WEBVTT 00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:07.879 We continue on in Jude this morning. This is our second to last Sunday in Jude. 00:00:09.000 --> 00:00:14.140 There's something really remarkable, remarkably powerful about a hard deadline. 00:00:15.400 --> 00:00:21.219 For those of us who are, I mean, type A people, for lack of a better term, 00:00:21.960 --> 00:00:27.160 they thrive with planning and organization and creating systems. 00:00:27.160 --> 00:00:31.320 So deadlines can be as exciting as Christmas Eve. 00:00:33.240 --> 00:00:35.799 I'm not one of those people, by the way. I find that very bizarre. 00:00:35.920 --> 00:00:41.140 My wonderful wife, Christine, she loves deadlines and planning and all of that stuff. 00:00:41.759 --> 00:00:45.740 For those of us who do not thrive with planning in such a way, 00:00:46.480 --> 00:00:51.400 we may struggle to perform tasks unless there's a deadline. 00:00:51.820 --> 00:00:54.679 So we need the pressure that deadlines bring. 00:00:54.679 --> 00:00:59.519 And we find deadlines, on one hand, very stressful, but highly motivating. 00:01:00.519 --> 00:01:09.239 We need to feel the pressure for that motivation to kick into overdrive our ability to get tasks finished. 00:01:10.099 --> 00:01:13.819 But for most of us, we're a combination of somewhere in the middle. 00:01:14.120 --> 00:01:17.200 We're a combination of type A, type B. 00:01:17.200 --> 00:01:22.980 The reality is that in all such cases, 00:01:23.659 --> 00:01:29.060 knowing the end has a way of bringing the whole picture into focus 00:01:29.060 --> 00:01:32.719 and helping us feel the urgency of the task at hand. 00:01:33.359 --> 00:01:39.439 Whether you love to plan or whether you need that pressure to help you, 00:01:39.800 --> 00:01:42.520 there's something remarkable about knowing the end from the beginning. 00:01:42.519 --> 00:01:46.219 As we enter into the second half of Jude, 00:01:46.979 --> 00:01:50.019 our attention is drawn to a key question. 00:01:50.920 --> 00:01:51.640 And this is the question, 00:01:52.019 --> 00:01:59.259 how are we to live and contend for the faith in the last times or in the last days? 00:02:00.259 --> 00:02:06.399 So you'll remember that Jude is very concerned with us contending for the faith. 00:02:06.400 --> 00:02:09.200 It is a key part of his letter. 00:02:11.000 --> 00:02:16.460 And here he's going to talk about the last times or the last days. 00:02:17.439 --> 00:02:19.400 So as with working with deadlines, 00:02:19.719 --> 00:02:22.180 knowing that we are living in the last times 00:02:22.180 --> 00:02:26.500 helps us as God's people to be clear about who we are 00:02:26.500 --> 00:02:29.219 and to be urgent about what we are to do. 00:02:30.200 --> 00:02:34.099 We know that the end is on its way. 00:02:34.099 --> 00:02:41.079 It helps us to focus in the here and the now, in the present. 00:02:42.079 --> 00:02:46.199 But first, you must understand what the last times mean, 00:02:46.259 --> 00:02:48.539 at least in Jude's letter here. 00:02:49.419 --> 00:02:53.859 I would wonder, many of us come from different Christian traditions. 00:02:54.639 --> 00:02:59.879 For many of us, we might have a well-formed and coherent eschatology. 00:02:59.959 --> 00:03:01.919 That is the doctrine of the end times. 00:03:01.919 --> 00:03:07.839 We might be sure that this is exactly how it's going down. 00:03:08.039 --> 00:03:09.899 For some of us, we haven't really thought about it. 00:03:09.959 --> 00:03:12.560 For some of us, you don't want to think about it 00:03:12.560 --> 00:03:16.119 because of whatever church background you've had. 00:03:17.159 --> 00:03:22.279 So whether this is an exciting doctrine or topic for you or not, 00:03:23.639 --> 00:03:26.679 Jude here, as well as elsewhere in the New Testament, 00:03:26.680 --> 00:03:31.599 we'll talk about the end times referring to the period of time 00:03:31.599 --> 00:03:34.000 between the first and the second coming of Jesus. 00:03:35.140 --> 00:03:37.680 So whatever else the book of Revelation says 00:03:37.680 --> 00:03:39.219 or the book of Daniel says 00:03:39.219 --> 00:03:44.319 or other parts of what Jesus says in the Gospels, 00:03:44.680 --> 00:03:49.340 for us this morning, the end times refers to this period of time 00:03:49.340 --> 00:03:55.599 after Jesus dies on the cross, is buried, rises again, 00:03:55.680 --> 00:03:59.420 and then ascends to when he will come again in glory 00:03:59.420 --> 00:04:03.300 to take his own and judge the world. 00:04:04.980 --> 00:04:08.000 So this is where it's a bit difficult 00:04:08.000 --> 00:04:11.039 because when we talk about the last times or the last days, 00:04:11.039 --> 00:04:15.679 this is like a 2,000 year plus an ongoing period of time. 00:04:16.439 --> 00:04:21.159 It's like this is the last days, but like it's the last days. 00:04:21.560 --> 00:04:22.879 Throw a few more A's in there. 00:04:23.819 --> 00:04:28.000 Like you don't talk about the last days being the last millennia, 00:04:28.079 --> 00:04:34.300 but nevertheless, this is what every Christian has experienced 00:04:34.300 --> 00:04:36.719 since the church was born. 00:04:36.720 --> 00:04:41.620 That we are all living, every generation of believers, 00:04:42.200 --> 00:04:44.240 we are living in the last days. 00:04:45.760 --> 00:04:48.680 All Christians at all times are living in the last days 00:04:48.680 --> 00:04:50.700 until the Messiah, Jesus, returns 00:04:50.700 --> 00:04:55.400 and are therefore called to faithful and obedient waiting. 00:04:55.920 --> 00:04:59.800 We do not know if our Lord and Savior will come back 00:04:59.800 --> 00:05:02.960 today, tonight, tomorrow, next week. 00:05:02.980 --> 00:05:03.480 We don't know. 00:05:04.000 --> 00:05:05.020 I think that's the point. 00:05:05.019 --> 00:05:10.779 And the Holy Spirit, through the gospel writers, 00:05:11.199 --> 00:05:13.699 is communicating to us this morning 00:05:13.699 --> 00:05:18.299 that we ought to live as people in the last days. 00:05:18.620 --> 00:05:20.199 And when we know the end, 00:05:20.959 --> 00:05:23.699 it helps us to know who we are and what we are to do. 00:05:24.719 --> 00:05:27.159 So with that in mind, let me ask the question once again. 00:05:28.099 --> 00:05:30.879 How are we to live and contend for the faith 00:05:30.879 --> 00:05:34.019 as God's people in the last times? 00:05:34.019 --> 00:05:41.199 Four ways in verses 17 to 23 that Jude will help us to understand 00:05:41.199 --> 00:05:43.319 how to live and contend for the faith in the last days. 00:05:43.659 --> 00:05:48.060 The first is that we ought to remember why we need to contend in the first place. 00:05:49.399 --> 00:05:54.199 The second is that we ought to strive for personal and communal growth in the gospel. 00:05:54.199 --> 00:06:03.159 The third, that we, by faithfully waiting for the coming salvation of the Lord, 00:06:03.379 --> 00:06:07.579 we are to live a life of obedience before the Lord. 00:06:08.319 --> 00:06:12.699 And finally, and this is interesting, and we'll get to why it's interesting in a bit, 00:06:12.839 --> 00:06:14.120 in light of Jude's letter, 00:06:14.120 --> 00:06:18.439 we are called to help those who are falling into doubt and error 00:06:18.439 --> 00:06:21.220 and are on the way not to glory, 00:06:21.300 --> 00:06:23.300 but to hell. 00:06:24.680 --> 00:06:27.540 So if you have a Bible, turn with me to verse 17. 00:06:27.780 --> 00:06:29.319 We'll be in verses 17 and 19, 00:06:29.439 --> 00:06:30.340 and we'll look at 00:06:30.340 --> 00:06:34.680 how to contend for the faith 00:06:34.680 --> 00:06:37.160 by remembering why we need to contend in the first place. 00:06:37.160 --> 00:06:40.580 Look with me at verse 17 to 19. 00:06:43.380 --> 00:06:46.920 But you must remember, beloved. 00:06:47.120 --> 00:06:48.600 And I'll pause really quickly. 00:06:49.380 --> 00:06:52.060 Jude opens his letter by calling the church God's beloved. 00:06:52.580 --> 00:06:55.100 And here, as he gets to the tail end of the church, 00:06:55.560 --> 00:06:56.720 he reaffirms that. 00:06:57.400 --> 00:06:59.200 We are beloved of God. 00:06:59.860 --> 00:07:00.920 And that means something. 00:07:00.980 --> 00:07:02.540 That is a deep, wonderful truth. 00:07:03.540 --> 00:07:05.400 And Jude is hammering that home 00:07:05.400 --> 00:07:07.040 at the beginning and at the end. 00:07:07.160 --> 00:07:09.980 But you must remember, beloved, 00:07:10.900 --> 00:07:15.080 the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:07:16.100 --> 00:07:17.260 They said to you, 00:07:17.420 --> 00:07:18.680 in the last time, 00:07:19.200 --> 00:07:19.820 there it is, 00:07:20.360 --> 00:07:21.520 there will be scoffers 00:07:21.520 --> 00:07:23.840 following their own ungodly passions. 00:07:24.780 --> 00:07:26.480 It is these who cause divisions, 00:07:27.240 --> 00:07:28.080 worldly people, 00:07:28.620 --> 00:07:29.700 devoid of the Spirit. 