Jude

A Study Guide for Discernment, Courage, and Staying Rooted in Truth

Jude identifies himself as the brother of James, which also makes him a half-brother of Jesus (see Mark 6:3).
He originally planned to write about the shared salvation, but the Spirit led him to address false teachers instead (Jude 3).
His purpose: to urge believers to contend for the faith and beware of spiritual deception.

Reflection: Sometimes love means warning others when the truth is under attack—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Believers are called to defend the faith against those who secretly infiltrate the church.
These people twist grace into a license for sin and deny Jesus Christ by their actions.

Takeaway: False teaching isn’t always loud—it often sneaks in quietly and corrupts from the inside.

Jude reminds his readers that God’s judgment is real:
- Unbelieving Israelites who were delivered from Egypt
- Angels who abandoned their proper position
- Sodom and Gomorrah for sexual immorality
These serve as warnings for us today.

Lesson: God’s grace is not permission to rebel. Judgment is coming for those who refuse to repent.

They reject authority, slander what they don’t understand, and live by instinct.
Jude compares them to Cain (jealousy and murder), Balaam (greed), and Korah (rebellion).
Descriptions include: “hidden reefs,” “waterless clouds,” “fruitless trees,” “wild waves,” and “wandering stars.”
Enoch’s prophecy is quoted to affirm that the Lord will come to judge the ungodly.

Truth: False teachers often look spiritual—but their fruit is empty, their motives are selfish, and their end is destruction.

Remember the warnings of the apostles: mockers will come.
Build yourselves up in your faith, pray in the Spirit, and keep yourselves in God’s love.
Show mercy to the doubting, rescue those in danger, and be cautious with those deeply entangled in sin.

Encouragement: You don’t just guard the truth—you grow in it. Stay rooted, prayerful, and merciful.

Jude ends with one of the most powerful doxologies in the Bible:
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before His glory with great joy…”

Hope: You are not alone in the battle for truth. God is the one who keeps you, sustains you, and secures your future.

Jude 3 – “Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”
Jude 4 – “Certain people have crept in unnoticed…”
Jude 7 – “Sodom and Gomorrah… serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”
Jude 20–21 – “Build yourselves up… keep yourselves in the love of God…”
Jude 24 – “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling…”

Why is Jude’s message especially relevant in today’s culture of spiritual compromise?
How do false teachings “creep in” unnoticed, and what can believers do to stay alert?
What stands out to you about Jude’s examples from history?
How can you “contend for the faith” without becoming combative or prideful?
What does it mean to build yourself up in your most holy faith?
How does Jude’s closing benediction bring comfort and assurance?