“ Summary, Part 1 ” II. JUDE’S CONCERN FOR HIS CHRISTIAN READERS (vv. 3-4). C. JUDE’S CONCERN FOR HIS READERS LED HIM TO IDENTIFY DANGEROUS APOSTATES THAT HAD ENTERED THE CHURCH (V. 4) [starting at 4:18 of the audio]. 1. CONSIDER THEIR PERSONS. a. JUDE’S REFERENCE TO THEM AS “CERTAIN PERSONS” UNDERSCORES THE AGGRAVATION OF THEIR SIN. He didn’t name names here. They weren’t demons, they were men. They were to be their brothers’ keepers, not their injurers. b. JUDE’S REFERENCE TO THEM AS “CERTAIN PERSONS” EMPHASIZES THEIR DANGER TO CHRISTIANS. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They won’t announce what they really are. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS [9:30]. 1. Sin has made man a harmful creature. Man has become his own enemy. Sin makes us brutes. 2. We should not be content to be mere men, but godly men. Our greatest aim for success is to be successful Christians. That is our calling. 3. We should beware those who are but natural men and not spiritual men. Ministry does not make a minister. Seminary education, eloquence, and skill can actually enhance one’s ability to do harm. 4. Satan delights to use men to carry on his evil work among men. Ultimately, they are of their father, the Devil.
“ Summary, Part 3 ” B. JUDE’S CONCERN FOR HIS READERS LED HIM TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT OF HIS LETTER (v. 3) [27:00]. 1. HE FELT KEENLY HIS PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS ANOTHER MATTER. He could not do otherwise and remain true to Jesus Christ, his brethren, and his readers. 2. HE WAS COMPELLED TO EXHORT HIS READERS TO CONTEND FOR THE CHRISTIAN FAITH [30:14]. “Which was once for all delivered to the saints.” a. CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH INVOLVES A DETERMINED, STRENUOUS CONFLICT. See 1 Tim 6:12, 4:7. The Greek word for contend means to agonize, to fight. 1) This conflict will be arduous. 2) This conflict will be continuous. You engage yourself in it. 3) This conflict will become very severe. Many of our fighters become martyrs, as have many who did nothing more than stand in the faith. 4) This conflict should be universal. It is to be engaged by all Christians.
“ Summary, Part 2 ” a. HE EMPHASIZES THE SAMENESS OF SALVATION FOR ALL CHRISTIANS: ‘OUR COMMON SALVATION’. Salvation is in the one sense uncommonly wonderful, but all who receive it receive the same salvation; we have the same Father, bear the same Holy Spirit, grow in grace, and continue to glory. b. HE IMPLIES THE IMPORTANCE OF TEACHING THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION FOR ALL CHRISTIANS. We always need to be reminded of the wonders of our salvation (cf. 2 Pet 1:12-15). APPLICATIONS [22:08]: 1. Understand how important it is for you to thoroughly understand the doctrines of Scripture, especially the doctrine of salvation. Many Christians’ understanding of the gospel is actually their Achilles’ heel. Doctrine doesn’t divide: truth unites, error divides. 2. Therefore do not disdain, but instead appreciate the re-emphasis of crucial truths you receive from this pulpit. If Jude and Peter needed to repeat the truth of the gospel to their people, what makes us any different? Yes, some learn a biblical, exegetic message because it hits hard, but it should. And a Christian understands that and is grateful for it.
“ Summary, Part 1 ” II. JUDE’S CONCERN FOR HIS CHRISTIAN READERS (vv. 3-4) A. JUDE WAS CONCERNED FOR HIS READERS’ WELFARE (v. 3) [starting at 3:58 of the audio]. 1. HIS CONCERN IS EVIDENT IN HIS AFFECTIONATE ADDRESS: ‘BELOVED’. Love is a characteristic grace of Christians for each other. APPLICATIONS [6:24]: 1. TO ALL CHRISTIANS: our hearts should beat with a special love for those who are specially loved by God; they are our blood-bought brothers and sisters; they are one with us in Christ. Do you regard your brethren as dear to your heart? If not, why not? This sort of love is visible; it cannot be hidden. If strangers were to see you interact with your brethren, what would they conclude? 2. TO PASTORS/ELDERS [10:28]: true shepherds like Jude love their sheep. ‘Beloved’ is not a meaningless title. It is a commitment to do spiritual good for a brother or sister, even at great cost. 2 Tim 4:2, Titus 1:9 – a disposition of love is what enables the shepherd to say hard truths to his flock. 2. HIS CONCERN IS EVIDENT IN THE CHOICE OF HIS ORIGINAL SUBJECT MATTER FOR A LETTER [15:12].