00:07:31.240 --> 00:07:34.200 Once again, Jude tells the church to remember, 00:07:35.140 --> 00:07:35.960 in this case, 00:07:35.959 --> 00:07:39.500 to remember both what the apostles prophesied and taught. 00:07:39.699 --> 00:07:42.019 He says here, 00:07:42.699 --> 00:07:46.759 the predictions of the apostles and what they said. 00:07:47.479 --> 00:07:50.379 To remember both what they prophesied and taught. 00:07:50.899 --> 00:07:52.740 That the church would always, 00:07:53.099 --> 00:07:55.359 God's people would always have to contend 00:07:55.359 --> 00:07:57.259 for the faith against scoffers 00:07:57.259 --> 00:07:59.579 who are slaves to their passions 00:07:59.579 --> 00:08:01.300 and as a result, 00:08:01.639 --> 00:08:02.420 divide the church. 00:08:03.420 --> 00:08:04.959 It is important to understand 00:08:04.959 --> 00:08:06.439 that the scoffers 00:08:06.439 --> 00:08:09.420 aren't simply people who are sarcastic 00:08:09.420 --> 00:08:10.939 or mean-spirited. 00:08:11.579 --> 00:08:13.459 And that's a very important point. 00:08:15.639 --> 00:08:17.159 They are people in the church. 00:08:17.160 --> 00:08:21.800 They are people sitting beside us. 00:08:21.900 --> 00:08:22.939 They could be yourself. 00:08:23.939 --> 00:08:26.740 They are people who are overly skeptical of the faith 00:08:26.740 --> 00:08:28.860 or aspects of the faith 00:08:28.860 --> 00:08:32.200 that was given to us, 00:08:32.480 --> 00:08:33.800 delivered to us, the saints, 00:08:34.220 --> 00:08:35.120 once and for all. 00:08:36.120 --> 00:08:38.540 Their minds are made up against God's Word 00:08:38.539 --> 00:08:42.000 and they influence others to doubt. 00:08:42.939 --> 00:08:44.519 By the way, this is different 00:08:44.519 --> 00:08:47.759 than some of us 00:08:47.759 --> 00:08:49.819 who are genuinely wrestling with God 00:08:49.819 --> 00:08:53.620 over how to handle thorny issues with the faith. 00:08:54.500 --> 00:08:58.559 How to reconcile miracle claims of the Bible 00:08:58.559 --> 00:09:01.379 that can't be explained through natural means. 00:09:02.019 --> 00:09:06.219 Some serious roadblocks to faith. 00:09:06.220 --> 00:09:11.399 Or some of us who have friends or family 00:09:11.399 --> 00:09:16.960 that identify as gay or lesbian or transgender 00:09:16.960 --> 00:09:18.680 that we deeply love, 00:09:19.620 --> 00:09:22.200 but at the same time are struggling with 00:09:22.200 --> 00:09:23.600 how do I love them well 00:09:23.600 --> 00:09:27.820 and yet not compromise on the biblical vision 00:09:27.820 --> 00:09:33.000 of marriage and God creating male and female. 00:09:33.779 --> 00:09:34.379 It's a struggle. 00:09:34.379 --> 00:09:37.600 So, this is not what scoffers are referring to here, 00:09:37.939 --> 00:09:38.679 just to be clear. 00:09:39.980 --> 00:09:43.500 There are some serious, hard wrestlings 00:09:43.500 --> 00:09:44.679 that need to happen 00:09:44.679 --> 00:09:47.340 as we embrace our faith 00:09:47.340 --> 00:09:48.600 and go deeper in the faith 00:09:48.600 --> 00:09:50.899 and are confronted with very difficult things 00:09:50.899 --> 00:09:51.899 that oppose the faith 00:09:51.899 --> 00:09:55.019 or oppose our ability to trust in God's Word. 00:09:55.879 --> 00:09:58.639 And oftentimes, that wrestling isn't an overnight thing. 00:09:59.580 --> 00:10:00.639 Sometimes it takes months. 00:10:00.639 --> 00:10:02.379 Sometimes it takes years. 00:10:02.720 --> 00:10:06.059 But this isn't who Jude has in mind 00:10:06.059 --> 00:10:08.240 when he refers to the scoffers. 00:10:08.360 --> 00:10:08.600 No. 00:10:09.480 --> 00:10:12.379 Scoffers are those who have abandoned the faith. 00:10:13.879 --> 00:10:15.860 They've abandoned the authority of Scripture. 00:10:16.419 --> 00:10:19.199 They've abandoned the lordship of Jesus Christ. 00:10:19.860 --> 00:10:23.379 And they have come up with their own version of Christianity. 00:10:24.220 --> 00:10:25.340 A pseudo-Christianity. 00:10:25.439 --> 00:10:26.340 A pseudo-faith. 00:10:26.340 --> 00:10:29.500 There is an irony here 00:10:29.500 --> 00:10:32.060 because Jude has told us, 00:10:32.220 --> 00:10:33.700 and we've looked at it in previous weeks, 00:10:33.820 --> 00:10:36.259 that oftentimes the scoffers are the people 00:10:36.259 --> 00:10:38.440 that are the real spiritual people in the church. 00:10:39.180 --> 00:10:40.660 They're the ones that have the Spirit. 00:10:40.780 --> 00:10:43.360 These are the ones that really know 00:10:43.360 --> 00:10:44.920 what the Bible has to say 00:10:44.920 --> 00:10:47.139 and they really know God's will and God's heart. 00:10:48.259 --> 00:10:50.580 But Jude here, ironically, says, 00:10:50.680 --> 00:10:52.420 actually, they don't have God's Spirit at all. 00:10:52.419 --> 00:10:53.919 They're devoid of the Spirit. 00:10:55.219 --> 00:10:56.860 They claim to be spiritual, 00:10:57.559 --> 00:10:59.079 but they couldn't be any farther 00:10:59.079 --> 00:11:02.740 from having the Holy Spirit reside in them. 00:11:05.279 --> 00:11:07.559 An example, and it is an egregious example, 00:11:07.719 --> 00:11:09.879 but so you kind of get the point. 00:11:10.539 --> 00:11:11.839 I've mentioned this a number of times 00:11:11.839 --> 00:11:14.579 that I and our church stands on the shoulders 00:11:14.579 --> 00:11:16.240 of some brave men and women 00:11:16.240 --> 00:11:18.279 who left the Anglican Church of Canada 00:11:18.279 --> 00:11:19.600 for this very thing, 00:11:19.720 --> 00:11:23.459 for leaving the faith once delivered to the saints, 00:11:23.679 --> 00:11:25.039 the authority of the Scriptures, 00:11:25.259 --> 00:11:26.720 the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 00:11:27.240 --> 00:11:28.379 And it wasn't just in Canada. 00:11:28.579 --> 00:11:30.139 It was in the States as well. 00:11:31.519 --> 00:11:32.379 And 10 years ago, 00:11:33.279 --> 00:11:35.819 the now former head of the Episcopal Church, 00:11:35.879 --> 00:11:39.019 that's the American version of the Anglican Church, 00:11:39.579 --> 00:11:40.899 the head of the church, 00:11:41.039 --> 00:11:42.759 not like a sub, 00:11:42.759 --> 00:11:47.700 not like a vice president or something, 00:11:47.819 --> 00:11:48.919 like the very top, 00:11:49.019 --> 00:11:50.879 the primate, as they're called, 00:11:50.960 --> 00:11:52.000 of the Episcopal Church, 00:11:52.899 --> 00:11:54.879 preached a sermon on Acts 16 00:11:54.879 --> 00:11:58.080 and claimed that the Apostle Paul 00:11:58.080 --> 00:12:02.539 was extremely, extremely in the wrong 00:12:02.539 --> 00:12:04.559 for robbing a woman 00:12:04.559 --> 00:12:06.939 who had spiritual insight. 00:12:08.039 --> 00:12:09.480 And now if you know Acts 16, 00:12:09.480 --> 00:12:11.720 you'll know that what actually happened 00:12:11.720 --> 00:12:13.940 was Paul the Apostle 00:12:13.940 --> 00:12:16.500 casted out a demon of a fortune teller 00:12:16.500 --> 00:12:18.240 and freed her from possession. 00:12:19.700 --> 00:12:21.360 It is so interesting 00:12:21.360 --> 00:12:25.060 that this woman who claims to, 00:12:25.200 --> 00:12:28.120 this leader that claims to have the Spirit 00:12:28.120 --> 00:12:30.259 couldn't be farther from the truth. 00:12:31.019 --> 00:12:32.580 Now that is an egregious example, 00:12:32.759 --> 00:12:35.500 but we know people, 00:12:36.300 --> 00:12:38.279 we might even be very close to people, 00:12:38.279 --> 00:12:39.759 we might even be people 00:12:39.759 --> 00:12:42.100 in the past or right now 00:12:42.100 --> 00:12:45.759 that will deny aspects of God's Word 00:12:45.759 --> 00:12:47.839 and claim that we are the spiritual ones. 00:12:48.839 --> 00:12:50.220 But there is nothing spiritual 00:12:50.220 --> 00:12:52.319 about departing from God's Word. 00:12:52.419 --> 00:12:53.620 God's Word, this is bread, 00:12:53.740 --> 00:12:54.379 this is life, 00:12:55.379 --> 00:12:56.980 this is real food for us. 00:12:59.159 --> 00:13:00.360 Scoffers are people 00:13:00.360 --> 00:13:03.279 that are not intellectually honest 00:13:03.279 --> 00:13:04.639 and transparent. 00:13:04.639 --> 00:13:08.340 They manipulate and they bend Christianity 00:13:08.340 --> 00:13:10.120 to fit an existing worldview 00:13:10.120 --> 00:13:11.899 rather than struggle 00:13:11.899 --> 00:13:13.639 with the difficulties in the Bible 00:13:13.639 --> 00:13:15.059 and in the faith. 00:13:16.199 --> 00:13:19.379 But God welcomes that wrestling, 00:13:19.519 --> 00:13:20.220 that struggle. 00:13:21.580 --> 00:13:24.519 In fact, Israel, Jacob, 00:13:25.439 --> 00:13:26.659 had his name changed. 00:13:26.740 --> 00:13:27.819 He struggled with God. 00:13:27.820 --> 00:13:31.960 It's a beautiful picture in Genesis 00:13:31.960 --> 00:13:34.879 of Jacob wrestling with God. 00:13:34.980 --> 00:13:36.780 The implications are that God 00:13:36.780 --> 00:13:38.040 can be wrestled with. 00:13:39.140 --> 00:13:40.980 You don't have to hide the struggles 00:13:40.980 --> 00:13:42.220 that you may be going through, 00:13:42.640 --> 00:13:44.580 the difficult questions you may be asking, 00:13:45.160 --> 00:13:47.140 because if you voice them, 00:13:47.640 --> 00:13:48.900 God will damn you. 00:13:49.100 --> 00:13:49.460 No! 00:13:50.740 --> 00:13:51.700 He will listen. 