May 31, 2024
READ: Jude 1 (Focus vs.17-23)
MEMORY VERSE
“Be merciful to those who doubt.” Jude 1:22
BACKGROUND
The invitation for dinner from my church leader Harold and his wife, Pam, warmed my heart, but also made me nervous. I’d joined a college Bible study group that taught ideas that contradicted some of the teachings in the Bible. Would they lecture me about that?
Over pizza, they shared about their family and asked about mine. They listened as I talked about homework, my dog Buchi, and the guy I had a crush on. Only later did they gently caution me about the group I was attending and explain what was wrong with its teachings.
Their warning took me away from the lies presented in the Bible study and close to the truths of Scripture. In his letter, Jude uses strong language about false teachers, urging believers to “contend for the faith” (Jude 1:3).
He reminded them that “in the last times there will be scoffers . . . who divide you . . . and do not have the Spirit” (vv. 18-19). However, Jude also calls on believers to “be merciful to those who doubt” (v. 22) by coming alongside them, showing compassion without compromising the truth.
Harold and Pam knew I wasn’t firmly grounded in my faith, but instead of judging me, they first offered their friendship and then their wisdom. May God give us this same love and patience, using wisdom and compassion as we interact with those who have doubts.
By: Karen Huang
INSIGHT
Jude’s original intent in writing his letter was to teach about the truth of the gospel. However, he felt compelled to shift that purpose to addressing false teachers.
He says, “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (v. 3).
He goes on to say that those teachers “pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord” (v. 4).
He made further accusations in verses 8 and 12 but closed by encouraging the children of God to remain faithful (vv. 17-23) and assured them of God’s help: “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy” (v. 24).
By: Bill Crowder
APPLICATION
Who can you reach who’s struggling with their faith? How can you lovingly guide them to the truths of Scripture?
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“…believers (are) to “be merciful to those who doubt” by coming alongside them, showing compassion without compromising the truth.”
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
Doubt is not the absence of Faith. It is the search engine finding Faith. pr
PRAYER
“Father, I need Your wisdom and guidance to help those who are being affected by false teaching. Please give me the words to say.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“PASSIN’ THE FAITH ALONG” The Gaither Vocal Band
Passin’ the faith along to my brother
Passin’ the faith along
Helping to build the faith of another
Passin’ the faith along
Sharing a word of hope with my brother
Helping to make him strong
Passin’ the faith along to my brother
Passin’ the faith along
Passin’ the faith along to my brother
The runner of a relay, finds in his baton
Purpose for the running and strength to carry on
We hold within our grasp the faith that makes us strong
And like the relay runner, we seek to pass it on
Passin’ the faith along to my brother…
Helping to build the faith of another…
Countless generation of saints have come and gone
A spark ignites as an ember fades
And the flames continues on
A challenge to the young, and assurance for the old
The flames burns ever brighter each time our story’s told
Passin’ the faith along to my brother…
Passing the faith along
Helping to build the faith of another
Passing the faith along
Sharing a word of hope with my brother
Helping to make him strong…
Passin’ the faith along!…
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
PSALMS 128
