Jude 22-23 – Making A Difference – Bible study

Jude 22-23 Making A Difference The book of Jude is a small book, only a single chapter long. The majority of those verses is directed toward false teachers-recognizing them, resisting them, isolating them-but these two verses are geared toward winning them, or at least winning the lost in general. These two verses burn at me. Several times over the last year I have tried to preach from this text but could not find the message. I do not know that I have the appropriate message tonight, but I feel that I should read these verses to you if nothing else. For a few moments, lets notice them. I. These two verses describe how to win others. A. From the context, I cannot tell for certain if these are how we are to deal with false teachers or sinners in general. However, it seems to me that they are the only ways to deal with anyone who is unsaved. 1. \#22\ We can deal with them carefully and compassionately. a. I am adding that word CAREFULLY into the thought because I believe it is implied. b. Every sinner must be dealt with compassionately, but you will see a contrast in the next verse and I believe the thought here is CAREFULLY, maybe even SLOWLY. c. With some you just have to be patient. d. Ultimatums, harsh wording, fiery presentations are likely to drive them the wrong direction. e. And yet, even with this method, we have to be forceful enough to make certain they know the whole truth. 2. \#23\ Others must be dealt with in a more urgent, forceful manner. a. Jude compares this method of witnessing to trying to rescue someone from a burning flame. (1) In those situation, one does not knock on the door. They kick it down. (2) Neither does one ask another if they would like to go with them. They command them to come on. b. Sooner or later, every delaying and refusing sinner must be dealt with in this manner. (1) When years of pleading have not availed and time begins to run out, then another approach may be warranted. (2) I try never to witness to a person so as to close the door to the next seed planter that may follow, but there have been a few occasions when I felt the door was already closed and so decided to push as hard as I felt the liberty. B. Now, if there is another method of sharing the gospel than these two, I do not know what it might be. 1. We can present the gospel carefully and compassionately. 2. We can present the gospel urgently and forcibly. II. Some thoughts: A. I notice that no matter how we present the gospel, all are in the fire. 1. This is a rescue of the soul that is danger. Nothing mitigates that. 2. Some do not see the danger they are in. That is irrelevant. 3. Some do not want to think about eternal things. They must. 4. Some do not believe. They must be convinced. 5. Every lost soul is in the fire and has only moments before it is everlastingly too late. 6. On the 27th January, 1903, fire broke out in a London lunatic asylum. Of the 300 inmates, 50 perished and 250 had to be literally pulled out of the fire. While the work of rescue was going on, these poor insane creatures behaved in such a way as to remind us very forcibly of how insane sinners behave when their salvation is earnestly sought after by others. a. It was reported that "some laughed at the mention of the fire." They could not comprehend they were in danger. b. "Some said they would not leave their bed in the night and go out." They hoped the danger would go away of its own. Sadly, neither in that case or in the case of eternity is that going to happen. c. "Some were found hiding under the bed from the fire." d. "Some seemed to fancy that the rescuers had made the fire." They were blamed for trying to "burn them up." Many of the lost think that is the case. Hell is just the imagination of some preacher out to get more money in the offering plates. e. "Many of them fought against their rescuers, biting and tearing their hair cut." Many treat the rescuers as the enemy, but we cannot stop. f. "Some were heard knocking at a closed door to get out, when it was too late." As it was in the days of Noah, Jesus said. How many do you suppose wanted on the ark after the floods came? Yet, they could not because God has shut the door. (Handfuls on Purpose, by James Strong and Robert Lee, Electronic version by Cross Country Software, Volume 7, p164-165.) B. I notice that the only question Jude presents is HOW we are to share with them. He never considers IF we will share with them. 1. Friend, no one decent, moral soul can see another in mortal danger and do nothing. 2. I hear of people who do from time to time and being the worlds biggest chicken, I can partially understand it; but it is sinfully wrong to allow someone to perish without giving them every chance possible. C. I believe that no matter how we present the gospel, certain ingredients will be required of us. 1. Truth a. One must know the truth in order to give it. b. Every Christian should understand the gospel and salvation as well as their ability will allow. c. For two reasons: (1) To make certain you are saved. (a) I would not want to take the word of another for anything as important as salvation. (b) I hope you wont take an insurance salesman at his word, but that you will read that policy and ask questions until you understand it. (c) How much more should you understand the forgiveness of sin. (2) So that you can share it with others. 2. Love a. Love of Christ and love for others will always be the soul winners motive. b. A person who has hardened himself to winning others, has hardened his heart to the essential loves of Christianity. 3. Compassion (pity) a. No matter whether you are sharing the gospel slowly, carefully, or urgently, forcibly, you are doing so because you care for the condition that individual is in. b. By the way, the unsaved must see that as well. c. Sometimes we turn to a forceful presentation when are angry, frustrated, MAD. That will never work. Such anger only begets more anger. d. Even when we are forceful, it must because we care and the lost must see that. 4. Courage a. I will not tell you different. It takes a courage to speak to another about Jesus. b. The good news is that if you lack it, you can ask and God will give it to you. 5. Determination a. Last but not least is a strong will to tell others about Christ. b. Knowledge, desire, love, technical skill, and all the rest will not accomplish anything if you are not willfully stubborn and determined to tell others about Jesus. III. I am not certain which words it is that have burned in my soul. A. Perhaps the words that stick out in this verse are MAKING A DIFFERENCE. 1. Whether the method is by carefulness and compassion or urgency and force, the end result is to make a difference. a. Christians, we have to make a difference in the lives of others. b. We must and if we have not been doing so, we must repent of it and begin. c. We draw closer to a New Year and as we seek areas in our lives to correct, this should be one. d. We must make a difference. 2. I believe that God has equipped every believer with talents and gifts so that he/she can make a difference in the lives of the lost. a. Some God has given a love and tenderness, a patience to deal slowly and carefully with others. b. To another, courage enough to be forthright and plain of speech. c. To another, God has given a stirring testimony. d. To another, God has given knowledge and understanding. e. These talents are given for many reasons, but one is surely to make the difference in life of others. 3. These gifts and talents are intended to be our blessings and ministry; but if not used properly, they will become our undoing. Luke 19:12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. a. This parable is not about money but opportunities. b. Friend, if we do not use the opportunities we have in this life, we will lose opportunities in the next! I do not know what kind of opportunities that might be, but I am certain of it! 4. How will you make a difference? a. Jude gives us the methods but you must find your own means. b. Some are called to preach the Word. Others are called to teach it. Everyone is can pass out tracts. Believe it or not, everyone can knock on doors. Some have discovered the telephone as their ministry. Others use the internet. Perhaps you are skilled with writing. Perhaps you can sing the message to others. c. Whatever the means, we must work together to get the gospel to every creature. (1) All are lost and all need Jesus. (2) Let us work to make a difference in their lives. B. But if it is not MAKING A DIFFERENCE, it must be HAVING COMPASSION. 1. Could it be that the reason I do not do more to win the lost is because I lack that needed ingredient? 2. Oh, God, if so, help me, I pray!