00:13:52.460 --> 00:13:53.380 He welcomes it. 00:13:53.379 --> 00:13:55.879 And as patient 00:13:55.879 --> 00:13:58.059 as the most patient person is 00:13:58.059 --> 00:13:58.919 that you've ever met, 00:13:59.980 --> 00:14:01.519 God is far more patient. 00:14:02.439 --> 00:14:03.399 And he has time for you 00:14:03.399 --> 00:14:05.500 to struggle through some of this stuff. 00:14:06.879 --> 00:14:09.080 Scoffers are not struggling. 00:14:09.939 --> 00:14:11.100 They have the appearance, maybe, 00:14:11.559 --> 00:14:13.600 of intellectual honesty and transparency, 00:14:13.779 --> 00:14:16.600 but they're not honest. 00:14:16.860 --> 00:14:18.200 They are not transparent. 00:14:18.200 --> 00:14:22.220 The scoffers hold, ultimately, 00:14:22.379 --> 00:14:23.280 God in contempt. 00:14:24.460 --> 00:14:27.480 They are not honest to us 00:14:27.480 --> 00:14:29.160 and even to themselves 00:14:29.160 --> 00:14:33.720 about their struggle or lack thereof. 00:14:36.920 --> 00:14:39.240 Jude reminds us that we must assume 00:14:39.240 --> 00:14:40.860 such people will be in the church. 00:14:41.640 --> 00:14:43.680 And he provides criteria for us 00:14:43.680 --> 00:14:45.259 to discern and recognize them 00:14:45.259 --> 00:14:48.740 so that we may contend for the faith. 00:14:49.319 --> 00:14:50.019 And this will bring us 00:14:50.019 --> 00:14:51.220 to our second point. 00:14:52.539 --> 00:14:55.039 But to properly contend for the faith, 00:14:55.120 --> 00:14:55.980 we must be people 00:14:55.980 --> 00:14:58.319 who are secure in our identities 00:14:58.319 --> 00:14:59.740 as believers, 00:15:00.039 --> 00:15:00.620 as Christians, 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:02.759 as those that have submitted our lives 00:15:02.759 --> 00:15:04.319 to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:15:05.500 --> 00:15:07.340 that are growing in our faith 00:15:07.340 --> 00:15:09.279 and are growing in our faith 00:15:09.279 --> 00:15:10.080 together with others. 00:15:10.200 --> 00:15:11.759 We must not grow complacent, 00:15:11.840 --> 00:15:13.620 especially in the last time. 00:15:13.620 --> 00:15:15.820 So Jude tells us, 00:15:15.980 --> 00:15:16.840 reminds us, 00:15:17.240 --> 00:15:18.879 why we're contending for the faith. 00:15:19.340 --> 00:15:20.200 And now he says, 00:15:20.279 --> 00:15:20.580 hey, listen, 00:15:20.659 --> 00:15:22.000 this is how you contend for the faith. 00:15:22.360 --> 00:15:23.960 Get your own life right. 00:15:24.940 --> 00:15:26.580 Take a look with me at verse 22 00:15:26.580 --> 00:15:28.460 and the first part of verse 21. 00:15:30.960 --> 00:15:31.840 But you, beloved, 00:15:32.600 --> 00:15:33.820 again, there we have it, 00:15:34.500 --> 00:15:35.279 but you, beloved, 00:15:35.460 --> 00:15:36.899 building yourselves up 00:15:36.899 --> 00:15:38.600 in your most holy faith 00:15:38.600 --> 00:15:40.120 and praying in the Holy Spirit, 00:15:40.820 --> 00:15:43.480 keep yourselves in the love of God. 00:15:43.620 --> 00:15:46.340 building ourselves up 00:15:46.340 --> 00:15:47.799 in the most holy faith. 00:15:49.100 --> 00:15:51.519 That holy faith 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:53.139 is to say that 00:15:53.139 --> 00:15:55.919 this faith is received, 00:15:56.220 --> 00:15:56.980 not created, 00:15:57.580 --> 00:15:58.379 by us. 00:15:59.460 --> 00:16:01.200 We're not holy in and of ourselves. 00:16:01.320 --> 00:16:02.759 We are made holy by God. 00:16:03.200 --> 00:16:04.960 God is the only one who is holy. 00:16:05.399 --> 00:16:07.460 He gives us faith. 00:16:07.919 --> 00:16:08.980 He gives us his faith. 00:16:08.980 --> 00:16:10.419 So Jude, by saying, 00:16:10.919 --> 00:16:11.899 building yourself up 00:16:11.899 --> 00:16:13.039 in the most holy faith, 00:16:13.860 --> 00:16:14.679 we don't pretend 00:16:14.679 --> 00:16:16.299 that we have the corner 00:16:16.299 --> 00:16:19.019 on what biblical, 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:20.240 godly faith is. 00:16:20.319 --> 00:16:21.319 We inherit it 00:16:21.319 --> 00:16:22.259 from God himself. 00:16:22.439 --> 00:16:23.539 And it is holy 00:16:23.539 --> 00:16:24.819 because it is from God. 00:16:26.419 --> 00:16:27.379 Building ourself up 00:16:27.379 --> 00:16:28.279 in the most holy faith 00:16:28.279 --> 00:16:30.039 means we are engaged 00:16:30.039 --> 00:16:31.600 in the ongoing submission 00:16:31.600 --> 00:16:32.480 of our lives 00:16:32.480 --> 00:16:34.059 to the will of God 00:16:34.059 --> 00:16:35.699 in conformity 00:16:35.699 --> 00:16:36.379 to his word. 00:16:37.399 --> 00:16:37.939 This is both 00:16:37.939 --> 00:16:38.579 an individual 00:16:38.579 --> 00:16:40.079 and communal endeavor. 00:16:41.439 --> 00:16:42.419 It is not enough 00:16:42.419 --> 00:16:43.139 to be concerned 00:16:43.139 --> 00:16:44.699 only with our own spirituality. 00:16:46.239 --> 00:16:47.379 I've said it in the past, 00:16:47.439 --> 00:16:48.159 but I think it's always 00:16:48.159 --> 00:16:49.119 a good reminder. 00:16:49.519 --> 00:16:50.179 We come into 00:16:50.179 --> 00:16:51.439 the Christian faith, 00:16:51.919 --> 00:16:53.259 into faith in God 00:16:53.259 --> 00:16:54.379 through Jesus Christ, 00:16:55.059 --> 00:16:56.019 one by one. 00:16:56.519 --> 00:16:57.559 It's a very personal faith, 00:16:57.639 --> 00:16:59.119 but we walk it out together. 00:17:00.159 --> 00:17:01.099 There is no such thing 00:17:01.100 --> 00:17:02.720 as a lone ranger Christian, 00:17:03.159 --> 00:17:04.420 as a Christian by themselves. 00:17:05.299 --> 00:17:06.620 You can't live 00:17:06.620 --> 00:17:07.360 as a Christian 00:17:07.360 --> 00:17:08.900 the way God wants you 00:17:08.900 --> 00:17:10.440 to live by yourself, 00:17:11.039 --> 00:17:12.440 apart from other believers, 00:17:12.620 --> 00:17:13.700 apart from going to church. 00:17:17.640 --> 00:17:18.559 Many of us 00:17:18.559 --> 00:17:19.799 have Christian friends 00:17:19.799 --> 00:17:20.579 and families 00:17:20.579 --> 00:17:22.160 that may go to 00:17:22.160 --> 00:17:22.980 other churches, 00:17:23.319 --> 00:17:24.880 and that's good, 00:17:24.940 --> 00:17:25.940 and we fellowship with them. 00:17:27.380 --> 00:17:27.579 But, 00:17:28.160 --> 00:17:30.120 especially around 00:17:30.119 --> 00:17:31.379 Holy Communion, 00:17:31.519 --> 00:17:32.279 and just before 00:17:32.279 --> 00:17:33.500 I pronounce the benediction, 00:17:34.099 --> 00:17:34.599 take a minute 00:17:34.599 --> 00:17:35.559 to look around you 00:17:35.559 --> 00:17:37.459 when the kids 00:17:37.459 --> 00:17:37.839 are back 00:17:37.839 --> 00:17:39.379 from children's ministry, 00:17:39.899 --> 00:17:40.699 when the helpers 00:17:40.699 --> 00:17:41.099 are back. 00:17:41.179 --> 00:17:42.000 Look around you 00:17:42.000 --> 00:17:43.019 and take a look 00:17:43.019 --> 00:17:43.559 at the people 00:17:43.559 --> 00:17:45.099 and understand 00:17:45.099 --> 00:17:46.159 that God has gathered 00:17:46.159 --> 00:17:46.959 us together, 00:17:47.859 --> 00:17:48.959 not to hang out 00:17:48.959 --> 00:17:49.879 on Sunday mornings 00:17:49.879 --> 00:17:51.519 and eat cupcakes 00:17:51.519 --> 00:17:52.379 or muffins 00:17:52.379 --> 00:17:53.939 or to see a baptism. 00:17:54.199 --> 00:17:54.819 It's fantastic. 00:17:54.919 --> 00:17:55.399 It's beautiful. 00:17:56.359 --> 00:17:57.099 But to live out 00:17:57.099 --> 00:17:57.559 this faith 00:17:57.559 --> 00:17:58.239 with one another. 00:17:58.240 --> 00:18:00.660 Now that takes time 00:18:00.660 --> 00:18:02.220 because I'm not 00:18:02.220 --> 00:18:02.759 letting anybody 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:03.660 into my life 00:18:03.660 --> 00:18:06.000 just on a moment's notice. 00:18:06.640 --> 00:18:07.680 It takes time 00:18:07.680 --> 00:18:08.720 to gain trust 00:18:08.720 --> 00:18:11.039 and to lower guards down 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:12.220 if you're more 00:18:12.220 --> 00:18:12.920 of an introvert, 00:18:13.000 --> 00:18:13.980 to feel more comfortable, 00:18:14.259 --> 00:18:15.539 to come up to somebody 00:18:15.539 --> 00:18:17.960 or whatever it may be, 00:18:18.039 --> 00:18:19.059 to develop relationships, 00:18:19.339 --> 00:18:20.000 to let somebody 00:18:20.000 --> 00:18:20.839 into your life. 00:18:21.880 --> 00:18:22.819 But that is 00:18:22.819 --> 00:18:23.660 what we're called to. 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:24.579 This is how we live 00:18:24.579 --> 00:18:25.880 out our faith together. 00:18:25.880 --> 00:18:28.180 We come in one by one 00:18:28.180 --> 00:18:29.220 but we live this thing 00:18:29.220 --> 00:18:29.800 out together. 00:18:31.320 --> 00:18:31.860 And this is what 00:18:31.860 --> 00:18:32.600 we have been doing 00:18:32.600 --> 00:18:33.200 for these past 00:18:33.200 --> 00:18:34.080 two and a half years. 