Jude is Jesus' younger brother Judah (Mark 6:33). He is a church leader. He was planning on writing to the church a longer letter about salvation. But when he heard about the urgent matter of false teachers hijacking the church, he wrote to them this letter. He draws on other Hebrew literature that was well known to his audience of Jewish Christians. These stories are regarded as important as the Bible. They warn about rebellious people, and even angels, and their outcomes.

Likewise, we should heed Jude's writing. We should contend for the faith when proud and rebellious people try to divide the church and lead members astray. We should not join in with them, remembering 1) how God dealt with the Israelites who rebelled in the wilderness after being set free from slavery in Egypt, 2) God's judgment on the angels who rebelled, and 3) his destruction of Sodom. We should fear God and contend for the faith.

People who rebel are following Cain, Balaam, and Korah. Enoch who was persecuted prophesied how God wins the final victory over evil men who defy God, while seeking their own advantage.


Application: Father, thank you for giving us the final victory. Help us contend for the faith and fight against those who are corrupt and bring down the church for their own gain.
One Word: Contend for the faith