1-3 John Study Information: Chapter 12

1-3 John & Jude Study Information:

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Chapter 12:

Apostasy Part 1 & 2: Jude 1-25

Drawing Near:

Think about this: Which of the following potentially destructive cultural trends do you see infiltrating the Western church? Or influencing your own local church, or maybe even within yourself? (I have changed a few things in this to help you understand what we mean better.)

A.  A rise in shallow spirituality. One truly only acts like a “Christian” when they go to church or are around church people they know. At other times they are no different then the rest of the world.

B.  A rise in looking to self-help gurus, with a decline in solid biblical teaching. Even teachers claiming Jesus is Lord but teaching doctrines that are not biblically sound. (For instance one we all know from Joel Olsteen, “Your Best Life Now” in which he preaches getting your hearts desires now and yet he refuses to teach on a solid biblical doctrine of holiness or any other for that matter.)

C.  The growing fixation with fashion, fitness, thinness to the detriment of personal character and spiritual growth.

D.  Widespread attempts at “marketing” the church, running local congregations like a business.

E.  Rampant immorality and hedonism (including the proliferation of adultery and por*nography.

F.   Culture’s shockingly low view of marriage, the skyrocketing rates of cohabitation, and divorce.

G.  Unbridled materialism and consumerism.

H.  Efforts to make the gospel “seeker-friendly.” man-centered. and non-offensive.

 

1.   Why are these trends and attitudes so dangerous to Christians?

 

 

Lesson Questions:

1.   Jude spoke of God’s “call”. Look at the following New Testament passages and write down what they reveal about the blessings that God’s call yields>

A.  1 Cor. 1:9 ~

B.  1 Cor. 7:15 ~

C.  Gal. 5:13 ~

D.  Eph. 4:1, 4 ~

E.  1 Peter 1:15 ~

F.   1 Peter 3:9 ~

G.  1 Peter 5:10 ~

 

2.   What did Jude mean by “the faith which was once…delivered to the saints” (v. 3)?

3.   On what figures and events from biblical history did Jude base his warnings?

4.   How are the false teachers described?

5.   What does the word apostasy mean, and how does Jude characterize an apostate?

6.   What specific aspects of our relationship with God through Christ are lifted up in the doxology of verses 24-25?

Going Deeper:  Scriptures: 2 Peter 2:1-17

Exploring the Meaning:

7.   How, and with what tone, does Peter describe these false teachers? What will be their end?

8.   What ideas did Jude quote and borrow from Peter’s epistle?

9.   How does one contend for the faith without being belligerent and harsh?

10.               What is the antidote Jude gives to falling for false teaching (vv. 20-23)?

 Truth for Today:

Reflecting on the Text:

11.               What is one important “take away” truth you’ve gleaned from Jude’s letter? How can you apply that to your life now?

12.               In what specific ways has your mind-set or behavior changed as a result of your studies in 1, 2, and 3 John and Jude? (I highly suggest you sit down and truly look at yourself and see if this lesson ahs done you ANY good. If not then I suggest you go through it all over again. Study it out with even greater detail and pray to God to change you, make you and mold you and show you what He wants you to know.

 

Personal Response:

Use as much space as you need in order to write down ANY and ALL of your thoughts, reflections, questions, and so you that you may have about this study. You can also include a personal prayer about anything you feel is needed. As always you are more than welcome to send your answers in and I will be glad to talk to you one on one about anything you need or wish to talk about. As always, we are looking for brothers and sisters in Christ that would like to come onto the show and share their personal testimonies. If you would like to be a guest please let me know and I will get a hold of you ASAP.