“ Summary, Part 3 (final) ” 4. THEY ARE BLESSED ONES [48:22]. a. THE NATURE OF THEIR BLESSINGS. 1) With mercy. His mercy, compassion, and sympathy for His people. It is always available to us. 2) With peace. Christ is our peace. 3) With love. We love God because He first loved us. b. THE EXTENT OF THEIR BLESSINGS [53:30]. “May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you” (Jude 2). Not added, but multiplied. CONCLUDING APPLICATIONS [54:53]. 1. Christian, since you are called, beloved, and kept by God, how grateful, hopeful, and holy you should be in all your thoughts, speech, and behavior. We ought to be grateful no matter what we face. Nothing will separate us from Him, and eternal glory is the end. 2. Christian, God multiplies His blessings of mercy, peace, and love to you so that you may be adequately equipped to stand resolutely and courageously against the apostasy that undermines the church of Jesus Christ. These blessings are spiritual necessities: mercy for temptation, peace for conviction, and love for tribulation. 3. Dear non-Christian, there is hope for you from the God who calls, loves, keeps, and blesses His people. It is found in the gospel of His Son.
“ Summary, Part 2 ” 4. LESSONS WE CAN TAKE FROM THIS: a. we are likewise bondservants, b. our servant status to Him is greater than all our other relations on earth, c. we are to assemble with orthodox brethren. B. THE READERS: TO WHOM DID JUDE WRITE? [28:20]. Generally, the church at large. But specifically, his Old Testament references suggest that he had Jewish Christians in view. 1. THEIR VOCATION: THEY ARE “THE CALLED” [30:45]. Though irresistible for the elect, the call is resisted by the unelect. 2. THEIR AFFECTION: THEY ARE “BELOVED IN GOD THE FATHER” [39:06]. Jer 31:3 – the cause of God’s election before time and the effect of His calling in time. It has no end. He loves His believers as much as He loves His Song (Jn 17:22). 1 Jn 3:1 – this love led to our adoption into His family. Perhaps most surprisingly, consider what we are that God loves us this much. 3. THEIR PRESERVATION: THEY ARE “KEPT FOR JESUS CHRIST” [44:30]. He keeps us for the sake of His Son (Jn 10:28-29, 17:11-12).
“ Summary, Part 1 ” As early as Paul’s age, the threat of false doctrine was real. I. THE WRITER AND HIS READERS [starting at 7:31 of the audio]. A. THE WRITER HIMSELF: WHO IS JUDE? 1. HIS NAME: ‘JUDE’. Jude is the English variant for the Hebrew ‘Judas’. Aside from Iscariot, there are five other men named Judas in the New Testament. The author of this book is most likely the brother of James (Mk 15:40). But who is James? There are five men named James in the New Testament. The one in view is most likely the one mentioned in Mk 13:55: Jesus’ half-brother. 2. HIS OFFICE: HE IS “A BONDSERVANT OF CHRIST” [16:07]. A bondservant is one who does the will of his master. Jude did so in three ways: as one sustained by grace in all his needs, as a redeemed sinner, and as a servant to the church, including his contribution to the canon. Also note his humility: he never gloried in his biological relation to the Lord, but instead in his spiritual standing because of Him. 3. HIS RELATION: HE IS THE “BROTHER OF JAMES” [21:04]. He holds to the same doctrine as his brother, and to not get himself confused with other Judases, especially Iscariot.
“ Summary, Part 4 (final) ” III. THE RELIGIOUS AND PRACTICAL IMPORTANCE OF DIVINE INCORPOREALITY [47:09]. A. GOD’S INCORPOREALITY CONDEMNS ALL IDOLATRY. God and the things of Heaven are spirit; any image of them ought to bring holy offense. B. GOD’S INCORPOREALITY DISPLAYS THE INFINITE DIGNITY OF JESUS CHRIST. Col 2:9 – “For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” C. GOD’S INCORPOREALITY CALLS US TO IMITATE CHRIST’S HUMILITY. He came as a servant (Phil 2:8). D. GOD’S INCORPOREALITY SUMMONS US TO A LIFE OF HOPE AND HOLINESS. David and Job drew great comfort from this hope. This hope is purifying. E. GOD’S INCORPOREALITY COMPELS OUR ADORATION AND WORSHIP.
