Scripture
Vs 2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.
VS 3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith
VS 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God
Vs 9 the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”
Vs 14 It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousand of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment
Vs 17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”
Vs 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear,
Observation
Jude is writing to instruct the faithful believers to contend for the faith.
And to not be shocked that others are perverting the grace of God with their ungodliness and immorality.
God will eventually execute His judgement on this.
And in the meantime, I am to wait for his mercy.
And I am to be merciful to the doubters around them.
Application
A lot of talk about judgement in the verses.
But what stands out to me is that all the judging is the role of God.
I think it’s important to distinguish the type of judgments and who is judging.
Jude calls for me to “contend for the truth” … that is to judge, but more specifically to have “discernment”.
Jude says others are “designated for condemnation” and the Lord will “execute judgement”.
So, there are 2 types of “judging” … “discernment” and “condemnation”.
Only one of those is my role … “discernment”.
God’s role is “condemnation”
I discern truth from lie … today and every day.
God condemns … judging eternity.
Prayer
Thank you, again, God, for your Word
Help me so see truth clearly
And have it effect my desires
Help me to see others clearly
And leave the condemning to you
In Jesus name
Amen