better grasp of what they are reading
  • Design a quick reference chart and guide to reading, interpreting, studying, and applying Scripture passages.

5. BEING/PERSONAL CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT –What one (1) thing touched your heart, as you were reading/studying this book? Tell what it was and what text influenced you – Scripture reference(s) required. What you are going to do about it?

• The thing that touched me most about Jude was how much our actions can impact others. When we do simple things like grumbling or complaining, we become like the world causing divisions and strife (v. 19). Instead, we are to have mercy and not be judgmental so that we may live in the Spirit and stay in the love of God (v. 21). Similarly, we are to build up other believers and always pray in the Spirit. While we may want a certain request answered, we must trust in God’s will for what He knows is best.
• What am I going to do: First, I will look for ways to not grumble or complain aloud when things irritate me (v. 19). I believe this will help me try to be more positive and show a more positive attitude to others. Second, I will set a goal and work toward the goal of memorizing a verse/passage weekly (v. 17). Finally, I will look for ways to build and encourage other believers and non-believers instead of joining in on the gossip and grumbling.