“ Summary, Part 3 ” II. THE PROFOUND DISPLAY OF DIVINE INCORPOREALITY: DIVINE APPEARANCES [34:19]. At times, God has revealed a bit of His glory. A. BEHOLD THE DIVINE APPEARANCES IN THEOPHANIES, VISIONS, AND DREAMS [35:23]. 1. THE DIVINE APPEARANCES IN THEOPHANIES. Gen 32:30; Ex 24:10-11, 33:20, 23; Num 12:8; and Judg 13:22-23 are examples of God’s great condescensions to us. 2. DIVINE APPEARANCES IN PROPHETIC DREAMS AND VISIONS [38:30]. Gen 28:12, 13, 16, 17; 1 Ki 22:19; Is 6:1, 2, 5; Acts 7:56; and Rev 4:2 all show that God reveals His majesty in small doses so that man can endure the experience. B. BEHOLD THE DIVINE APPEARANCE IN THE INCARNATION [41:09]. Phil 2:6-7 – Though He emptied Himself of His divine privileges (not His divinity), God incarnate was veiled in human flesh. It was an addition to His substance. C. BEHOLD THE DIVINE APPEARANCE IN HEAVEN AND ETERNITY [45:03]. Job 19:26; Ps 17:15; Mt 5:8; 1 Cor 13:12; Heb 12:14; 1 Jn 3:2; Rev 22:4 all state the promise of the elect to one day see God.
“ Summary, Part 2 ” 4. GOD IS IMPASSIBLE [15:34]. Though the Son suffered greatly in His Passion, the Father is without passions, or intense human feelings. a. God is without ‘passions’ in the sense that He is invulnerable to bodily suffering (Acts 1:13, 1 Cor 12:26, Heb 2:18, 1 Pet 5:10). Patripassianism, the idea the Father suffered at the crucifixion, has been declared a heresy. b. God is without ‘passions’ in the sense that He does not have human or carnal emotions (Acts 14:15, Jas 5:17). When our passions are strong, we cannot pray. But emotion does have strong spiritual and physical dimensions. c. God is without ‘passions’ in the sense that He is without bodily appetites, which are defined as “instinctive desires necessary for preservation of life.” 5. GOD IS IMMORTAL [22:49]. ‘Immortality’ means without death or corruption. God never disintegrates or decays. See 1 Tim 6:16; Rom 1:23; 1 Cor 15:52, 53-54; 1 Pet 1:4, 23, 3:4. God alone is absolutely immortal: immortal from the beginning. The resurrection saints’ immortality is derived. B. THE INFINITE MAJESTY OF DIVINE INCORPOREALITY: ‘WHO DWELLS IN UNAPPROACHABLE LIGHT’ [26:46]. Even before the creation, His majesty was present. God dwells (1 Ki 8:30), He dwells in light (Ps 104:1-2), and that light is unapproachable (Ex 33:20).
“ Summary, Part 1 ” [Pastor Nutter credits his former professor, Pastor Greg Nichols of Grace Immanuel Reformed Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan for the outline of this message, which can be found in Pastor Nichols’ book, *What does the Bible say about God?: The Biblical doctrine of God*.] [Starting at 1:27 of the audio] I. THE BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF DIVINE INCORPOREALITY is also known as the Majestic Form of God. 1 Tim 6:16 and the 1689 London Baptist Confession II.1 tell us that God is immortal and without substance. Rev 22:4 says that the elect will see the display of God’s form in Heaven. A. THE UNFATHOMABLE MYSTERY OF DIVINE INCORPOREALITY [7:55]. Most of what we know about God’s form is stated negatively: what He is not. 1. GOD IS INVISIBLE [9:42]. Ex 33:20; Jn 1:18, 6:46; 1 Tim 1:17; 1 Jn 4:12, 20 all speak of God’s invisibility. Rom 1:20 says that we can only see the effects, but not the cause. By contrast, Col 1:15 affirms Christ’s visible image. 2. GOD IS IMMATERIAL OR NON-MATERIAL [12:07]. Lk 24:37-39, Is 31:3, Deut 4:12, 16 contrast the flesh and spirit. 3. GOD IS INDIVISIBLE [14:43]. The Confession and Lk 24:39 confirm that God cannot be dissected; He is irreducible.
“ Summary, Part 4 (final) ” TWO CHIEF LESSONS [45:35]: 1. Non-Christian friend: since Christ has saved the chief of sinners, He will also save you if you believe upon Him for eternal life. 2. Christian brethren: God has saved you so that you may be a pattern of His saving grace to others. a. Christ chose you to make you a living sketch to lost sinners of His mercy and patience. Our lives should be attractive lights in the darkness. b. Christ can save those whom you believe to be beyond His mercy and patience. John Newton: “I have never doubted the power of God to convert the heathen world since He converted me.”