00:18:35.380 --> 00:18:36.600 By God's grace, 00:18:36.840 --> 00:18:37.740 unless he returns, 00:18:38.380 --> 00:18:39.240 we will do it 00:18:39.240 --> 00:18:41.900 until our youngest person 00:18:41.900 --> 00:18:44.060 is our oldest person 00:18:44.060 --> 00:18:44.740 in the congregation 00:18:44.740 --> 00:18:45.520 and all of us 00:18:45.520 --> 00:18:46.480 are gone. 00:18:46.480 --> 00:18:46.560 Now, 00:18:46.560 --> 00:18:51.120 we can do this 00:18:51.120 --> 00:18:52.340 with God's help. 00:18:52.339 --> 00:18:55.480 This is where praying 00:18:55.480 --> 00:18:56.319 in the Holy Spirit 00:18:56.319 --> 00:18:56.919 comes in. 00:18:57.220 --> 00:18:58.079 It comes into play. 00:18:58.619 --> 00:18:59.699 Which is to say 00:18:59.699 --> 00:19:00.819 that we are to live 00:19:00.819 --> 00:19:01.959 as God's children 00:19:01.959 --> 00:19:03.139 with God's help. 00:19:03.959 --> 00:19:04.379 And what does 00:19:04.379 --> 00:19:05.279 the Holy Spirit do? 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:06.879 The Holy Spirit 00:19:06.879 --> 00:19:08.220 convicts us of our sins. 00:19:09.079 --> 00:19:09.699 The Holy Spirit 00:19:09.699 --> 00:19:12.039 leads us 00:19:12.039 --> 00:19:12.859 to have soft 00:19:12.859 --> 00:19:14.000 and repentant hearts. 00:19:14.759 --> 00:19:15.599 The Holy Spirit 00:19:15.599 --> 00:19:16.159 helps us 00:19:16.159 --> 00:19:17.839 to genuinely love others 00:19:17.839 --> 00:19:19.399 by showing concern 00:19:19.399 --> 00:19:20.000 and mercy. 00:19:20.000 --> 00:19:20.940 and the Holy Spirit 00:19:20.940 --> 00:19:22.599 helps us to pray. 00:19:24.740 --> 00:19:25.480 Leads us 00:19:25.480 --> 00:19:26.119 to Christ. 00:19:27.539 --> 00:19:28.319 And as we grow 00:19:28.319 --> 00:19:28.900 in our trust 00:19:28.900 --> 00:19:29.359 and faith, 00:19:29.460 --> 00:19:30.799 we enjoy Christ's love 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:31.440 all the more. 00:19:32.059 --> 00:19:32.839 This is what it means 00:19:32.839 --> 00:19:34.319 to remain in God's love. 00:19:36.119 --> 00:19:38.059 I wish I could have 00:19:38.059 --> 00:19:38.640 more time 00:19:38.640 --> 00:19:39.619 to explore this 00:19:39.619 --> 00:19:40.720 and maybe I'll put it 00:19:40.720 --> 00:19:41.339 in the Wednesday 00:19:41.339 --> 00:19:44.599 email that I send out. 00:19:45.519 --> 00:19:46.200 But there's a bit 00:19:46.200 --> 00:19:46.839 of a tension here 00:19:46.839 --> 00:19:47.900 because on one hand, 00:19:48.539 --> 00:19:49.339 it's very clear 00:19:49.339 --> 00:19:50.480 in the opening verses 00:19:50.480 --> 00:19:52.119 of Jude's letter 00:19:52.119 --> 00:19:54.500 to those who are called 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:55.740 beloved in God the Father 00:19:55.740 --> 00:19:56.899 and kept for Jesus Christ 00:19:56.899 --> 00:19:59.220 that we have been called 00:19:59.220 --> 00:20:00.240 by God. 00:20:00.679 --> 00:20:01.399 We have this faith 00:20:01.399 --> 00:20:02.039 as a gift. 00:20:02.240 --> 00:20:02.919 It is grace 00:20:02.919 --> 00:20:04.779 that we are called Christians, 00:20:05.019 --> 00:20:07.299 that we can even know God. 00:20:07.740 --> 00:20:08.139 And yet, 00:20:08.220 --> 00:20:09.639 in our text here, 00:20:10.759 --> 00:20:12.220 it says to remain 00:20:12.220 --> 00:20:13.059 in God's love 00:20:13.059 --> 00:20:14.480 as if we could fall out 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:15.299 of God's love. 00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:16.599 There's a bit of a tension here. 00:20:16.599 --> 00:20:18.919 And I'll double-click 00:20:18.919 --> 00:20:19.359 on that, 00:20:19.459 --> 00:20:19.779 I think, 00:20:19.839 --> 00:20:20.399 later on. 00:20:20.759 --> 00:20:22.000 But all that to say 00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:23.559 is that what this means 00:20:23.559 --> 00:20:25.439 is to abide 00:20:25.439 --> 00:20:27.159 in the love of God. 00:20:27.899 --> 00:20:28.619 That Jesus says, 00:20:28.899 --> 00:20:29.899 if you love me, 00:20:29.959 --> 00:20:31.179 you will keep my commands. 00:20:31.839 --> 00:20:32.659 That is to say, 00:20:33.339 --> 00:20:34.199 the heart 00:20:34.199 --> 00:20:36.279 that is transformed 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:37.980 by the gospel, 00:20:38.159 --> 00:20:39.019 that is saved 00:20:39.019 --> 00:20:39.719 by Christ, 00:20:40.359 --> 00:20:41.219 is the heart 00:20:41.219 --> 00:20:41.839 that seeks 00:20:41.839 --> 00:20:42.599 to obey him. 00:20:42.599 --> 00:20:44.459 So continue 00:20:44.459 --> 00:20:45.599 to obey the Lord. 00:20:47.000 --> 00:20:47.679 This leads 00:20:47.679 --> 00:20:48.719 to the third point. 00:20:49.699 --> 00:20:50.480 It also means 00:20:50.480 --> 00:20:51.799 keeping Christ's 00:20:51.799 --> 00:20:52.559 return in view, 00:20:53.179 --> 00:20:53.779 remembering that 00:20:53.779 --> 00:20:54.819 we are people 00:20:54.819 --> 00:20:55.759 deeply concerned 00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:56.439 with the present, 00:20:57.000 --> 00:20:58.359 but whose ultimate destiny 00:20:58.359 --> 00:21:00.339 is the new heavens 00:21:00.339 --> 00:21:01.000 and the new earth. 00:21:02.480 --> 00:21:03.159 Excuse me. 00:21:03.379 --> 00:21:05.679 Look at verse 21 00:21:05.679 --> 00:21:06.599 and the second part 00:21:06.599 --> 00:21:07.199 of verse 21 00:21:07.199 --> 00:21:07.619 with me. 00:21:10.919 --> 00:21:11.599 Well, actually, 00:21:11.679 --> 00:21:12.259 I'll read the first. 00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:13.539 The whole verse 21. 00:21:14.220 --> 00:21:14.900 Keep yourselves 00:21:14.900 --> 00:21:16.019 in the love of God, 00:21:16.079 --> 00:21:16.579 and here it is, 00:21:16.819 --> 00:21:18.019 waiting for the mercy 00:21:18.019 --> 00:21:19.500 of our Lord Jesus Christ 00:21:19.500 --> 00:21:21.500 that leads to eternal life. 00:21:23.099 --> 00:21:23.559 It would seem 00:21:23.559 --> 00:21:24.379 that the modern church 00:21:24.379 --> 00:21:25.539 falls into two errors, 00:21:26.440 --> 00:21:27.539 either talking too much 00:21:27.539 --> 00:21:28.559 about the last times, 00:21:28.839 --> 00:21:29.640 the end times, 00:21:30.379 --> 00:21:31.019 eschatology, 00:21:31.180 --> 00:21:31.900 deciphering 00:21:31.900 --> 00:21:33.259 when Jesus will come back, 00:21:33.339 --> 00:21:33.900 what will happen, 00:21:34.039 --> 00:21:34.819 what this represents, 00:21:34.920 --> 00:21:35.799 what that represents. 00:21:36.579 --> 00:21:37.059 Oftentimes, 00:21:37.700 --> 00:21:38.599 scripture is silent. 00:21:38.599 --> 00:21:40.740 Or, 00:21:40.740 --> 00:21:42.759 and this is probably 00:21:42.759 --> 00:21:44.339 for a church like ours, 00:21:45.119 --> 00:21:46.179 the error we fall into, 00:21:46.259 --> 00:21:46.899 and it is an error. 00:21:46.980 --> 00:21:48.099 We don't talk about it enough. 00:21:49.000 --> 00:21:50.419 We don't have in view 00:21:50.419 --> 00:21:51.339 the second coming 00:21:51.339 --> 00:21:52.500 at all 00:21:52.500 --> 00:21:53.559 about 00:21:53.559 --> 00:21:55.279 in 00:21:55.279 --> 00:21:57.419 any kind of 00:21:57.419 --> 00:21:58.399 rhythm 00:21:58.399 --> 00:21:59.879 of our 00:21:59.879 --> 00:22:02.219 of our church life. 00:22:02.220 --> 00:22:05.079 verse 21 00:22:05.079 --> 00:22:05.900 helps us to see 00:22:05.900 --> 00:22:06.759 that the second coming 00:22:06.759 --> 00:22:07.220 of Jesus 00:22:07.220 --> 00:22:08.740 is very important 00:22:08.740 --> 00:22:10.059 and will inform 00:22:10.059 --> 00:22:10.759 the way we live 00:22:10.759 --> 00:22:11.200 in the present. 00:22:11.299 --> 00:22:11.900 And that goes back 00:22:11.900 --> 00:22:12.860 to what I opened with. 00:22:13.339 --> 00:22:14.759 If you know the end, 00:22:15.220 --> 00:22:15.960 it helps us 00:22:15.960 --> 00:22:16.539 to live 00:22:16.539 --> 00:22:17.279 in the present. 00:22:18.579 --> 00:22:19.440 And how are we 00:22:19.440 --> 00:22:20.220 to live in the present? 00:22:21.339 --> 00:22:22.440 We are told here 00:22:22.440 --> 00:22:22.940 that we 00:22:22.940 --> 00:22:23.700 are to 00:22:23.700 --> 00:22:24.420 patiently 00:22:24.420 --> 00:22:25.220 obey, 00:22:26.339 --> 00:22:26.480 to, 00:22:26.559 --> 00:22:26.819 to, 00:22:26.900 --> 00:22:27.720 to have a patient 00:22:27.720 --> 00:22:28.620 faithfulness 00:22:28.619 --> 00:22:30.079 in what Christians, 00:22:30.779 --> 00:22:31.099 in, 00:22:31.099 --> 00:22:31.819 in how we are 00:22:31.819 --> 00:22:32.799 to live as Christians. 00:22:34.839 --> 00:22:36.099 We are people 00:22:36.099 --> 00:22:37.359 that lean on 00:22:37.359 --> 00:22:37.959 a prayer book. 00:22:38.399 --> 00:22:39.739 It's not much 00:22:39.739 --> 00:22:40.919 different than 00:22:40.919 --> 00:22:41.500 how 00:22:41.500 --> 00:22:42.579 Christianity 00:22:42.579 --> 00:22:43.859 and how the faith 00:22:43.859 --> 00:22:44.419 of the Bible 00:22:44.419 --> 00:22:44.959 has, 00:22:44.959 --> 00:22:46.759 has operated 00:22:46.759 --> 00:22:47.779 throughout the centuries 00:22:47.779 --> 00:22:48.479 and millennia. 