The Coolidge examiner., 1937-10-07

The years which stretch out before
with their growth, their struggles,
their joys, call for courageous liv-
ing.
So it is with the Christian. He is
born one" as we saw in our les
son Of last Sunday. But when he is
born again he is just ready to begin
the Christian life.
The Epistle of Jude sheds much
light on the dangers which beset the
Christians pathway and eXhortS
him to holy living and sacrifcial
service. 1t opens with description
of the Christian and closes with an
ascription of praise to God. 1t re-
veals the Christian as one who is
1. Called in Christ (vv. l, D.
The entire Trinity is seen to be
active in our redemption (See Re-
vised Version). Jude writes Ito them
that are
l. "Called"-The Holy Spirit calls
men unto salvation.
2. Beloved in God the Father
for God is love.
g. Kept for Jesus Christ" until
he appears.
ii. Living for Christ (vv. 3. 4. II.
23D.
AS Jude began to write of the
salvation" which he had in com
mon" with his readers, the Holy
Spirit moved him to deal with a
very urgent and vital problem-the
hostility of wicked men toward the
gospel of Christ, and their efforts to
destroy 1.-The faith" The Chris
tian life includes
l. Contending for the faith (vv. 3,
A.. THE Faith" is the body of re.
vealed truth. the gospel, the good
news of redemption in Jesus Christ
1t is a final revelation delivered
once for all'' Or. W. There is nc
other gospel, and there never will
be another.
The world hates the gospel, and
attacks upon it are to be expected
but the most insidious assault is
that of those within the church (v
a. who profess to believe in Christ
Against them and their destructive
work Christians must contend ear
nestly," at the same time praying
that they may be delivered from
their sin and its terrible judgment
wv. 1910.
2. Observing the times in which
they live (vv. 17-19. Some folk
seem to think that being Christian
means entering into a place of Sc
curity and rest and promptly going
sound asleep. Far from it. The
Christian, knowing Gods Word. is
keenly alert to the dangers of this
ungodly world.
3. Keeping their own souls tvv.
20,2D. The best defense is Wig
orous offense. The way to contend
against error is to build up ones
own faith by the study of God S
Word, by communion with his chill
dren, but above all by prayer "in
the Holy Ghost" And above all
there will be an abiding in the love
of God and a looking for the full
fillment of the mercy of Christ at
his coming again.
4. Saving the souls of others (vv.
22,23). Soul-winning is Cor should
be- the normal expression of the
Christians life. 1t is his crowning
joy. It. most effectively counter
acts error and worldliness. 1t builds
up the church. Why not do it?
Note that there are two types of
sinners to be rescued. Some are
''in doubt" Or. W. needing tender
and careful instruction. Others are
in grave danger, and must be res
cued by drastic reproof and decisive
action. winning is urgent busi-
ness.
Ill. Kept by Christ (vv. 24,25).
The doxology at the close of Jude
has been a haven of comfort and
assurance for Gods children
throughout the centuries. Hither
have come the strong in faith to re-
joice and praise God. Here has
been found the Strengthening of
faith by the fearful and trembling
soul who had not yet learned that
he may fully trust God. These
verses present two truths.
/. Assurance. Our Saviour is able
to keep us from falling. yes, even
from stumbling" (R. W, and to
present us 'faultless" ("without
blemish"-R. W, with exceeding
JOY, before the glorious presence
of God.
2. Worship. Such God and Saw
iour is indeed worthy of the out
going of every Christian heart in
alteration and worship. To him
would we gladly ascribe glory,
majesty, dominion and power" for
and before all time" Or. W.