Creekside Community Church
Contending for the Faith (Part 2): Jude 17-23
Creekside Community Church The Forgotten Letters August 26th, 2018 John Bruce, Lead Pastor
Locations & Times
Creekside Community Church
951 MacArthur Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94577, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
1.Live in the Real World (vs. 17-19)
2.Stay Close to Jesus (vs. 20-21)
3.Choose Mercy over Judgment (vs. 22-23)
For further thought and discussion:
Getting Started
1.What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?
2.How do you handle conflict? Do you run toward it, run away from it or try to ignore it? What do you think our response to conflict reveals about us?
Getting Started
1.What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?
2.How do you handle conflict? Do you run toward it, run away from it or try to ignore it? What do you think our response to conflict reveals about us?
Going Deeper
3.Please read Jude 1:17-19. Why do you think Jude reminds these believers of the apostles’ teaching about the last days (the time between Jesus’ first and second coming?) What do these verses reveal about our search for “the perfect church?” Can you think of ways unrealistic expectations have caused unnecessary drama and anxiety in your life? How do we “live in the real world” according to these verses?
4.Please read Jude 1:20-21. What do you think Jude means by “keep yourselves in the love of God?” (see also John 15:9-11) Why would these particular believers need to be reminded to keep themselves in God’s love as they contend for the faith with the false teachers who have invaded their church? The other commands in these verses are all participles and explain how we keep ourselves in God’s love. Why is each one essential in staying close to Jesus? Which of these three do you need to focus on?
5.Please read Jude 1:22-23. Which feels more natural to you, mercy or judgment? Who does Jude tell the Christians to show mercy to? Why? How? Which group is easiest for you to show mercy to? Which is most difficult? What are some practical ways you can show mercy to people who need it?
Application
What is one thing you have learned from this passage and how will you apply it to your life?
3.Please read Jude 1:17-19. Why do you think Jude reminds these believers of the apostles’ teaching about the last days (the time between Jesus’ first and second coming?) What do these verses reveal about our search for “the perfect church?” Can you think of ways unrealistic expectations have caused unnecessary drama and anxiety in your life? How do we “live in the real world” according to these verses?
4.Please read Jude 1:20-21. What do you think Jude means by “keep yourselves in the love of God?” (see also John 15:9-11) Why would these particular believers need to be reminded to keep themselves in God’s love as they contend for the faith with the false teachers who have invaded their church? The other commands in these verses are all participles and explain how we keep ourselves in God’s love. Why is each one essential in staying close to Jesus? Which of these three do you need to focus on?
5.Please read Jude 1:22-23. Which feels more natural to you, mercy or judgment? Who does Jude tell the Christians to show mercy to? Why? How? Which group is easiest for you to show mercy to? Which is most difficult? What are some practical ways you can show mercy to people who need it?
Application
What is one thing you have learned from this passage and how will you apply it to your life?