00:22:49.699 --> 00:22:50.819 And we have 00:22:50.819 --> 00:22:51.219 something called 00:22:51.219 --> 00:22:51.519 Even, 00:22:51.639 --> 00:22:52.379 Even Song 00:22:52.379 --> 00:22:53.219 or Evening Prayer. 00:22:54.139 --> 00:22:55.000 And Evening Prayer, 00:22:55.299 --> 00:22:56.419 it's a beautiful service, 00:22:56.519 --> 00:22:57.339 it's fairly short. 00:22:57.339 --> 00:22:59.000 We have an adaptation 00:22:59.000 --> 00:23:00.539 of it in our daily offices, 00:23:00.740 --> 00:23:01.359 but if you have a book 00:23:01.359 --> 00:23:01.899 of common prayer, 00:23:01.980 --> 00:23:02.559 you can see it. 00:23:03.119 --> 00:23:04.359 But Evening Prayer 00:23:04.359 --> 00:23:05.019 ends 00:23:05.019 --> 00:23:07.720 with the prayer 00:23:07.720 --> 00:23:08.279 of Simeon 00:23:08.279 --> 00:23:09.399 from Luke chapter 2. 00:23:09.459 --> 00:23:10.000 If you remember 00:23:10.000 --> 00:23:12.059 Simeon from Luke chapter 2, 00:23:12.539 --> 00:23:13.399 Jesus is presented 00:23:13.399 --> 00:23:14.279 at the temple 00:23:14.279 --> 00:23:17.740 and this elderly man 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:18.539 who has been waiting 00:23:18.539 --> 00:23:19.639 for the coming 00:23:19.639 --> 00:23:20.559 of the Messiah 00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:22.019 patiently, 00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:23.379 faithfully, 00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:24.679 day in, 00:23:24.879 --> 00:23:25.279 day out, 00:23:25.419 --> 00:23:25.839 month in, 00:23:25.939 --> 00:23:26.379 month out, 00:23:26.380 --> 00:23:27.360 decade in, 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:28.100 decade out, 00:23:28.700 --> 00:23:29.260 finally, 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:31.240 gets to see Jesus, 00:23:31.740 --> 00:23:32.800 the Messiah 00:23:32.800 --> 00:23:33.540 in the flesh. 00:23:34.880 --> 00:23:36.060 And this is what we pray 00:23:36.060 --> 00:23:37.160 in Even Song 00:23:37.160 --> 00:23:37.760 every evening. 00:23:37.900 --> 00:23:38.540 It's beautiful. 00:23:39.700 --> 00:23:39.960 It says, 00:23:40.100 --> 00:23:40.300 Lord, 00:23:40.960 --> 00:23:42.040 now you are letting 00:23:42.040 --> 00:23:42.580 your servant 00:23:42.580 --> 00:23:43.460 depart in peace 00:23:43.460 --> 00:23:45.000 according to your word. 00:23:45.640 --> 00:23:46.500 For my eyes 00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:47.040 have seen 00:23:47.040 --> 00:23:47.760 your salvation 00:23:47.760 --> 00:23:48.840 that you have prepared 00:23:48.840 --> 00:23:49.540 in the presence 00:23:49.540 --> 00:23:50.320 of all peoples, 00:23:51.020 --> 00:23:52.200 a light for revelation 00:23:52.200 --> 00:23:53.400 to the Gentiles 00:23:53.400 --> 00:23:54.960 and for glory 00:23:54.960 --> 00:23:56.040 to your people Israel. 00:23:57.160 --> 00:23:58.300 That is the posture 00:23:58.300 --> 00:23:59.259 we ought to have. 00:24:00.600 --> 00:24:01.960 Patiently waiting 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:03.360 and obeying, 00:24:04.000 --> 00:24:05.460 looking to the coming 00:24:05.460 --> 00:24:06.259 of our Lord 00:24:06.259 --> 00:24:07.000 in the same way 00:24:07.000 --> 00:24:07.900 that Simeon looked 00:24:07.900 --> 00:24:09.740 for the first coming 00:24:09.740 --> 00:24:10.720 of the Messiah. 00:24:12.320 --> 00:24:13.500 The point is this. 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:14.720 As we wait 00:24:14.720 --> 00:24:15.759 for the return of Christ, 00:24:16.180 --> 00:24:16.960 we will begin 00:24:16.960 --> 00:24:17.660 to long 00:24:17.660 --> 00:24:18.940 for the return of Christ. 00:24:18.940 --> 00:24:21.340 to see Him 00:24:21.340 --> 00:24:22.380 and be with Him, 00:24:22.880 --> 00:24:23.600 to touch Him 00:24:23.600 --> 00:24:24.759 and to know His love 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:27.140 in greater and greater 00:24:27.140 --> 00:24:27.759 measures 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:29.059 for all of eternity 00:24:29.059 --> 00:24:31.400 so that we will never 00:24:31.400 --> 00:24:34.000 come to the bottom 00:24:34.000 --> 00:24:34.779 of the well 00:24:34.779 --> 00:24:35.700 of God's love 00:24:35.700 --> 00:24:37.440 sometime in 00:24:37.440 --> 00:24:39.940 the 10,000th year 00:24:39.940 --> 00:24:41.480 we are in the new heavens 00:24:41.480 --> 00:24:42.120 and the new earth 00:24:42.120 --> 00:24:42.960 because His love 00:24:42.960 --> 00:24:43.500 is infinite. 00:24:45.080 --> 00:24:45.700 So we can, 00:24:46.259 --> 00:24:47.120 for eternity, 00:24:47.620 --> 00:24:48.320 search for 00:24:48.319 --> 00:24:49.720 and plumb the depths 00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:51.139 of God's love. 00:24:52.099 --> 00:24:52.980 And as we think 00:24:52.980 --> 00:24:53.639 about that, 00:24:54.700 --> 00:24:55.759 I think I do not 00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:56.799 experience that love 00:24:56.799 --> 00:24:57.759 in this life. 00:24:58.399 --> 00:24:59.619 The love that I experience 00:24:59.619 --> 00:25:00.700 is a wonderful love 00:25:00.700 --> 00:25:01.919 with family 00:25:01.919 --> 00:25:02.619 and friends 00:25:02.619 --> 00:25:03.480 and church community 00:25:03.480 --> 00:25:04.819 but it is not 00:25:04.819 --> 00:25:05.619 a perfect love. 00:25:06.639 --> 00:25:08.299 It is a shadow, 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:09.139 it is a picture 00:25:09.139 --> 00:25:10.619 of what the love 00:25:10.619 --> 00:25:11.419 of God looks like 00:25:11.419 --> 00:25:12.179 but one day 00:25:12.179 --> 00:25:13.079 when He comes 00:25:13.079 --> 00:25:14.439 we will know 00:25:14.439 --> 00:25:15.480 that perfect love 00:25:15.480 --> 00:25:17.259 and it will be unending. 00:25:17.259 --> 00:25:18.859 the point is this, 00:25:19.079 --> 00:25:20.400 when we wait 00:25:20.400 --> 00:25:21.480 for the return 00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:22.039 of Christ 00:25:22.039 --> 00:25:24.000 we begin to long 00:25:24.000 --> 00:25:24.980 for the return 00:25:24.980 --> 00:25:25.519 of Christ. 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:27.220 We long for it. 00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:30.779 The things that we enjoy, 00:25:30.940 --> 00:25:31.319 the good, 00:25:31.440 --> 00:25:32.299 the true and the beautiful 00:25:32.299 --> 00:25:33.099 of this life 00:25:33.099 --> 00:25:35.059 will point us 00:25:35.059 --> 00:25:35.940 to that life 00:25:35.940 --> 00:25:37.140 to come 00:25:37.140 --> 00:25:38.279 where we will 00:25:38.279 --> 00:25:40.279 enjoy the glory 00:25:40.279 --> 00:25:40.900 of God 00:25:40.900 --> 00:25:42.160 forever and ever. 00:25:42.160 --> 00:25:43.820 our priorities 00:25:43.820 --> 00:25:44.440 will change. 00:25:45.820 --> 00:25:46.779 Our thinking 00:25:46.779 --> 00:25:47.480 will change. 00:25:48.519 --> 00:25:49.180 Our obedience 00:25:49.180 --> 00:25:50.820 will not necessarily 00:25:50.820 --> 00:25:54.519 be any less costly 00:25:54.519 --> 00:25:56.040 but there will be 00:25:56.040 --> 00:25:57.180 a greater degree 00:25:57.180 --> 00:25:57.759 of joy 00:25:57.759 --> 00:25:58.680 as we obey. 00:26:02.820 --> 00:26:04.060 And this will lead us 00:26:04.060 --> 00:26:05.140 to our final point. 00:26:05.240 --> 00:26:06.160 It will also help us 00:26:06.160 --> 00:26:08.600 to be Christ-like 00:26:08.599 --> 00:26:11.059 and show mercy 00:26:11.059 --> 00:26:11.699 to those 00:26:11.699 --> 00:26:12.399 who we would 00:26:12.399 --> 00:26:13.839 otherwise despise 00:26:13.839 --> 00:26:14.539 or cancel 00:26:14.539 --> 00:26:16.859 or hope to God 00:26:16.859 --> 00:26:17.899 that they would 00:26:17.899 --> 00:26:18.539 be eliminated. 00:26:20.179 --> 00:26:21.119 How are we 00:26:21.119 --> 00:26:22.119 to live and contend 00:26:22.119 --> 00:26:22.759 for the faith 00:26:22.759 --> 00:26:23.819 in the last times? 00:26:24.359 --> 00:26:25.559 We are also called 00:26:25.559 --> 00:26:26.419 to help those 00:26:26.419 --> 00:26:27.619 who are falling 00:26:27.619 --> 00:26:28.379 into doubt 00:26:28.379 --> 00:26:29.419 and error. 00:26:29.639 --> 00:26:30.099 Look with me 00:26:30.099 --> 00:26:31.000 at verses 22 00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:32.500 to 23. 00:26:32.500 --> 00:26:35.839 And have mercy 00:26:35.839 --> 00:26:36.279 on those 00:26:36.279 --> 00:26:36.779 who doubt 00:26:36.779 --> 00:26:37.839 save others 00:26:37.839 --> 00:26:38.740 by snatching them 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:39.460 out of the fire 00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:40.539 to those 00:26:40.539 --> 00:26:41.160 show mercy 00:26:41.160 --> 00:26:42.579 with fear 00:26:42.579 --> 00:26:43.440 hating even 00:26:43.440 --> 00:26:44.059 the garments 00:26:44.059 --> 00:26:45.339 stained by the flesh. 