The book of Jude has been called a vestibule to The Book of The Revelation. It is the second from the last book of the Bible and speaks about the state of the Church in the last days before the Lord’s return. Noting that there will be false believers sneaking into the congregations. This is much like the warnings given by Peter in his second letter, (note the second chapter).

"even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them,"

(Do not assume because Peter speaks of these as having been bought that they are Christians. We all have had the price paid for our sins, but not all have accepted the payment.)

Jude notes that he is the brother of James but is reluctant to use his relationship with his half brother Jesus. Jude instead point out that he is the servant of Jesus, and notes that (as if more important) before mentioning James as his brother.

He urges the true believers to earnestly contend for the faith. He also exhorts believers to work at saving others (but with fear) as if from fire, (or the fires of hell). Even though we might hate the lifestyle (hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.) which would cause us to hold these at arms length (so to speak).

Recap:

Jude tells us that we should "earnestly contend for the faith". This reminds me of a boxer fighting, (contending) and when the opening comes deliver the blow to the opponent. And I am also reminded of that part of 1st Peter (3:15) that says:

"be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear"

Going on.....

And of some have compassion,
making a difference:

And others save with fear,
pulling them out of the fire;

Jude tells us that with some we should have compassion, and to make a difference, and then with others we should save with fear. This to me says we can’t save everyone but have compassion and reach out and make a difference when the opportunity presents it self. And with others we fearfully throw out the life ring of the Gospel and pull them away from those fires of hell that they are headed for.

One could liken that last to a sea rescue. A man is in the water and in confusion is swimming toward spilled oil that is on fire and you as the rescuer must throw out a life ring, hopefully into a place where it will catch his notice and he realizing it as a means of salvation will grasp it and be pulled into safety.

Remember that a large part of this letter was taken up with warning about false persons sneaking in and dispensing false doctrine.

Verses To Recall:

2nd Timothy

2:15:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth