JUDE STARTED TO WRITE A GOSPEL, BUT INSTEAD WROTE A BATTLE CRY, & BALM FOR CHRISTIAN WARIOURS

1. There are some sweet passages in his little book, but also some very sharp, vicious words
2. Today we see some contending over personalities while ignoring Satan's worst Imps.
3. We need more spiritual development, how to have it? Bible Study, Spiritual Prayer, Fight for Victory where needed, and forgive our brothers where that is needed.

I.- NOTE THE DIFFERENCE IN CONTENDING & CONTENTIOUS

If you wish a good Greek word study, dig up Contend, Contending, and Contentious

A.- JUDE WROTE URGING THAT WE EARNESTLY CONTEND FOR THE FAITH WHICH WAS ONCE FOR ALL DELIVERED! v.3

1. The threat to the purity of the Gospel by v.4- Men who denied the Lord & His grace.-
2. Jude told how Michael the archangel contended with Satan- short, sharp-Final.-no arguing
3. If Satan can get you arguing- you can be right in doctrine & wrong in attitude

B.- THE APOSTLES FACED DIFFERENCE OF OPINIONS AND HAD STRONG WORDS ABOUT IT

1. Acts 11:2 -Peter won Cornelius, a Gentile, to Christ- then had to face Judaizers-Circumcision
2. III John 7 Praises Gailus for taking nothing from the Gentles- Jews still clanish in 90 AD
3. But Paul took up a collection from the Gentiles- Rom 15:27 & scolded Peter-Gal 2:11 for Hypocrisy

C. PAUL PREACHED THE GOSPEL WITH CONTENTION BUT AGAINST CONTENTIOUSNESS, & WE ARE TOO

1. I Thess 2:2 he preached with contention & then rejoiced when Christ was preached- Phil 1:16
2. But in what place a woman should hold he forbad contentions- I Cor 11:16-
3. He warned Titus to avoid any who would contend over words & questions-Titus 3:9

When we grow contentious over words & fail to stand against perversion- we do err greatly

II.- BUT WE MUST CONTEND FOR THE FAITH Jude 3

God counts on us doing His work, and His fighting too; if we fail- our church dies,

A. SOFT WORDS AND KIND THOUGHTS WILL NOT DEFEAT THE APOSTATES DESCRIBED IN JUDE 8-10

1. Note, v.8 active today.- note footnote on v.11- Way of Cain, error of Balaam, gainsay Core-
2. The early church was so permissive they were in the church- v.12,13- at communion service
3. These last day creatures were corrupt v.16-19, because they did not have the spirit 19b

B.- UNLESS WE ARE WILLING TO IHROW THE RASCALS OUT, WE WILL LOSE OUR FREEDOM OF THE GOSPEL!

1. Negros are welcome in our service- but Black Panthers who reach the pulpit will be stopped
2. Jesus Freaks or God Squad are welcome- but any filthy word crowd will be silenced by fat lips
3. The sick, feeble minded, will be ministered to- but mockers thrown out

C.- BUT IN OUR BATTLE WE MUST REMEMBER WHY IT IS TO KEEP OURSELVES FREE TO STAND IN FAIIH

1. Our church is Orthodox,-Solid Doctrines of The Word- as old line denominations say in print
2. Our church is, Fundamental-Conservative Old Truths never change- Inspiration, Salvation-v.3
3. Our Church is Baptistic- Distinctives-Priesthood, N.T. Church, Immersion., Separation, Communion, New Birth

But in our Standing for Jesus- it is He That keeps us from Falling!

III.- BE SURE YOU ARE KEPT BY HIS POWER - Jude 20-25

Jude does not leave out the positive aspect of Christianity -note carefully-

A- THE BELIEVER MUST KEEP HIMSELF IN IHE LOVE OF GOD - & GOD WILL HELP HIM - 20-21

1. Intellectual life- "Building up" -only in spiritual growth can we keep our faith -enlarge it
2. Emotional life- "Praying in Holy Ghost"- no other writer uses This expression-let Him lead
3. Practical life- "Keep in The love of God"-right relations To God-Obedience because of Love
4. Imaginative life "looking for mercy" - our hope is Eternal life - in His mercy live daily in it

B.- THE BELIEVER AND THOSE WHO ARE LOST AND NEED TO BE SAVED v. 22, 23

1. The honest doubter- needs compassion- love, Tender attention & instruction,- love to Christ!
2. The Scoffer- 23a -save with fear, use the sword of Word- Spirit- conviction- carefully
3. The Sensualist- 23b -hating the garments -some wallow in sin- care lest they spot you-

C.- AND PRAISE GOD, THE BELIEVER IS KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD! Jude 24,25

1. The greatest doxology in all scripture- Unto Him- Note how strong He is- All for you
2. His purpose-To keep you from falling, If you walk with His hand in yours- no danger of apostacy
3. Present you faultless- This is a part of Predestination- all yours if you trust him

Because of this- We can contend for the faith-full of grace & truth

Are you prepared for the Battle of 1972 - contending & kept?
Today's world is full of apostacy - know yourself that you are saved!
God needs soldiers - battle for men's minds - are you equipped?  Volunteer!