Famous Last Words

How To Keep Faith When Others Don’t

Introduction

Background: Jude’s letter to the church

• Brother of James and Jesus
• Wrote to address concerns about false teachers
• Focus on protecting and preserving genuine faith

[Jude 1:1] “This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and brother of James. I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.”

Three Keys to Maintaining Faith

1. See the Danger (vv. 5-16)

Warning Signs of False Teaching:

• Distorting doctrine
• Using grace as license for immorality
• Ambitious for personal gain
• Creating division
• Lacking spiritual fruit

[Jude 1:17-18] “But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires.”

2. Prepare Spiritually (vv. 20-21)

[Jude 1:20-21] “But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.”

Three Ways to Prepare:

• Build each other up in faith
• Pray in the Spirit
• Wait for Christ’s mercy

3. Act Compassionately (vv. 22-23)

[Jude 1:22-23] “And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.”

Three Types of Response:

• Show mercy to doubters
• Urgently rescue those in danger
• Help cautiously while maintaining boundaries

God’s Promise to Us

[Jude 1:24-25] “Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling and will bring you with great joy into His glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to Him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Key Applications:

1. Examine influences in your life
2. Strengthen spiritual disciplines
3. Respond with compassion to others who struggle

“We need to bulk up spiritually, so we can keep others from drowning.”

Personal Response Questions

For Followers of Jesus:

• What influences shape your faith?
• How are you growing spiritually?
• Who needs your compassionate support?

For Those Who Feel Far from God:

• What shapes your view of faith?
• Would you consider exploring who God is?
• Are you willing to have honest conversations about faith?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________