Contending for the Faith

I. Introduction to Jude

    A. Authorship: Jude, brother of James (and likely Jesus)

    B. Audience: Jewish Christians familiar with OT and apocryphal texts

    C. Purpose: Address false teachers misusing grace

    D. Date and Location: ~60 AD, possibly from Southern Israel

II. Structure of the Epistle

    A. Greeting (vv. 1–2)

    B. Body Introduction (vv. 3–4)

    C. Body Proper (vv. 5–16)

        1. Historical examples of judgment

        2. Description of false teachers

    D. Call to Action (vv. 17–23)

    E. Benediction (vv. 24–25)

III. Central Themes

    A. Contending for the Faith

    B. The misuse of grace as a license for immorality

    C. The denial of Jesus as Lord

IV. Warnings and Illustrations

    A. Historical Judgments:

        1. Egypt (unbelievers destroyed)

        2. Fallen angels (Gen 6 / 1 Enoch)

        3. Sodom and Gomorrah

    B. Examples of Rebellion:

        1. Cain – murder

        2. Balaam – greed and immorality

        3. Korah – rejection of authority

    C. Descriptions of False Teachers:

        1. Waterless clouds, fruitless trees, wandering stars

        2. Relying on instinct, not the Spirit

        3. Dangerous to the community

V. Call to Faithful Living (vv. 17–23)

    A. Remember the Apostolic Warnings

    B. Build your faith and pray in the Spirit

    C. Stay in God’s love, await Christ’s mercy

    D. Rescue and show mercy to those wavering

VI. Theological Closing (vv. 24–25)

    A. God’s power to preserve believers

    B. Christ’s eternal authority and glory

    C. Doxology affirming hope and confidence

VII. Use of Extra-Biblical References

    A. 1 Enoch (vv. 14–15)

    B. Assumption of Moses (v. 9)

    C. Purpose: Common knowledge as illustrative tools

VIII. Additional Scriptures 

Galatians 5:13, 1 Timothy 4:1, Titus 1:16, Matthew 7:15, Ephesians 4:14, Romans 6:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:1-5

"Living with the end in mind"

II. Introduction

A. Purpose of Peter’s Letter (v.1-2)

B. Reminder to Think Wholesomely and Remember God’s Word

II. The Reality of Scoffers and the Last Days (v.3–7)

A. The Rise of Scoffers (v.3–4)

B. Their Willful Ignorance of God’s Past Judgment (v.5–6)

C. Future Judgment Reserved by God’s Word (v.7)

III. God’s Patience and Perspective on Time (v.8–9)

A. God’s Timelessness (v.8)

B. His Desire for Repentance, Not Perishing (v.9)

IV. The Coming Day of the Lord (v.10)

A. Suddenness and Totality of the Day

B. Cosmic and Earthly Judgment by Fire

V. Living in Light of Eternity (v.11–13)

A. The Call to Holy and Godly Living (v.11)

B. Eager Expectation of God’s Day (v.12)

C. The Promise of a New Heaven and New Earth (v.13)

D. Cross-references: Isaiah 65:17, 66:22; Revelation 21:1–5

VI. Practical Exhortations for Believers (v.14–16)

A. Be Diligent: Spotless, Blameless, at Peace (v.14)

B. Understand God’s Patience as Salvation (v.15)

C. Paul’s Writings and the Danger of Misinterpretation (v.16)

VII. Final Warnings and Encouragement (v.17–18)

A. Be on Guard Against Error (v.17)

B. Grow in Grace and Knowledge of Jesus Christ (v.18)

C. Doxology: To Him Be the Glory

VIII. Discussion Questions

How should we handle scoffers? Should we be surprised?

How does the knowledge of judgment and renewal shape our spiritual life?

How does God’s patience motivate our evangelism?

What does it mean to be secure in Christ but still be on guard?