“ Summary, Part 3 ” III. PAUL IS THE PATTERN OF A GREAT SINNER WHO RELISHED GOD’S MERCY AND PATIENCE AFTER HE WAS SAVED [33:00]. The chief of sinners became the chief of saints. Note his increasing humility over time: in AD 55, he called himself the least of the apostles (1 Cor 15:9). In AD 60, he called himself the least of all the saints (Eph 3:8). In AD 62, he called himself the chief of sinners (1 Tim 1:15). Further, he never believed that he had arrived as a Christian. To the end, he desired to grow. Phil 3:10-14: Paul never stopped striving for the prize that Christ had already given him. LESSON: if Christ continued the work of His mercy and patience in Paul, then we may be sure that we need His continued mercy and patience ourselves. IV. PAUL IS THE PATTERN OF A GREAT SINNER WHO NOW CALLS OTHER SINNERS TO BELIEVE IN CHRIST TO BE SAVED [40:52]. The great message of our source text is found in verse 16. The Greek word for “example” conveys the idea of a sketch as a rough draft. Paul didn't just preach the Gospel, he embodied it. LESSON: Christ saves believers not just so that He may give them eternal life, but that He may make them a living sketch of His mercy and patience to great sinners.
“ Summary, Part 2 ” A. PAUL IS A PATTERN OF GOD’S SOVEREIGN ELECTION [18:21]. Acts 9:15: Paul was chosen. No one at the time could have expected that, let alone that he would become our most prolific apostle. Acts 7:60-8:1: God answered Stephen’s dying prayer. Deut 7:7-8: God chooses whom He loves. Rom 9:22-23: God makes vessels of destruction to show His patience. LESSON: if God chose the chief of sinners, there is surely hope for any here that may be despairing of salvation. B. PAUL IS A PATTERN OF GOD’S EFFECTUAL CALLING [24:57]. Ps 65:4: a blessed promise for the elect. 2 Tim 1:9: if works saved us, no one would be called. LESSON: if God spoke new life to the chief of sinners, why would you think that you are beyond the sound of His life-giving voice? C. PAUL IS A PATTER OF GOD’S JUSTIFYING GRACE [28:32]. Phil 3:4-9: despite Paul’s great lineage, he was as much in need of the saving mercy of Jesus Christ as everyone else. LESSON: if God is able to turn the chief of sinners away from trusting his own righteousness to trust the righteousness of Christ for acceptance with God, surely He will give the righteousness of His Son to any who believe upon Him alone.
“ Summary, Part 1 ” In 1 Tim 3:15-17, we see three reasons why Christ saved Paul: his delivery from the power of sin (v. 15), God’s glory (v. 17), and to show Christ’s mercy for sinners (v. 16). I. PAUL IS THE PATTERN OF A GREAT SINNER WHO TESTED GOD’S MERCY AND PATIENCE BEFORE HE WAS SAVED [starting at 6:17 of the audio]. A. PAUL TESTED GOD’S MERCY AND PATIENCE AS A BITTER ENEMY OF GOD. He did not speak God’s name to glorify Him. He once couldn't bear to hear the name of Jesus Christ. B. PAUL TESTED GOD’S MERCY AND PATIENCE AS A MURDEROUS ENEMY OF GOD’S PEOPLE [9:31]. If you hate God, you will hate His living embodiment on earth: His people. Titus 3:3: Paul describes his unsaved self. He is proof that God’s grace is greater than our sin. LESSON: God’s mercy bore with Saul when divine justice called out for punishment. We should cry for mercy, not justice. II. PAUL IS THE PATTERN OF A GREAT SINNER WHO EXPERIENCED GOD’S MERCY AND PATIENCE WHEN HE WAS SAVED [16:39]. Paul wasn't looking for God’s mercy when he was on the road to Damascus; mercy was seeking him.
“ Summary, Part 4 (final) ” 2. IT ENCOURAGES US TO CONFIDENTLY EXPECT ETERNAL BLESSINGS (Heb 6:17, 18) [35:49]. God swears by Himself because there is nothing greater. How can an unchanging God not keep His promises? “How Fine a Foundation” sings of the certainty of the Lord. When we waver, it is we who are changing, not God. 3. IT CERTIFIES THAT HE WILL ALWAYS DO US GOOD AND PRESERVE US (Jas 1:16-18) [41:24]. The Father of lights will never lead us into darkness. He will finish the work He began in each of us, and He is with us every step of the way. E. THE PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF HIS IMMUTABILITY AS MEDIATOR [45:30]. 1. IT WARNS US TO NEVER DEPART FROM CHRISTIANITY (Heb 1:10-12, 2:1). It is the only true religion because Christ is the only mediator between God and men. 2. IT WARNS US TO AVOID NOVEL DOCTRINES ABOUT CHRIST (Heb 13:8) [48:23]. Religious novelty has always been a threat to the faith, even when it was new. Men think they have to have something new and different and always shipwreck themselves on the rocks of heresy. They do not rest on the rock of salvation and in the light of truth. Paul was encouraged by the Bereans, who checked his teachings with the Scriptures. This may not build large churches, but it will build true Christians.