00:26:45.380 --> 00:26:45.900 Very quickly 00:26:45.900 --> 00:26:46.299 we are going to look 00:26:46.299 --> 00:26:47.180 at the three 00:26:47.180 --> 00:26:48.579 groups of people 00:26:48.579 --> 00:26:49.220 in view here. 00:26:49.579 --> 00:26:50.400 Each group 00:26:50.400 --> 00:26:52.700 is a harder 00:26:52.700 --> 00:26:53.960 case than the last. 00:26:54.500 --> 00:26:55.000 So let's look 00:26:55.000 --> 00:26:55.660 at the first group. 00:26:56.160 --> 00:26:57.059 It says here 00:26:57.059 --> 00:26:57.980 in verse 22 00:26:57.980 --> 00:26:59.119 And have mercy 00:26:59.119 --> 00:26:59.880 on those who doubt. 00:26:59.960 --> 00:27:00.519 Now we have talked 00:27:00.519 --> 00:27:01.299 about the doubters. 00:27:02.500 --> 00:27:03.220 And these people 00:27:03.220 --> 00:27:03.759 we are to show 00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:04.400 mercy to. 00:27:05.119 --> 00:27:05.640 They are the ones 00:27:05.640 --> 00:27:06.279 that are struggling 00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:06.839 and wrestling 00:27:06.839 --> 00:27:07.579 with the difficult 00:27:07.579 --> 00:27:08.859 aspects of the faith 00:27:08.859 --> 00:27:10.559 and may have begun 00:27:10.559 --> 00:27:11.539 to lose steam 00:27:11.539 --> 00:27:12.779 in their wrestling. 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:14.180 Now I mentioned 00:27:14.180 --> 00:27:16.779 wrestling with 00:27:16.779 --> 00:27:17.140 some of these 00:27:17.140 --> 00:27:17.839 hard doctrines 00:27:17.839 --> 00:27:18.319 it's not an 00:27:18.319 --> 00:27:18.960 overnight thing. 00:27:19.619 --> 00:27:20.319 I'll share 00:27:20.319 --> 00:27:21.660 a personal story. 00:27:22.079 --> 00:27:22.940 I struggled 00:27:22.940 --> 00:27:24.059 with the legitimacy 00:27:24.059 --> 00:27:25.420 of especially 00:27:25.420 --> 00:27:26.200 the Gospels 00:27:26.200 --> 00:27:28.099 for eight years 00:27:28.099 --> 00:27:29.480 after my undergrad. 00:27:30.059 --> 00:27:30.859 I went to Carleton 00:27:30.859 --> 00:27:31.819 thinking 00:27:31.819 --> 00:27:33.579 puffed out chest 00:27:33.579 --> 00:27:34.220 I'm 21 00:27:34.220 --> 00:27:34.819 I know everything 00:27:34.819 --> 00:27:35.439 there is to know 00:27:35.439 --> 00:27:36.059 about the Bible. 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:38.319 Idiots 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:38.960 over there. 00:27:40.319 --> 00:27:40.899 And then I get 00:27:40.899 --> 00:27:41.879 to my third year 00:27:41.879 --> 00:27:42.379 seminar 00:27:42.379 --> 00:27:43.179 fourth year seminar 00:27:43.179 --> 00:27:43.639 on the life 00:27:43.639 --> 00:27:44.059 and teachings 00:27:44.059 --> 00:27:44.559 of Jesus. 00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:45.500 Breeze 00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:46.279 no problem. 00:27:47.099 --> 00:27:48.019 And all of a sudden 00:27:48.019 --> 00:27:49.299 all of these 00:27:49.299 --> 00:27:50.019 questions 00:27:50.019 --> 00:27:51.299 about the 00:27:51.299 --> 00:27:52.339 inconsistencies 00:27:52.339 --> 00:27:53.099 between the 00:27:53.099 --> 00:27:53.740 Gospels 00:27:53.740 --> 00:27:54.319 start getting 00:27:54.319 --> 00:27:54.960 exposed. 00:27:54.960 --> 00:27:57.759 and my foundation 00:27:57.759 --> 00:27:58.920 starts to crack. 00:28:00.380 --> 00:28:00.799 Now 00:28:00.799 --> 00:28:01.799 by God's 00:28:01.799 --> 00:28:02.400 kindness 00:28:02.400 --> 00:28:03.259 and grace 00:28:03.259 --> 00:28:04.100 I didn't 00:28:04.100 --> 00:28:04.920 abandon the faith 00:28:04.920 --> 00:28:05.559 but it was an 00:28:05.559 --> 00:28:06.519 eight year process. 00:28:07.400 --> 00:28:08.360 It wasn't until 00:28:08.360 --> 00:28:09.340 I was in seminary 00:28:09.340 --> 00:28:10.380 which is crazy 00:28:10.380 --> 00:28:10.900 to think 00:28:10.900 --> 00:28:12.259 that I realized 00:28:12.259 --> 00:28:12.779 through 00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:13.819 other 00:28:13.819 --> 00:28:16.720 materials 00:28:16.720 --> 00:28:17.140 that I 00:28:17.140 --> 00:28:17.539 encountered 00:28:17.539 --> 00:28:19.279 that the 00:28:19.279 --> 00:28:19.640 Gospels 00:28:19.640 --> 00:28:20.600 are totally 00:28:20.600 --> 00:28:21.700 trustworthy. 00:28:21.700 --> 00:28:23.059 that was an 00:28:23.059 --> 00:28:24.100 eight year process. 00:28:25.319 --> 00:28:26.019 How about if 00:28:26.019 --> 00:28:26.759 in year three 00:28:26.759 --> 00:28:27.680 somebody was not 00:28:27.680 --> 00:28:28.460 merciful to me? 00:28:28.840 --> 00:28:29.140 Daniel 00:28:29.140 --> 00:28:30.039 you have to 00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:30.940 trust in this 00:28:30.940 --> 00:28:31.680 or you're not 00:28:31.680 --> 00:28:32.140 a Christian. 00:28:32.600 --> 00:28:33.059 I'm sorry 00:28:33.059 --> 00:28:33.680 but you need to 00:28:33.680 --> 00:28:34.539 trust in the Bible 00:28:34.539 --> 00:28:37.380 or else you 00:28:37.380 --> 00:28:38.360 can't be around 00:28:38.360 --> 00:28:39.019 us or 00:28:39.019 --> 00:28:40.920 you know 00:28:40.920 --> 00:28:41.860 you can't serve 00:28:41.860 --> 00:28:42.279 in the church 00:28:42.279 --> 00:28:42.759 or you can't 00:28:42.759 --> 00:28:43.700 participate in the 00:28:43.700 --> 00:28:44.880 life of the 00:28:44.880 --> 00:28:45.640 covenant community. 00:28:46.559 --> 00:28:47.580 Or maybe it's 00:28:47.580 --> 00:28:48.759 on year seven 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:50.539 and ten months 00:28:50.539 --> 00:28:51.180 I got two months 00:28:51.180 --> 00:28:51.360 to go 00:28:51.359 --> 00:28:51.759 I don't know 00:28:51.759 --> 00:28:52.199 the future 00:28:52.199 --> 00:28:52.779 so you know 00:28:52.779 --> 00:28:53.319 eight months 00:28:53.319 --> 00:28:53.879 eight and a half 00:28:53.879 --> 00:28:54.099 months 00:28:54.099 --> 00:28:54.859 you get the 00:28:54.859 --> 00:28:55.099 point. 00:28:55.419 --> 00:28:55.740 I'm on the 00:28:55.740 --> 00:28:56.439 verge of 00:28:56.439 --> 00:28:57.779 dealing with 00:28:57.779 --> 00:28:58.259 my doubts 00:28:58.259 --> 00:28:59.679 and mercy 00:28:59.679 --> 00:29:00.059 was not 00:29:00.059 --> 00:29:00.679 extended to 00:29:00.679 --> 00:29:00.919 me. 00:29:03.719 --> 00:29:04.399 Friends we 00:29:04.399 --> 00:29:05.019 show mercy 00:29:05.019 --> 00:29:05.459 to people 00:29:05.459 --> 00:29:06.000 because we 00:29:06.000 --> 00:29:06.399 are people 00:29:06.399 --> 00:29:07.059 who receive 00:29:07.059 --> 00:29:07.779 God's mercy. 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:10.279 Struggling 00:29:10.279 --> 00:29:11.419 through difficult 00:29:11.419 --> 00:29:11.919 things 00:29:11.919 --> 00:29:13.299 they're real 00:29:13.299 --> 00:29:15.019 and doubting 00:29:15.019 --> 00:29:15.379 here 00:29:15.379 --> 00:29:17.259 we go through 00:29:17.259 --> 00:29:18.059 seasons of it. 00:29:18.599 --> 00:29:19.459 If you know 00:29:19.459 --> 00:29:20.259 somebody who is 00:29:20.259 --> 00:29:20.819 doubting or if 00:29:20.819 --> 00:29:21.299 you're doubting 00:29:21.299 --> 00:29:22.220 yourself do not 00:29:22.220 --> 00:29:22.899 be afraid to 00:29:22.899 --> 00:29:23.480 share that 00:29:23.480 --> 00:29:24.579 and then to 00:29:24.579 --> 00:29:25.019 walk with 00:29:25.019 --> 00:29:25.399 people. 00:29:26.399 --> 00:29:26.960 Here Jude 00:29:26.960 --> 00:29:27.500 says listen 00:29:27.500 --> 00:29:28.099 have mercy 00:29:28.099 --> 00:29:28.440 on those 00:29:28.440 --> 00:29:28.659 people. 00:29:28.819 --> 00:29:29.139 Does he give 00:29:29.139 --> 00:29:29.879 does he give 00:29:29.879 --> 00:29:30.319 does he give a 00:29:30.319 --> 00:29:31.980 time frame? 00:29:32.440 --> 00:29:33.240 Five years? 00:29:33.359 --> 00:29:33.779 Six years? 00:29:33.899 --> 00:29:34.399 Seven years? 00:29:35.399 --> 00:29:36.339 No because we've 00:29:36.339 --> 00:29:37.159 seen in previous 00:29:37.159 --> 00:29:37.960 a previous part 00:29:37.960 --> 00:29:39.220 of Jude when we 00:29:39.220 --> 00:29:40.299 say that they're 00:29:40.299 --> 00:29:40.700 hopeless 00:29:40.700 --> 00:29:43.279 when we say 00:29:43.279 --> 00:29:43.799 in a sense 00:29:43.799 --> 00:29:44.839 pronouncing judgment 00:29:44.839 --> 00:29:45.700 on somebody that 00:29:45.700 --> 00:29:46.700 they're so far 00:29:46.700 --> 00:29:47.099 gone 00:29:47.099 --> 00:29:49.639 we sit in the 00:29:49.639 --> 00:29:50.480 judgment seat 00:29:50.480 --> 00:29:51.099 of God. 00:29:52.299 --> 00:29:52.679 Jude calls 00:29:52.679 --> 00:29:53.339 that blasphemy. 00:29:55.459 --> 00:29:56.459 We continue 00:29:56.459 --> 00:29:57.039 to show 00:29:57.039 --> 00:29:57.559 mercy 00:29:57.559 --> 00:29:58.539 to those 00:29:58.539 --> 00:29:58.859 who are 00:29:58.859 --> 00:29:59.599 struggling 00:29:59.599 --> 00:30:00.699 through this. 00:30:00.699 --> 00:30:01.559 The second 00:30:01.559 --> 00:30:01.899 group 00:30:01.899 --> 00:30:03.500 they're a bit 00:30:03.500 --> 00:30:04.240 further down 00:30:04.240 --> 00:30:05.379 the path 00:30:05.379 --> 00:30:05.879 of doubt. 