VIV. Additional Scriptures

Ecclesiastes 12:13–14, Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 24:42, Luke 12:35–40, John 14:3, Colossians 3:1–4, Philippians 3:20–21, 1 Thessalonians 5:2–6, Titus 2:11–13, Hebrews 10:23–25, Revelation 22:12

"Exposing False Teachers"

I. Introduction

A. Purpose of the Letter

B. Structural Overview (ABBA pattern)

NT Apostles (1:16–18)

OT Prophets (1:19–21)

OT False Prophets (2:1a)

NT False Teachers (2:1b–3)

II. The Rise and Traits of False Teachers (2:1–3)

A. Origin “Among You” – Internal Threat

B. Characteristics

Destructive Heresies

Denial of Christ (in doctrine and practice)

Depraved Behavior

Exploitation and Greed

Use of Made-Up Stories

C. Consequences

Swift Destruction

Maligning the Way of Truth

Condemnation is Certain

III. Old Testament Precedents of Judgment (2:4–10a)

A. Angels (Gen 6 / 1 Enoch references)

B. Noah and the Ancient World

C. Sodom and Gomorrah

D. Lot’s Rescue

E. Lesson: God Judges the Wicked and Rescues the Righteous

IV. Description of False Teachers’ Behavior (2:10b–16)

A. Arrogance and Boldness

B. Slander of Spiritual Beings

C. Carnal and Animalistic Instincts

D. Hypocrisy and Deception within the Community

Feasting and Fellowship

Hidden Sin (Adultery, Greed)

Targeting the Unstable

E. Comparison to Balaam

Driven by Greed

Rebuked by a Donkey

V. The Hopeless End of False Teachers (2:17–22)

A. Empty Promises – “Springs without Water”

B. Preying on New Believers and the Vulnerable

C. Slaves to Corruption Despite Promising Freedom

D. Worse Off Than Before Knowing the Truth

E. Illustrations: Dog Returning to Vomit, Sow to Mud

VI. Discussion Questions and Application

A. Why do false teachers gain a following?

B. Who are their primary targets?

C. What are the warning signs?

D. Why is the doctrine of judgment and Christ’s return essential?

VII. Additional Scriptures

Matthew 7:15–20, Matthew 24:11, Matthew 24:24, Luke 6:26, John 8:44, Acts 20:29–30, Romans 16:17–18, 1 Corinthians 11:19, 2 Corinthians 11:13–15, Galatians 1:6–9, Ephesians 5:6, Colossians 2:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22, 1 Timothy 1:6–7, 1 Timothy 4:1–2, 2 Timothy 3:13, Titus 1:10–11, Hebrews 13:9, James 3:1, 1 John 4:1

“A Legacy of Truth”

I. Introduction

A. Context: 2 Peter was written around 60 AD; Peter’s impending death (c. 64 AD)

B. Central Question: What would you say if you knew you were dying soon?

II. Peter’s Urgency to Remind (2 Peter 1:12-15)

A. The importance of reminders in faith

B. Living in the “tent” of the body

C. Peter’s commitment to ensure remembrance after his death

III. The Reliability of Eyewitness Testimony (2 Peter 1:16-18)

A. Apostolic testimony is not based on myths

B. Peter as an eyewitness of Christ’s majesty (Transfiguration)

C. Legal and biblical significance of multiple eyewitnesses

IV. The Trustworthiness of Prophetic Scripture (2 Peter 1:19-21)

A. The prophetic message as a light in darkness

B. Scripture’s divine origin, not human interpretation

C. Role of the Holy Spirit in inspiring prophecy

D. Unity between prophets and apostles in revealing God’s message

V. Key Themes of Peter’s Final Testimony

A. The Word of God is completely reliable

B. Faith must be grounded in both personal witness and Scripture

C. The unified work of the Holy Spirit through history

VI. Reflection & Discussion Questions

A. How does the metaphor of a tent change our view of life and death?

B. Are we clearly communicating our faith to those we influence?

C. Why is it crucial to affirm the reliability of Scripture today?

D. What does it mean that the Holy Spirit worked through both prophets and apostles?

VII. Additional Scriptures

Deuteronomy 6:6–9, Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 3:1–2, Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 24:35, John 14:26, Acts 1:8, Romans 15:4, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Hebrews 2:1–4, Revelation 1:3

Growing in Faith Through Knowing Jesus

I. Introduction

A. Context of 2 Peter

Author: Peter (Simeon Peter)

Date: Around 64 AD, shortly before Peter’s death

Audience: Possibly the same as 1 Peter (speculative)