“ Summary, Part 3 ” C. THE PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF HIS IMMUTABILITY AS CREATOR [24:29]. 1. IT CALLS US TO PLACE OUR TRUST IN OUR CREATOR, RATHER THAN IN HIS CREATION (Ps 102:25-27). All that we own wears out, just like all of creation. But God is unchanging and endures forever. We are only pilgrims here passing through. It is foolish for us to give our hearts to the passing things of this passing world and not to the eternal God. Who sits on the throne of our hearts? 2. IT CALLS US TO NEVER THINK THAT HE HAS FORGOTTEN OUR PROBLEMS (Is 40:27-28) [28:34]. ‘Immutable’ doesn’t mean ‘careless’. His understanding is infinite and inscrutable. Our way is not hidden from Him or unknown to Him. When has He ever let us down? If we think He has, then our thinking is skewed. D. THE PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF HIS IMMUTABILITY AS REDEEMER [31:42]. 1. IT ASSURES US THAT HE WILL NEVER TURN AGAINST US (Mal 3:6). As seen earlier, He doesn’t consume His people. He whom He chastens He loves, but never consumes. He will never deny us; He sacrificed His own Son to save us. “Jesus, My Great High Priest” sings of Christ our advocate.
“ Summary, Part 2 ” 2. IT SHOWS THE FUTILITY OF TRYING TO DEFEAT GOD’S WORD (1 Sam 15:29) [14:29]. Saul tried to change God’s mind, but it was made up. His will is always done, and happy is the Christian who resigns himself to this. 3. IT CALLS US TO SUBMIT TO HIS DECISIONS ABOUT OUR LIVES (Job 23:13, 14) [16:12]. God does in time what He decreed in eternity. Let us take His sovereign, gracious hand that leads us. When we guide our own steps with our own plans, we “kick against the pricks”. Happy Christians embrace the twists and turns that they could have planned or foreseen. They can say, “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” 4. IT CALLS US TO SET OUR HOPE ON WHAT HE PROMISES TO DO (Ps 33:12) [21:44]. His promises are certain. They prompt us to strive and pray for their fulfillment. 5. IT TEACHES US TO COMMIT OUR PLANS AND CAUSE TO HIM (Pr 19:210 [23:34]. The counsel of the Lord will stand. We should make plans, but commit them to the Lord knowing that His righteousness will prevail.
“ Summary, Part 1 ” [Pastor Nutter credits his former professor, Pastor Greg Nichols of Grace Immanuel Reformed Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan for the outline of this message, which can be found in Pastor Nichols’ book, *What does the Bible say about God?: The Biblical doctrine of God*.] Mal 3:6 is the most pointed statement in the Bible regarding God’s immutability. We move on to Part III. THE PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF GOD’S IMMUTABILITY [starting at 4:56 of the audio]. God tells us about Himself not just to fill our minds, but help us love Him more. A. THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF HIS ABSOLUTE IMMUTABILITY [6:12]. God’s immutability is a bedrock of our faith. The hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness” praises a faithfully unchanging God. The church will be kept no matter the attacks on it. “Zion Stands by Hills Surrounded” sings of God’s unchangeable compassion and love for His people. We were loved before the creation. B. THE PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF HIS IMMUTABILITY AS SOVEREIGN [11:04]. 1. IT SHOWS THE FUTILITY OF TRYING TO RUIN GOD’S PEOPLE (Num 23:19). Balaam couldn’t curse God’s people even when he tried; only blessings came out of his mouth. “The Church’s One Foundation” sings of the church for which Christ died. Enemies can kill our bodies, but they can’t kill our souls.
“ Summary, Part 4 (final) ” THREE SOBER CONCLUSIONS ABOUT THE WONDERFUL ANNOUNCEMENT OF IMMANUEL [52:15]: 1. Since Immanuel has been given to us, all who have not embraced Him as Lord and Savior are without hope and thus without God in this world. 2. Since Immanuel was born exactly as prophesied, we may be assured that the zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish all the future prophecies of Christ. He is coming again, this time for judgment. Ahaz and Judah weren’t ready for their siege. Are we? 3. Since the zeal of the Lord of Hosts has accomplished the sending of Immanuel, we may be certain that the God who is with us is also for us.
2/9/15 5:08 AM
