Jude

Date Written: around 65 AD

Author: Jude, brother of Jesus

Setting: From the first century on, the church has been threatened by heresy and false teaching. We must always be on our guard.

Key People: Jude, James, Jesus

Purpose: To remind the church of the need to constantly be on guard against false teaching and to give hope to persecuted Christians and provide a vision of Jesus’ return.

Key Verses: Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. Verse 3

To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy. Verse 24

Chapter Outline:

1-16 The Danger of False Teachers

17-25 The Duty to Fight for God’s Truth

Importance of reading Jude:

What we read: Jude wrote to motivate Christians everywhere to action. He wanted them to recognize the dangers of false teaching, to protect themselves, and other believers, and to win back those who had already been deceived. He was writing against godless teachers who were saying that Christians could do as they pleased without fear of God’s punishment. What we can learn: There are those who believe this today, that someone can be a Christian and do as they please. Yet the Bible tells us exactly how we are to live our lives as believers. Avoid leaders and teachers who distort Biblical truth.

What we read: Jude also warns against apostasy – turning away from Jesus. We are to remember that God punishes rebellion against Him. We must be careful not to drift away from a faithful commitment to Christ. What we can learn: Those who don’t seek to know the truth in God’s Word are susceptible to apostasy. Christians must guard against any false teachings that would distract them from the truth preached by the apostles and written in God’s Word.

What we read: Verse 22-23 tells us to snatch others from the fire. What we can learn: We are to be concerned about the lost. Speak the truth in love to all who are willing to hear. Pray for them and never stop praying.

What we read: Stand firm in your faith. Jude reminds them to remain in their belief and to keep waiting for Christ. What we can learn: Good and bad times both can cause a Christian to stumble. When things are going good in your life, one may slack off of praying and reading the Bible and let their passion for Jesus cool. Bad times can drain you of your faith and trust in Him. The key to maintaining our faith is to remember that God is the One holding us and giving us the strength that we need to remain steadfast. He is our eternal hope.

Things to think about as you read Jude:

• Think about the promises to the “beloved in God.” Spend time in prayer, praising God for what He will do on your behalf. Then think of the responsibilities that are yours and talk with God about how you are to fulfill them.
• Review the characteristics of the ungodly. Do you know of anyone who fits this description? How does knowing this help you? What are you to do in respect to these people? Are you willing?

Revelation

Date Written: around 95 AD, from Patmos

Author: John

Setting: Most scholars believe that the seven churches of Asia to whom John wrote to were experiencing the persecution that took place under Emperor Domitian. The Roman authorities had exiled John to the island of Patmos off the coast of Asia.

Key People: John, Jesus

Purpose: To give hope to persecuted Christians and provide a vision of Jesus’ return.

Key Verses: Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. 1:3

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away and there was no longer any sea. 21:1

Chapter Outline:

1-4 The Seven Churches

5-16 Visions

17-20 God’s Triumph

21-22 The New Creation

Importance of reading Revelation:

What we read: The vision John received opens with instructions for him to write to seven churches. He both commends them for their strengths and warns them about their flaws. Each letter was to a church in existence at that time, but also speaks to conditions in the church throughout history. What we can learn: Just like at the time John wrote these letters, we must also fight against the temptation to become loveless, immoral, lenient, compromising, lifeless, or casual about our faith. The letters make it clear how God feels about these qualities.

What we read: God is sovereign. He is greater than any power in the universe. He controls the past, the present, and the future. What we can learn: Though Satan’s power may temporarily increase, we are not to be led astray, and we do not have to be afraid. God is all-powerful. He is in control.

What we read: Jesus came to earth as a Lamb, the symbol of His perfect sacrifice for our sin. He will return as the triumphant Lion, the rightful ruler and conqueror. He will defeat Satan, settle accounts with all those who reject Him, and bring His faithful children into eternity. What we can learn: Assurance of Jesus’ return gives us the strength to endure whatever we face. We can look forward to His return as King and Judge. Since no one knows the time when He will appear, we must be ready at all times by keeping our faith strong.

What we read: John warns all God’s faithful people to be devoted only to Christ. Revelation identifies who the faithful people are and what they should be doing until Jesus returns. What we can learn: Victory is sure for those who resist temptation, remain loyal to Jesus, and surrender their whole life to Him.

What we read: One day God’s anger toward sin will be fully and completely unleashed. Satan will be defeated with all his agents (demons). False religion will be destroyed. God will reward the faithful with eternal life, but all who refuse to believe in Him will face eternal punishment. What we can learn: Evil and injustice won’t prevail forever. God’s final judgment will put an end to them. We need to be certain of our commitment to Jesus. No one who rejects Christ will escape God’s punishment.

What we read: One day God will create a new heaven and a new earth. All believers will live with Him forever in perfect peace. Those who have already died will be raised to life. These promises for the future bring us hope. What we can learn: Our great hope is that what Christ promises will come true. When we have confidence in our final destination, we can follow Jesus with unwavering dedication no matter what we have to face.

Things to think about as you read Revelation:

• As you read the Lord’s message to each church, notice what the Spirit is saying to him who has an ear. What does God want you to hear? To do?
• Are you an overcomer? How does it show? Is there anything you need to do that you are not doing now so that when Jesus appears you won’t be ashamed? Is there anything that you need to stop doing?
• This book gives insight into God’s judgment upon the wicked because of what they worship. It also gives a glimpse of the way the righteous worship. How would you compare your worship with the worship described in this book?
• Now that you have a better understanding of the wrath to come upon the unbeliever, what priority needs to be placed on sharing the gospel? Is witnessing a priority in your personal life?
• Has your life been changed by Jesus Christ? Do you no longer live in habitual sin? If not, you need to be saved. Otherwise, you are just a believing sinner. 

Link to Video: https://youtu.be/CTLDwXNBLWU?si=nx7p6rXuhvxgIund

Blessings,

Nichole Henson

Fullness of Joy Ministry