Occasion: Farewell address

Purpose: Combat false teaching, emphasize the return of Christ

B. Central Theme: God provides everything for life and godliness

II. The Foundation: Knowledge of Jesus

A. Definition: ἐπίγνωσις (epígnōsis) – full discernment and acknowledgment

B. True vs. False Knowledge

False teachers claimed “knowledge” (possibly proto-Gnostic)

Peter only attributes true knowledge to knowing Christ

C. Key Verse: 2 Peter 1:2 – Grace and peace through knowledge of God and Jesus

III. God’s Divine Provision

A. Divine power gives all we need (v.3)

B. God’s promises allow us to:

Share in the divine nature

Escape corruption and evil desires

C. Entry into divine community through the Holy Spirit

IV. The Growth Process: Spiritual Virtues (vv. 5–7)

A. Faith as the foundation

B. Add to your faith: Goodness, Knowledge, Self-control, Endurance, Godliness, Brotherly affection, Love (agape)

C. Key Ideas:

Growth is intentional and requires effort.

We are empowered, but must partner with God

V. The Evidence of Growth (v.8)

A. Spiritual maturity keeps us from being:

Useless (ἀργός – inactive, idle)

Unfruitful (ἄκαρπος – barren)

B. Fruitfulness reflects increasing knowledge of Christ

C. Warning against busyness that lacks fruit
 

VI. The Danger of Stagnation (v.9)

A. Lacking growth leads to:

Spiritual blindness

Forgetting Christ’s cleansing work

Drifting away from gratitude and purpose

VII. Confirming Your Calling and Election (vv.10–11)

A. Make every effort to confirm calling

B. Divine invitation and participation in God’s plan

C. Balance of God’s sovereignty and human responsibility

D. Assurance of eternal reward: Entry into the eternal kingdom

VIII. Conclusion

A. Spiritual growth is a lifelong, active process

B. God empowers us—but we must respond with intentional effort

C. Growing in Christ leads to stability, fruitfulness, and eternal hope

IX. Additional Scriptures:

Psalm 1:1-3, Matthew 7:13-20, John 15:5, John 17:3, Romans 8:16-17, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 4:15-16. Philippians 1:6, Colossians 2:2-3, Hebrews 10:24-25

How to Stand Against the Enemy

I. Message to Older Christians - 1 Peter 5:1-4

II. Message to Younger Christians - 1 Peter 5:5

III. God is the One Who Strengthens & Lifts Up - 1 Peter 5:6-7, 10-11

IV. Be Alert to Satan’s Schemes - 1 Peter 5:8-9

V. This World is Not Our Home - 1 Peter 5:12-14

VI. Discussion Questions:

• If you are an older Christian, what is a lesson for you?
• If you are a younger Christian, what is a lesson for you?
• In what ways does God strengthen & lift us up?
• Why is it important to remember that the REAL ENEMY is the
• devil, and not other people?
• What are some practical ways to remind ourselves that this
• World is not our home?

VII. Additional Scriptures:

Proverbs 1:8-9, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 55:22, Isaiah 40:29–31, 1 Timothy 5:17, 2 Corinthians 5:20, Colossians 3:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 5:6, Titus 2:2-5, Hebrews 13:7, James 4:7

Be Strangers to the World

I. Living with the End in Mind (1 Peter 4:1-7)

    A. Arm Yourself with the Attitude of Christ

    B. Cease from Sin, Not Suffering

    C. The Time is Short – Live for God’s Will

    D. Expect the World’s Surprise and Resistance

    E. The End is Near – Stay Clear-Minded and Prayerful

II. Loving One Another Deeply (1 Peter 4:8-11)

    A. Love Covers a Multitude of Sins

    B. Offer Hospitality Without Grumbling

    C. Use Your Gifts to Serve Others

    D. Speak and Serve with God’s Strength

    E. All Glory to God Through Jesus Christ

III. Rejoicing in Suffering (1 Peter 4:12-19)

    A. Don’t Be Surprised by the Fire

    B. Suffering for Christ is a Blessing

    C. Let No One Suffer for Doing Evil

    D. Suffer as a Christian – Without Shame

    E. Trust Your Faithful Creator and Keep Doing Good

IV. Additional Scripture References

Matthew 5:10-12, Matthew 24:13, Luke 6:22-23, John 15:18-20, Romans 5:3-5, Romans 12:11-13, 1 Corinthians 10:31, 2 Corinthians 1:5, Galatians 6:9-10, Philippians 1:29, Colossians 3:23-24, 2 Timothy 3:12, Hebrews 12:3-11, James 1:2-4, James 1:12, Revelation 2:10