00:30:06.139 --> 00:30:06.859 This is what 00:30:06.859 --> 00:30:07.319 it says 00:30:07.319 --> 00:30:09.339 save others 00:30:09.339 --> 00:30:10.159 by snatching 00:30:10.159 --> 00:30:10.799 them out of 00:30:10.799 --> 00:30:11.299 the fire. 00:30:11.299 --> 00:30:14.919 these people 00:30:14.919 --> 00:30:15.779 are at risk 00:30:15.779 --> 00:30:16.519 of apostasy. 00:30:17.099 --> 00:30:17.599 They're playing 00:30:17.599 --> 00:30:18.180 with fire 00:30:18.180 --> 00:30:19.899 and it is not 00:30:19.899 --> 00:30:22.299 it truly is 00:30:22.299 --> 00:30:22.879 a hellfire. 00:30:23.940 --> 00:30:24.299 They have been 00:30:24.299 --> 00:30:24.980 courted by 00:30:24.980 --> 00:30:25.899 false teachings 00:30:25.899 --> 00:30:27.059 and have begun 00:30:27.059 --> 00:30:27.859 to pervert 00:30:27.859 --> 00:30:28.519 the gospel 00:30:28.519 --> 00:30:29.180 of grace. 00:30:29.500 --> 00:30:29.919 We saw that 00:30:29.919 --> 00:30:30.319 in verse 3. 00:30:30.419 --> 00:30:31.279 This is the 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:32.879 the MO 00:30:32.879 --> 00:30:33.879 of false 00:30:33.879 --> 00:30:34.399 teachers that 00:30:34.399 --> 00:30:35.200 they pervert 00:30:35.200 --> 00:30:35.940 the gospel 00:30:35.940 --> 00:30:36.460 of grace. 00:30:37.639 --> 00:30:38.299 They may be 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:38.759 our friends 00:30:38.759 --> 00:30:39.279 or family 00:30:39.279 --> 00:30:40.059 who have begun 00:30:40.059 --> 00:30:40.980 to have 00:30:40.980 --> 00:30:42.180 deconstructed 00:30:42.180 --> 00:30:43.240 their faith. 00:30:43.360 --> 00:30:43.900 They're on 00:30:43.900 --> 00:30:44.539 their way 00:30:44.539 --> 00:30:45.740 to apostasy 00:30:45.740 --> 00:30:47.380 but they 00:30:47.380 --> 00:30:47.920 again are 00:30:47.920 --> 00:30:48.740 not too far 00:30:48.740 --> 00:30:49.240 gone 00:30:49.240 --> 00:30:50.319 for God 00:30:50.319 --> 00:30:51.200 can use 00:30:51.200 --> 00:30:52.099 us 00:30:52.099 --> 00:30:52.920 his church 00:30:52.920 --> 00:30:53.640 by his 00:30:53.640 --> 00:30:54.160 Holy Spirit 00:30:54.160 --> 00:30:54.660 to save 00:30:54.660 --> 00:30:54.920 them 00:30:54.920 --> 00:30:56.099 as their 00:30:56.099 --> 00:30:56.519 lives 00:30:56.519 --> 00:30:57.019 begin to 00:30:57.019 --> 00:30:57.259 burn. 00:30:58.539 --> 00:30:59.299 Again we 00:30:59.299 --> 00:30:59.640 aren't the 00:30:59.640 --> 00:31:00.140 people to 00:31:00.140 --> 00:31:00.420 pronounce 00:31:00.420 --> 00:31:00.940 judgment 00:31:00.940 --> 00:31:01.940 we are just 00:31:01.940 --> 00:31:02.440 called to 00:31:02.440 --> 00:31:03.579 be faithful 00:31:03.579 --> 00:31:04.420 in showing 00:31:04.420 --> 00:31:04.940 mercy 00:31:04.940 --> 00:31:05.920 understanding 00:31:05.920 --> 00:31:06.740 that we 00:31:06.740 --> 00:31:07.200 are living 00:31:07.200 --> 00:31:07.579 in the 00:31:07.579 --> 00:31:08.099 last days. 00:31:08.240 --> 00:31:08.559 The third 00:31:08.559 --> 00:31:08.980 and final 00:31:08.980 --> 00:31:09.360 group 00:31:09.360 --> 00:31:10.799 are those 00:31:10.799 --> 00:31:11.500 immersed 00:31:11.500 --> 00:31:12.000 in false 00:31:12.000 --> 00:31:12.480 doctrines 00:31:12.480 --> 00:31:12.980 and they 00:31:12.980 --> 00:31:13.740 quite possibly 00:31:13.740 --> 00:31:14.119 could be 00:31:14.119 --> 00:31:14.519 the false 00:31:14.519 --> 00:31:14.859 teachers 00:31:14.859 --> 00:31:15.279 themselves. 00:31:15.440 --> 00:31:15.680 Look at 00:31:15.680 --> 00:31:16.259 what it 00:31:16.259 --> 00:31:16.720 says here 00:31:16.720 --> 00:31:18.240 in verse 23. 00:31:20.119 --> 00:31:20.500 To others 00:31:20.500 --> 00:31:21.279 show mercy 00:31:21.279 --> 00:31:22.019 with fear 00:31:22.019 --> 00:31:23.680 hating even 00:31:23.680 --> 00:31:24.279 the garment 00:31:24.279 --> 00:31:25.379 stained by 00:31:25.379 --> 00:31:26.059 the flesh. 00:31:27.440 --> 00:31:28.220 To these 00:31:28.220 --> 00:31:29.059 Jude tells us 00:31:29.059 --> 00:31:29.740 to have mercy 00:31:29.740 --> 00:31:30.440 but be 00:31:30.440 --> 00:31:31.440 resolute in 00:31:31.440 --> 00:31:31.960 our commitment 00:31:31.960 --> 00:31:32.659 to the faith. 00:31:33.599 --> 00:31:33.960 There's great 00:31:33.960 --> 00:31:34.460 danger 00:31:34.460 --> 00:31:35.480 that when we 00:31:35.480 --> 00:31:36.240 spend time 00:31:36.240 --> 00:31:36.900 with people 00:31:36.900 --> 00:31:42.660 that have 00:31:42.660 --> 00:31:43.099 abandoned 00:31:43.099 --> 00:31:43.680 the faith 00:31:43.680 --> 00:31:44.319 but in 00:31:44.319 --> 00:31:45.579 a very 00:31:45.579 --> 00:31:46.440 real way 00:31:46.440 --> 00:31:48.120 are still 00:31:48.120 --> 00:31:48.620 one foot 00:31:48.620 --> 00:31:49.160 into the 00:31:49.160 --> 00:31:49.519 church. 00:31:50.240 --> 00:31:50.700 They still 00:31:50.700 --> 00:31:51.339 have influence. 00:31:52.380 --> 00:31:53.079 They still 00:31:53.079 --> 00:31:54.680 teach and 00:31:54.680 --> 00:31:55.539 live in such 00:31:55.539 --> 00:31:56.279 a way that 00:31:56.279 --> 00:31:57.620 encourages 00:31:57.620 --> 00:31:59.039 apostasy. 00:31:59.620 --> 00:32:00.299 We need to 00:32:00.299 --> 00:32:00.900 be careful 00:32:00.900 --> 00:32:01.940 and honest 00:32:01.940 --> 00:32:02.559 with ourselves 00:32:02.559 --> 00:32:03.579 that we 00:32:03.579 --> 00:32:04.000 could be 00:32:04.000 --> 00:32:04.460 influenced 00:32:04.460 --> 00:32:05.099 as well. 00:32:06.859 --> 00:32:07.700 This is 00:32:07.700 --> 00:32:10.039 a very 00:32:10.039 --> 00:32:11.379 wise way 00:32:11.379 --> 00:32:12.019 that Jude 00:32:12.019 --> 00:32:12.619 is telling 00:32:12.619 --> 00:32:13.000 us 00:32:13.000 --> 00:32:14.220 to just 00:32:14.220 --> 00:32:14.539 be on 00:32:14.539 --> 00:32:14.799 guard. 00:32:15.919 --> 00:32:16.379 To fear 00:32:16.379 --> 00:32:17.039 God more 00:32:17.039 --> 00:32:17.319 than you 00:32:17.319 --> 00:32:17.879 fear man. 00:32:18.879 --> 00:32:19.679 To trust 00:32:19.679 --> 00:32:20.099 in God 00:32:20.099 --> 00:32:20.599 more than 00:32:20.599 --> 00:32:21.179 you trust 00:32:21.179 --> 00:32:21.619 in man. 00:32:22.819 --> 00:32:23.259 And this 00:32:23.259 --> 00:32:24.139 bit here 00:32:24.139 --> 00:32:24.460 that Jude 00:32:24.460 --> 00:32:25.039 talks about 00:32:25.039 --> 00:32:25.599 of hating 00:32:25.599 --> 00:32:26.079 even the 00:32:26.079 --> 00:32:26.379 garment 00:32:26.379 --> 00:32:27.079 stained by 00:32:27.079 --> 00:32:28.319 the flesh 00:32:28.319 --> 00:32:29.759 is a way 00:32:29.759 --> 00:32:30.779 to simply 00:32:30.779 --> 00:32:32.019 say we 00:32:32.019 --> 00:32:32.279 need to 00:32:32.279 --> 00:32:32.740 hate sin. 00:32:34.160 --> 00:32:34.920 It is to 00:32:34.920 --> 00:32:35.299 have such 00:32:35.299 --> 00:32:35.859 compassion 00:32:35.859 --> 00:32:36.519 and love 00:32:36.519 --> 00:32:37.079 extending 00:32:37.079 --> 00:32:37.720 mercy to 00:32:37.720 --> 00:32:38.139 somebody 00:32:38.139 --> 00:32:39.980 that is 00:32:39.980 --> 00:32:41.039 living a 00:32:41.039 --> 00:32:41.619 sinful life 00:32:41.619 --> 00:32:42.879 but to 00:32:42.879 --> 00:32:43.579 not fall 00:32:43.579 --> 00:32:44.259 into the 00:32:44.259 --> 00:32:45.220 temptation 00:32:45.220 --> 00:32:46.139 of justifying 00:32:46.139 --> 00:32:46.500 what they 00:32:46.500 --> 00:32:46.680 do. 00:32:46.819 --> 00:32:47.259 Hate it. 00:32:48.220 --> 00:32:48.720 Hate what 00:32:48.720 --> 00:32:49.220 they do. 00:32:49.619 --> 00:32:50.200 Love them. 00:32:50.619 --> 00:32:50.879 And this 00:32:50.879 --> 00:32:51.299 isn't just 00:32:51.299 --> 00:32:52.500 a love 00:32:52.500 --> 00:32:52.960 the sinner 00:32:52.960 --> 00:32:53.480 or hate 00:32:53.480 --> 00:32:53.920 the sin 00:32:53.920 --> 00:32:54.440 because that 00:32:54.440 --> 00:32:56.660 can lose 00:32:56.660 --> 00:32:57.379 the gravity 00:32:57.379 --> 00:32:58.180 of what we 00:32:58.180 --> 00:32:58.559 are called 00:32:58.559 --> 00:32:58.879 to do 00:32:58.879 --> 00:32:59.160 here. 00:32:59.339 --> 00:32:59.539 We are 00:32:59.539 --> 00:33:00.220 to hate 00:33:00.220 --> 00:33:01.579 sin. 00:33:02.279 --> 00:33:03.039 God 00:33:03.039 --> 00:33:03.420 hates 00:33:03.420 --> 00:33:03.680 sin 00:33:03.680 --> 00:33:04.660 but to 00:33:04.660 --> 00:33:04.960 extend 00:33:04.960 --> 00:33:05.359 mercy. 00:33:05.839 --> 00:33:06.079 Why? 00:33:06.220 --> 00:33:06.960 Because we 00:33:06.960 --> 00:33:07.500 have been 00:33:07.500 --> 00:33:08.440 extended 00:33:08.440 --> 00:33:09.319 mercy. 00:33:09.819 --> 00:33:10.599 The whole 00:33:10.599 --> 00:33:11.579 picture of 00:33:11.579 --> 00:33:12.799 filthy garments 00:33:12.799 --> 00:33:13.940 we see it 00:33:13.940 --> 00:33:15.000 in Amos 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:15.940 chapter 4 00:33:15.940 --> 00:33:16.559 and Zechariah 00:33:16.559 --> 00:33:17.200 chapter 3. 