September 3, 2023

Remembering Lessons from the Past

Pastor: Johnny Caruso Scripture: Jude 1:1–23

Remembering Lessons from the Past
Jude 1-23

We are to be people of the Gospel.

2 Thessalonians 2:3, says that the Day of the Lord “will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.”   

Defense Tactics

We are to Remember what the Apostles predicted about apostates in the church. (17-19)

  1. They will be Prominent in the last days.
    The predictions of the Apostles. (17)
  2. They will Scoff at God’s laws while making up their own.
    Scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. (18)
  3. They will create Division in the Church.
    It is these that cause divisions. (19)  
  4. They claim to be spiritually elite, but they are Devoid of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:9 makes it clear that if a person doesn’t have the Holy Spirit, he can’t belong to Jesus. 
Put your armor on. (20-21)   

“No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”  2 Timothy 2:4

We are not effective when we fight with politics, manipulation, anger and revenge. 

  1. Build yourselves up in your most holy faith. (20)
  2. Pray in the Holy Spirit. (20)

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27

  1. Keep yourselves in God’s love. (21) 

We are called and kept by Jesus Christ. (1)

“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14
Friends, do you have your armor on? 

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:13-17

There is only one offensive weapon - the Word of God.

Offensive Tactics (22-25)

Reach out to those deceived by apostasy, but don’t treat all unbelievers alike.  (22-23)

  1. Be Merciful to some.
  2. Snatch others from the fire.
  3. Be very Cautious with others.

“To others show mercy, with fear hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” Jude 23
Be merciful to doubters.

Snatch others out of the flames. 

Share the gospel with others along the way, hating their sin, showing mercy mixed with fear.

We are to be people of the gospel.  We are to be about doing soul work.  

Ready to take your Next Step?

  • Text Next to 803-637-8484
  • Go to FBCFM.COM and click “Next Steps”