Quote from Forum Archives on June 4, 2002, 12:24 pm

Posted by: jnthrower <jnthrower@...>

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

THE BOOK OF JUDE

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE APOSTATE--OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

JUDE 16-21

Introduction

Verses 14-15--Jesus is Coming.  The only cure for apostasy is judgment.  The best that can be said of the apostate is--They are ungodly.

I. APOSTATES ARE MURMURERS AND COMPLAINERS.

A. Murmurers -- means "grumblers."

To make low, unintelligible sounds in the throat. To mutter in discontent. To complain in a bad-tempered manner.

1. Matthew 20:11-12 "We're not being treated fairly."

2. Luke 5:27- "Why are you doing that?"

3. John 6:30-43 "You don't know what you're talking about."

4. 1 Corinthians 10:10--Refers to the time when Israel got the evil report.

Numbers 14:2-3--And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.

B. Complainers -- means blaming fate, that is, discontented. Inclined to find fault; fretful. Characterized by complaining.

They do not have the peace of God in their hearts; therefore, they are not content with their lot in life. They are often dissatisfied with their: position-- recognition and honor-- trials, sufferings, and hardship.

There is just a general dissatisfaction with life; therefore, they often murmur and grumble. They do not look to Christ to guide and help them through life. Consequently they have to plough through life all alone without the hand of God to look after them.

II. APOSTATES WALK AFTER THEIR OWN LUSTS AND DESIRES.

They live after the flesh, in the lusts of the flesh. They ignore the spirit and follow the passions of the flesh. They indulge and gratify the flesh. They teach their false doctrine for personal gain.

They desire...

· to live like they want.

· to do away with godly restraints and demands.

· to gain recognition and honor and a following.

· to gain a livelihood and security.

Galatians 5:16-26

III. APOSTATES SPEAK GREAT SWELLING WORDS IN ORDER TO SECURE GAIN FOR THEMSELVES.

"Great Swelling"-- Means "Bulging."

Seeking the admiration of men, rather than God in order to secure an advantage over others. (Seeing how many we can get on our side so we can have the majority)

IV. GUIDELINES FOR AVOIDING APOSTASY. (VS 17-23)

A. Remember The Teaching Of The Apostles. (Vs 17-19)

1. Acts 20:29-30

2. 1 Timothy 4:1

3. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

4. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

5. 2 Peter 2:1-3; 3:3-4

B. Nurture Yourselves In The Things Of The Lord. (Vs 20-21)

1. Building Up Yourselves On Your Most Holy Faith.

Romans 10:17--Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

2 Peter 3:18-- "But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

2. Praying In The Holy Ghost.

That is, praying out of hearts that are indwelt, filled, and illuminated by the Holy Spirit.

It is praying in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 6:18-- "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."

3. Keeping Yourselves In The Love Of God.

This does not indicate that salvation depends on one's own efforts, for that would contradict other Scripture passages. (Vs 24)

Instead, a believer is nurtured as he is occupied with God's love for Him and is in fellowship with Him.

John 15:9-10--As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

4. Looking For The Return Of The Lord.

"Looking" means "looking expectantly."

The Rapture will be the consummating evidence of His mercy bringing us to our eternal home in God's own presence.

Titus 2:13-- "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."

Conclusion

Are you building up your faith?

Are you praying in the Holy Spirit?

Are you keeping yourself in God's love?

Are you looking expectantly for the return of the Lord?

If not, you are subject to being moved away from the faith by those who are apostate.