Christian Living in a Secular World

I. Introduction

A. Overview of 1 Peter 

B. Theme: Living faithfully in a secular world

II. Instructions for Wives and Husbands (1 Peter 3:1-7)

A. Wives: Submission with a gentle and quiet spirit

B. Husbands: Honor and understanding

III. Living in Harmony with Others (1 Peter 3:8-12)

A. Call to unity, sympathy, love, and humility

B. Responding to evil with blessing

C. The importance of seeking peace and righteousness

IV. Suffering for Doing Good (1 Peter 3:13-17)

A. Encouragement to remain faithful despite suffering

B. Overcoming fear and standing firm in faith

C. Being prepared to defend the faith with gentleness and respect

V. Christ’s Example of Suffering and Victory (1 Peter 3:18-22)

A. Christ’s suffering for the righteous and unrighteous

B. His victory over sin and death

C. The significance of baptism in salvation

VI. Discussion Questions

A. How is submission godly?

B. How is sympathy and compassion crucial in helping one another live in a pagan world?

C. What connection exists between seeking peace with loving life and seeing good days?

D. What does submission have to do with not giving way to fear?

VII. Additional Scriptures

Proverbs 31:10-12, Isaiah 53:5, Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:9-12, Matthew 5:44, Romans 8:18, Romans 12:16-18, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Ephesians 5:22-25, Colossians 2:15, Colossians 3:18-19, Galatians 6:9, Philippians 2:3-4, James 1:2-4, James 1:19-20, 2 Timothy 3:12, Hebrews 12:2-3

A New Community In Christ

I. A Holy Community (1 Peter 2:1-10)

A. Characteristics of the New Community

B. Failure and Success in Faith

C. The Identity of God’s People

II. Demonstrating Holiness (1 Peter 2:11-25)

A. Living Honorably Before the World

B. Submitting to Authority

C. Suffering for Doing Good

III. Identifying with Christ Through Suffering

A. Christ suffered as an example for us to follow

IV. The Role of Suffering

A. The Cause of Suffering

B. The Context of Suffering

C. The Role of Community in Suffering

V. Reflection Questions

1. What is the purpose of our community? Why is it important to operate as a community?

2. Why is it important to submit to authorities? Is the command to submit qualified?

3. What is the benefit of unjust suffering?

Living as Citizens of Heaven

I. Citizens of Heaven
A. Believers are God’s elect, exiles in the world

B. First-century context of scattered Christians (Acts 18:1-4, Acts 18:24-26)

C. Our inheritance is in heaven, not on earth

D. Our true citizenship is in heaven

E. Encouragement in our heavenly hope

II. Understand Suffering

A. Suffering refines faith like gold in fire

B. Examples of faith through suffering

C. Sharing in Christ’s suffering leads to sharing in His glory

D. The joy of salvation sustains us through trials

III. Special to God

A. The prophets longed to see Christ’s work

B. Even angels long to understand God’s salvation plan

IV. Mindset: Be Holy

A. Set your hope fully on God’s grace

B. Being holy means being set apart

C. Live as foreigners with reverent fear

D. We are ransomed by Christ’s blood

V. Love One Another Deeply

A. Sincere love for one another is a mark of true faith

VI. Born of Imperishable Seed

A. We are born again through the enduring Word of God
 

VII. Bible References

Leviticus 20:23-25, Psalm 34:17-19, Acts 18:1-4, Acts 18:24-26, Romans 8:17, Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Hebrews 11:35b-38, 1 Peter 1 , Revelation 5:9-10
 

VIII. Discussion Questions

1. Do you see yourself more as a citizen of heaven or an earthly nation?

2. How do you view suffering in light of God’s plan?

3. What does being set apart by God mean to you?

4. Who in your life do you love deeply?

5. How does being born of imperishable seed shape your faith?