1Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. 3For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, 5not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you insist confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men; 9but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning, 11knowing that such a one is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.
12When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there. 13Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them. 14Let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet necessary needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
15All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.
Jude has several applications that we should consider from the book of Jude:
1. There is a danger in not responding to biblical warnings. For example, by failing to understand the warnings of verses 5 through 8, the apostates in Jude received severe rebuke and, eventually, eternal death.
2. The danger in pronouncing judgment is real. Coder writes that Jude’s observation is important in “Condemning those railing judgments by which some, supposing they are manifesting a high degree of spirituality or discernment, speak out against Christian leaders or Christian organizations to call attention to their failings and offer criticism.” Titus 3:9 is a very explicit statement on the subject.
3. It is important to know our place and our authority. Even Michael knew that his place was not to judge.
4. The use of non-Scripture in sermons is available but limited. The preacher has a useful source to draw from in extra-biblical information. It allows illustrative narratives and sometimes puts difficult theology into common ideas or language. These sources which are used must contain the communicated truth.
5. No one has more clearly put the idea that Jude was trying to get across than Coder when he wrote, “Contending for the faith is one thing; being contentious is another. The one we are commanded to do; The second we are commanded to avoid.” (Titus 3:9)