Jude: Rejection of Authority and Its Results (week 2)

Romans 1:18-25 (NIV)

The historical Christian faith is under attack, and it is up to the church to stand up and contend for the faith.

Jude 1:3-4 (NLT)

The book of Jude is so perfectly placed in the collection of books in the new testament because it comes after John’s Epistles.

The warnings of John:

• 1 John 1:6 (NLT)
• 1 John 2:3-5 (NLT)
• 1 John 4:1-6 (NLT)

After these warnings, Jude writes to tell us that those false prophets are “worming” their way into the churches.

• Is it possible that that is still going on today?
• If they are, what do we look for?

Jude tells us that. Jude 1:5-7 (NLT)

These passages help us see what God thinks about false teachers and immoral people.

1. They did not remain faithful to God.
2. They reject authority.
3. They live immorally.

Jude 1:8 (NLT) – In the same way, these people—who claim authority from their dreams—live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings.

4 warnings we take away from the book of Jude:

1. Don’t determine your own authority.
2. Don’t live or condone immoral behavior.
3. Don’t reject authority.
4. Don’t downplay the Spiritual.

Warning #1 (Don’t determine your own authority)

Jude 1:10 (NLT)

• These false teachers are claiming authority from their “dreams.”
• The false teachers live their lives according to their “dreams,” “experiences,” “desires” and “feelings.”
• God’s word is the final authority in our lives.

Deuteronomy 13:1-4 (NLT)

Warning #2 (Don’t Live or Condone Immoral Behavior)

What are some of the immorality that sneaks in and creates a license for immorality?

• Sexual immorality
• Sex outside of marriage
• Porn
• Adultery
• Homosexuality

1 Thess. 5:22 (KJV) – Abstain from all appearance of evil.

The characteristics of an immoral life. Romans 1:28-32 (NLT)

Warning #3 (Don’t reject the authority)

• Authority of the word of God
• Ultimately the authority of God Himself
• Wives to husbands
• Children to parents
• Employees to bosses
• Citizens to government

Romans 13:1-2 (NIV) – Governing Authorities

1 Peter 2:13-14 (NIV) – Human Institutions

Warning #4 – Don’t Downplay the Spiritual

There is a real spiritual world and it is not to be messed with…

Jude 1:16-19 (NLT) – A Call to Persevere

For Small Group Discussion: What stood out to you most from last week’s message?

Opening Question: What fad of the past did you jump onboard with that you regret now?

Main Point: Jude gives Old Testament examples of false teachers that led to rebellion, rejection of authority, and unbelief. We are encouraged to contend for the faith by looking to God’s authority in all things.

Read/Tell the Story: Jude 5-16

Questions:

Head –

• Rather than the word of God, according to verse 8, where do false teachers get their information from?
• Where or to who do false teachers look to for authority?
• What other examples from scripture can you think of where God’s people are led astray?

Heart –

• False teachings can sneak in through many ways in following dreams/experiences, following desires, or following other false teachers.
• What hopes and dreams have you had that have the potential to take priority over God in your life?
• What experiences have led you to believe the way you do?
• What desires in your life are healthy? What desires in your life are potentially dangerous?
• Why do you think these warnings are given to believers?

Hands –

• Where or to whom do you look to for truth in your life?
• What should hold the authority on truth in your life?
• How can you filter teachings and ideas to keep aligned with God’s word?

Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-32, Matthew 7:15-20, Romans 8:1-11 Tips and Resources: Jim’s podcast on false teachers