A Servant For GodLesson 1Jude 1:1-2
1} How does Jude describe himself?Jude 1:1
2} What are Paul and Peter’s perspectives on spiritual servitude?Romans 6:15-18 1 Peter 2:15-17
3} Depending on your view, the idea of slavery or being a servant, as discussed by Jude, Paul, and Peter, might appear negative. The history of one person enslaving another is undeniably tragic, with far-reaching negative impacts on those enslaved and their descendants. Nonetheless, from a spiritual perspective, why could developing profound loyalty to God be beneficial?
4} How would you describe your relationship with God?
5} For many people, a personal way of describing their relationship with God is “servant.” What did Jesus say about being a servant for the Lord?Matthew 25:20-23 Mark 9:34-35 Mark 10:43-45
6} After reading several instances where Jesus discusses being a servant, how does His message relate to the current church and its members?
7} Being a servant often requires having a humble spirit because of a mindset that places others before oneself. When it comes to God, it means putting His will, guidance, and authority above our own. What are some of the benefits of having a humble and meek personality?2 Chronicles 7:14-16 Micah 6:6-8 Luke 18:10-14 James 4:10
8} What are practical ways to serve God with the mindset and actions discussed so far?
9} How might churches and their communities change if more members embraced a servant mindset and attitude toward their relationship with God?
10} What greeting does Jude give to those who believe in Jesus? Jude 1:2
11} Many religious leaders, apostles, and disciples in the first century shared similar greetings. How did other groups of people greet each other during that time?1 Timothy 1:2 Philemon 1:3, 1 Peter 1:2 2 John 1:3
12} A diverse range of denominations possess various methods of greeting one another. What is the purpose of engaging in warm greetings or establishing a communal manner of initiating conversations or conveying well-wishes?
13} Imagine you could come up with your own way of greeting people at church or in casual settings. What would it be and why?
JUST A THOUGHT
There are many dangerous creatures in oceans, lakes, seas, streams, rivers, and other bodies of water. Saying they’re dangerous doesn’t do it justice. In reality, they can cause life-altering situations or even end your existence. Much of the water on this planet remains unexplored due to the difficulty of reaching those areas or using machines that can withstand the pressure. However, it seems like scientists are constantly discovering new animals and other living things that are beautiful, amazing, and also dangerous.
Animals such as the Blue-Ring Octopus, Box Jellyfish, Stonefish, Blowfish, and Portuguese Man-O-War are among thousands of animals with venomous defense mechanisms. Most of these animals do not use these defenses against us instead, they employ them for protection from other threats or, in some cases, to hunt for food. These animals and others produce a variety of toxins that can damage neural pathways, rupture blood vessels, and cause tissue deterioration in the body. If the blood is affected, the pain from this venom can be intense, possibly causing a person to drown due to an inability to swim or suffer a heart attack. If it’s neurotoxic, the person might not feel the sting instead, numbness occurs, followed by fear, and eventually the collapse of certain organs’ functions. Of course, this can also lead to death.
Knowing that many animals, other living creatures, and single-cell organisms in the water can cause harm makes warnings and signs necessary. We need these signs or other means of communication to inform people about water-related dangers. This way, people won’t swim unaware and risk sickness, injury, or become living impaired. Ignoring these signs and warnings puts us at risk. That is why Jude wrote what he could to help the early church navigate life and live in a way that aligns with God. His approach was similar to following a prophet from hundreds of years earlier, as described in Ezekiel’s writing on the watchman’s duties.
When dealing with the wicked, God gave Ezekiel a specific job. “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity but you have delivered your soul.” Ezekiel 3:17-19 NKJV. God’s requirement for Ezekiel is the same as ours. Many people are determined to do wrong and to lead others away from God’s commands. They believe they can do whatever they want, but this is false. Still, if someone is unaware that their actions could lead to destruction and pain, God expects us to inform them. Our role is to make their path known.
The Lord’s message to Ezekiel clearly extends to all Christians and believers who wish to answer God’s call. Our role is to help and warn others when they are headed toward danger. We must ensure people understand what lies ahead so they can make informed choices about their lives. As the Lord states, if those informed choose to live in chaos and pain, they bear the responsibility, and we remain blameless. Conversely, if we choose not to warn others and they engage in actions God disapproves of, we can be held accountable.
The Lord not only addressed the wicked but also provided guidance to Ezekiel regarding the righteous. “Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered but his blood I will require at your hand. Nevertheless, if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning also, you will have delivered your soul.” Ezekiel 3:20-21 NKJV. As we observe in this scripture, there remains a clear emphasis on informing individuals about their choices. The ideal outcome is that people choose what is right, in accordance with God’s standard. While some may refuse to do so, that responsibility lies with them, provided we have supplied all necessary information. Jude understood the importance of this, and his example underscores our call to live accordingly, urging us to prioritize informed decisions for the greater good.
The Book of Jude is a letter aimed at warning believers about specific dangers that could threaten their spiritual well-being. Jude adopts a very direct and forceful approach in condemning those who intend to harm Christians. He critiques their behavior and mindset, providing historical examples to strengthen his warning and support the church. This is crucial so members can identify whom to avoid and whom to emulate.
Jude serves as a compelling example of navigating the final days and addressing the challenges we face. His boldness shines through as he straightforwardly calls out sins, issues, and wrongdoers within the church. Though concise, his letter offers powerful insights to guide believers. This same fierce commitment is our calling.
As seen in Ezekiel and Jude, God calls us to be watchmen and watchwomen for Him. Like Jude, we are also called to highlight important issues to help others. This doesn’t mean we should act harshly or portray God poorly. Instead, it’s about offering people another option or good advice to help change their actions. This isn’t about control it’s about giving people the chance to live their best lives. If they choose to follow, praise God, as it shows they want the Lord to guide them through life. If they don’t, praise God too. It means they’ve chosen differently, but you are blameless before the Lord because you’ve done your part. We can’t save everyone, and that’s the point.
When Jude penned this message, not everyone heeded the call. Many nodded in agreement, basking in the truth, yet they wandered back into the shadows of folly, led astray by those who promised false light. Their lives were likely not the dreams they carried in their hearts, all because they ignored the Divine warning. Yet, some opened their ears and hearts, embraced Jude’s words, and followed the path illuminated by faith, to live the fullest, most blessed life imaginable.
This means that not everyone will follow God’s standards and guidance. However, for those who do, life will be richer and more peaceful because they heed the message. As a church and religious organization, our role is to equip people with the tools to live their best lives. We cannot force anyone to believe or follow, but as long as we fulfill our responsibilities, the Lord will view His church favorably, knowing we’ve done all we can to warn and save others. When studying the book of Jude, consider how its teachings can positively influence your life personally. Also, reflect on how we can share this vital warning with others we encounter.
