Jude – A Call to Contend (2/3)

Jude’s Intention

We have seen the human author, we have considered his audience, and we have noted Jude’s aspiration for them. Now, we will take a further step in what is still a part of the introduction to his main subject. This further and final step is his original intention for writing to them.

(3a) Knowing Salvation

There is a much loved and well-known hymn by Kate Hankey called “I Love to Tell the Story”. I believe Jude would have enjoyed the words to this hymn,

I love to tell the story of unseen things above:
of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true.
It satisfies my longings as nothing else could do.
I love to tell the story. ’Tis pleasant to repeat
what seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
the message of salvation from God’s own holy word.
I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
seem hungering and thirsting to hear it, like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
’twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.
I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory,
to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.
Kate Hankey

The first line of the third verse stands out to me in the context of Jude, “I love to tell the story, for those who know it best…”

Jude’s readers knew the Gospel, yet he rejoiced to tell them again and he knew they would rejoice to hear it.

Like the debtor forgiven in Jesus’ parable, beginning in Luke 7:40, anyone who knows their sins have been forgiven will be eternally grateful. Their salvation becomes the central truth of their life.

Perhaps Jude’s passion to live for Jesus was partly due to his original doubts about Jesus. If time had been wasted in his youth, he would not let that hold him back now.

As the world raises a cry for many worthy causes, may we not get distracted from our priority to preach the Gospel!

Sharing Salvation

Because Jude knew he was saved and knew many of his readers were among the redeemed, he wanted to speak of that salvation that was common to them all.

He wanted to take every opportunity to share what he and others already knew. He took the Great Commission personally.

Beyond Salvation

Jude knew he was saved, and he wanted to share the Good News, yet something was taking place in culture and Christianity that he needed to address.

Jude needed to go beyond the basic message of salvation and speak of an attack on the truth that many had experienced. Moving beyond salvation does not mean we leave it behind, forget about it, or ignore it. Rather, it means we build upon it. We hold fast to the foundational truths of the Gospel and build upon them as we grow in Christlikeness. In the Gospel, we place our roots and receive strength so that we can mature.

Conclusion

The Gospel alone is enough to save, but Jude knew he had to tackle the contentious head-on and give his readers the truth and necessary tools to join him in the fight.

Martin Wickens