00:33:18.119 --> 00:33:18.779 It is this 00:33:18.779 --> 00:33:20.279 beautiful picture 00:33:20.279 --> 00:33:21.440 of God 00:33:21.440 --> 00:33:22.059 taking 00:33:22.059 --> 00:33:23.160 this 00:33:23.160 --> 00:33:23.859 dirty 00:33:23.859 --> 00:33:25.019 person 00:33:25.019 --> 00:33:27.700 dirty 00:33:27.700 --> 00:33:28.420 representing 00:33:28.420 --> 00:33:28.920 sin 00:33:28.920 --> 00:33:29.660 and 00:33:29.660 --> 00:33:30.359 stripping 00:33:30.359 --> 00:33:30.740 them 00:33:30.740 --> 00:33:31.400 of the 00:33:31.400 --> 00:33:31.799 dirty 00:33:31.799 --> 00:33:32.279 garments 00:33:32.279 --> 00:33:32.819 and 00:33:32.819 --> 00:33:33.139 instead 00:33:33.139 --> 00:33:33.839 clothing 00:33:33.839 --> 00:33:34.200 them 00:33:34.200 --> 00:33:34.700 in 00:33:34.700 --> 00:33:35.119 garments 00:33:35.119 --> 00:33:35.319 of 00:33:35.319 --> 00:33:35.639 white. 00:33:36.099 --> 00:33:36.359 It is a 00:33:36.359 --> 00:33:36.779 picture of 00:33:36.779 --> 00:33:37.139 forgiveness 00:33:37.139 --> 00:33:39.680 and only 00:33:39.680 --> 00:33:40.200 God can 00:33:40.200 --> 00:33:40.660 do such 00:33:40.660 --> 00:33:41.079 things. 00:33:42.559 --> 00:33:43.680 It also 00:33:43.680 --> 00:33:44.339 once again 00:33:44.339 --> 00:33:44.879 means that 00:33:44.879 --> 00:33:45.619 nobody is 00:33:45.619 --> 00:33:46.200 so far 00:33:46.200 --> 00:33:46.519 gone. 00:33:48.240 --> 00:33:49.079 We do 00:33:49.079 --> 00:33:49.579 not get to 00:33:49.579 --> 00:33:49.839 pronounce 00:33:49.839 --> 00:33:50.319 judgment 00:33:50.319 --> 00:33:50.740 do we? 00:33:51.200 --> 00:33:51.920 Only to 00:33:51.920 --> 00:33:52.279 extend 00:33:52.279 --> 00:33:52.639 mercy. 00:33:52.640 --> 00:33:53.480 So in 00:33:53.480 --> 00:33:53.880 all three 00:33:53.880 --> 00:33:54.700 cases we 00:33:54.700 --> 00:33:54.940 are to 00:33:54.940 --> 00:33:55.140 show 00:33:55.140 --> 00:33:55.560 mercy 00:33:55.560 --> 00:33:56.700 as those 00:33:56.700 --> 00:33:57.020 who have 00:33:57.020 --> 00:33:57.340 been 00:33:57.340 --> 00:33:57.960 shown 00:33:57.960 --> 00:33:58.460 mercy. 00:33:58.840 --> 00:33:59.100 So what 00:33:59.100 --> 00:33:59.300 does it 00:33:59.300 --> 00:33:59.660 mean to 00:33:59.660 --> 00:34:00.400 be Christ-like? 00:34:01.020 --> 00:34:01.320 Well what 00:34:01.320 --> 00:34:02.060 does our 00:34:02.060 --> 00:34:02.660 Savior do? 00:34:02.780 --> 00:34:03.400 He extends 00:34:03.400 --> 00:34:04.380 mercy to 00:34:04.380 --> 00:34:04.820 those that 00:34:04.820 --> 00:34:05.300 don't deserve 00:34:05.300 --> 00:34:05.500 it. 00:34:05.720 --> 00:34:06.060 So what 00:34:06.060 --> 00:34:06.320 do we 00:34:06.320 --> 00:34:06.480 do? 00:34:06.560 --> 00:34:07.180 We extend 00:34:07.180 --> 00:34:08.099 mercy to 00:34:08.099 --> 00:34:08.599 those who 00:34:08.599 --> 00:34:09.160 don't deserve 00:34:09.160 --> 00:34:09.440 it. 00:34:10.539 --> 00:34:10.920 We are to 00:34:10.920 --> 00:34:11.640 be Christ-like. 00:34:15.460 --> 00:34:16.039 This is 00:34:16.039 --> 00:34:16.420 really the 00:34:16.420 --> 00:34:16.880 point of how 00:34:16.880 --> 00:34:17.420 to contend 00:34:17.420 --> 00:34:18.000 and live as 00:34:18.000 --> 00:34:18.519 God's people 00:34:18.519 --> 00:34:19.000 in the last 00:34:19.000 --> 00:34:19.340 days. 00:34:19.980 --> 00:34:20.539 To be 00:34:20.539 --> 00:34:21.400 people marked 00:34:21.400 --> 00:34:21.760 by the 00:34:21.760 --> 00:34:22.119 grace of 00:34:22.119 --> 00:34:22.360 God. 00:34:23.359 --> 00:34:23.839 People who 00:34:23.839 --> 00:34:24.420 cling to 00:34:24.420 --> 00:34:24.960 the gospel 00:34:24.960 --> 00:34:25.900 and grow 00:34:25.900 --> 00:34:26.199 in our 00:34:26.199 --> 00:34:26.759 love and 00:34:26.759 --> 00:34:27.500 obedience 00:34:27.500 --> 00:34:28.519 for Christ 00:34:28.519 --> 00:34:28.920 as we 00:34:28.920 --> 00:34:29.639 await his 00:34:29.639 --> 00:34:30.379 ultimate 00:34:30.379 --> 00:34:32.179 final salvation 00:34:32.179 --> 00:34:32.679 when he will 00:34:32.679 --> 00:34:33.259 come again 00:34:33.259 --> 00:34:33.799 to judge 00:34:33.799 --> 00:34:34.579 the living 00:34:34.579 --> 00:34:35.099 and the 00:34:35.099 --> 00:34:35.400 dead 00:34:35.400 --> 00:34:36.000 where we 00:34:36.000 --> 00:34:36.420 will spend 00:34:36.420 --> 00:34:36.960 eternity 00:34:36.960 --> 00:34:37.619 in glory 00:34:37.619 --> 00:34:38.059 with him 00:34:38.059 --> 00:34:38.279 in the 00:34:38.279 --> 00:34:38.799 new heavens 00:34:38.799 --> 00:34:39.539 and the 00:34:39.539 --> 00:34:40.000 new earth. 00:34:41.659 --> 00:34:42.599 We will 00:34:42.599 --> 00:34:43.099 be marked 00:34:43.099 --> 00:34:43.639 with a 00:34:43.639 --> 00:34:44.199 Trinitarian 00:34:44.199 --> 00:34:46.079 hope in 00:34:46.079 --> 00:34:46.679 this life. 00:34:47.400 --> 00:34:47.799 And we 00:34:47.799 --> 00:34:48.219 see it 00:34:48.219 --> 00:34:48.719 right here 00:34:48.719 --> 00:34:49.839 as we 00:34:49.839 --> 00:34:50.319 pray in 00:34:50.319 --> 00:34:50.679 the Holy 00:34:50.679 --> 00:34:51.199 Spirit, 00:34:51.199 --> 00:34:52.359 keeping 00:34:52.359 --> 00:34:52.819 ourselves 00:34:52.819 --> 00:34:53.139 in the 00:34:53.139 --> 00:34:53.480 love of 00:34:53.480 --> 00:34:53.939 God the 00:34:53.939 --> 00:34:54.319 Father, 00:34:54.319 --> 00:34:56.219 and as we 00:34:56.219 --> 00:34:56.980 await the 00:34:56.980 --> 00:34:57.599 mercy of 00:34:57.599 --> 00:34:58.179 Christ that 00:34:58.179 --> 00:34:58.659 leads to 00:34:58.659 --> 00:34:59.419 eternal life 00:34:59.419 --> 00:35:00.199 as God's 00:35:00.199 --> 00:35:00.539 beloved, 00:35:01.019 --> 00:35:01.960 this is how 00:35:01.960 --> 00:35:02.759 we contend 00:35:02.759 --> 00:35:03.419 for the 00:35:03.419 --> 00:35:03.779 faith, 00:35:04.339 --> 00:35:04.919 faithfully, 00:35:05.480 --> 00:35:06.159 obediently, 00:35:06.399 --> 00:35:06.779 in the 00:35:06.779 --> 00:35:07.460 last days. 00:35:07.460 --> 00:35:09.579 friends. 00:35:09.579 --> 00:35:11.199 This is the 00:35:11.199 --> 00:35:12.099 antidote 00:35:12.099 --> 00:35:13.639 for false 00:35:13.639 --> 00:35:14.059 teaching. 00:35:15.960 --> 00:35:16.840 And it is 00:35:16.840 --> 00:35:18.000 also the 00:35:18.000 --> 00:35:18.659 source for 00:35:18.659 --> 00:35:19.519 spiritual strength 00:35:19.519 --> 00:35:20.599 for us to 00:35:20.599 --> 00:35:21.619 live faithfully 00:35:21.619 --> 00:35:22.740 and patiently 00:35:22.740 --> 00:35:24.059 with gospel 00:35:24.059 --> 00:35:24.720 centered lives. 00:35:25.380 --> 00:35:26.000 Let's pray. 00:35:27.360 --> 00:35:27.940 Heavenly 00:35:27.940 --> 00:35:28.300 Father, 00:35:28.820 --> 00:35:29.639 thank you so 00:35:29.639 --> 00:35:30.539 much for 00:35:30.539 --> 00:35:32.079 these 00:35:32.079 --> 00:35:33.260 reminders 00:35:33.260 --> 00:35:34.480 from Jude. 00:35:34.480 --> 00:35:36.240 Lord, 00:35:36.420 --> 00:35:37.159 we need 00:35:37.159 --> 00:35:37.699 reminding 00:35:37.699 --> 00:35:38.260 because we 00:35:38.260 --> 00:35:38.639 are people 00:35:38.639 --> 00:35:39.199 who forget. 00:35:40.420 --> 00:35:40.860 So help 00:35:40.860 --> 00:35:41.219 us to be 00:35:41.219 --> 00:35:41.639 people that 00:35:41.639 --> 00:35:42.000 remember. 00:35:42.840 --> 00:35:43.240 Help us to 00:35:43.240 --> 00:35:43.740 be people that 00:35:43.740 --> 00:35:44.199 come to your 00:35:44.199 --> 00:35:45.380 word often 00:35:45.380 --> 00:35:46.519 and always. 00:35:47.199 --> 00:35:47.800 Help us to 00:35:47.800 --> 00:35:48.320 never think we 00:35:48.320 --> 00:35:48.840 are above 00:35:48.840 --> 00:35:49.400 your word. 00:35:50.039 --> 00:35:50.440 Help us to 00:35:50.440 --> 00:35:50.960 never think 00:35:50.960 --> 00:35:51.920 that your 00:35:51.920 --> 00:35:52.340 word, 00:35:52.460 --> 00:35:52.940 your gospel 00:35:52.940 --> 00:35:53.360 is old 00:35:53.360 --> 00:35:53.740 hat. 00:35:54.900 --> 00:35:55.179 Instead, 00:35:55.340 --> 00:35:55.840 help us to 00:35:55.840 --> 00:35:56.740 live faithfully, 00:35:56.880 --> 00:35:57.400 contending for 00:35:57.400 --> 00:35:58.820 the faith in 00:35:58.820 --> 00:35:59.240 these last 00:35:59.240 --> 00:35:59.460 days. 00:35:59.559 --> 00:35:59.940 Whether they 00:35:59.940 --> 00:36:00.420 come in our 00:36:00.420 --> 00:36:01.039 generation or 00:36:01.039 --> 00:36:01.280 not, 00:36:01.380 --> 00:36:01.500 Lord, 00:36:01.579 --> 00:36:02.059 let us 00:36:02.059 --> 00:36:04.380 live knowing 00:36:04.380 --> 00:36:04.840 who we 00:36:04.840 --> 00:36:05.300 are in 00:36:05.300 --> 00:36:06.360 you and 00:36:06.360 --> 00:36:07.079 living by 00:36:07.079 --> 00:36:07.720 your strength 00:36:07.720 --> 00:36:08.500 with urgency 00:36:08.500 --> 00:36:09.079 in this 00:36:09.079 --> 00:36:09.380 life. 00:36:10.079 --> 00:36:10.460 We pray 00:36:10.460 --> 00:36:10.820 this in 00:36:10.820 --> 00:36:11.200 Christ's 00:36:11.200 --> 00:36:11.360 name. 00:36:12.059 --> 00:36:12.340 Amen.