Daily Devotional Saturday 18th November 2023
by William Moody
Jude 1
Greeting
1:1 Jude, a servant1 of Jesus Christ and brother of James,
To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for2 Jesus Christ:
(ESV)
Jude is very humble in his introduction as he calls himself a servant of Jesus and a brother of James. The most prominent James of the time was the leader of the Jerusalem church and brother of Jesus. So, the Jude who wrote this letter is likely the brother of Jesus (see Mark 6 v3; Acts 1 v14)
‘The faith’ (v3) is the body of truth delivered to God’s people through Jesus, the prophets and apostles. We can open up our Bibles and read ‘the faith’ delivered to the saints. But this truth will be under attack (v4).
Jude emphasises certain traits common in false teachers (v4). They are condemned, facing God’s judgment. They slip in; they are sneaky and can come into a fellowship unnoticed.
Jude uses Biblical examples to teach about false teachers (v8-11). He highlights the great archangel Michael, God’s great warrior angel who showed great humility in his dealing even with Satan (v8-10)
Jude then mentions three bible characters who all got it wrong (v11). Here we have examples which we are not to follow, but men who serve as a warning. Prayerfully consider if you are like these men in any way.
copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.