By now you have heard about the massacre of innocent people in Colorado. The Friendship Harmony Baptist Church extends its deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those killed, as well as to the people of Aurora, Colorado. Our prayers for healing are for those who were injured. Also to be considered is the emotional toll that will linger long after the wounds are healed. We pray God’s Spirit of comfort will find a lodging place in the hearts of those affected, and that through this dark tragedy, the light of God’s love will be received by many.
In a time like this people are asking, “Why?” The answer is theological in scope. This is just another case in a long series of events where fallen man is doing what fallen man does best --- sin. When Adam fell in the Garden, he put mankind on a downhill slide to ruin, decay, and destruction. If it were not for the grace of God, man would be utterly hopeless, helpless, and lost. Man, with his fallen nature, can on his own do no better. It is just as natural for man to sin as it is for a dog to bark or for an eagle to fly. Therefore, God must change man’s nature; man cannot change it himself. The Psalmist prayed in Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. In Ezekiel 36:26, God declares He will do just that. He says, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” Jesus Christ’s freely shed blood is the cleansing agent God uses to restore man to a right standing with Himself. However, it is not automatic, nor is the entire human race brought back because Christ died for fallen man. Adam’s fall gave me the propensity to sin, but I did so of my own choice. Therefore I can only repent for myself. Each individual must trust Christ for themselves; God does not save the entire human population at once. Maybe you feel an inner struggle warring within your soul. You feel no peace. Jesus Christ offers you the way out of that state of being hopeless, helpless, and lost. Let me know if I can help you find your peace with God.
Yesterday was a fine day at Friendship Harmony. You can gauge the spiritual health of a Church by what happens after the congregation is dismissed. Are they in a hurry to get out to their cars? At Friendship Harmony, no one is in a big hurry to leave. The folk will stand around and fellowship with each other. This is a sign of spiritual vitality. I’m so glad we have it.
The message was from Jude verses 5 through 7. Jude continues to deal with the doctrine of the false teachers that have infiltrated the Church. Here are the notes for your Bible study.
Actions Have Consequences! ©
Jude v.5-7
By Victor Cooper
Encouragement From Jude 07/18-21/12
Series
Intro: Today, we will look at three examples of three very blessed groups who decided to do things their own way. Our free will gives us the opportunities to do the same, but Jude is showing how all actions have consequences, and that some deeds are simply not worth it when judgment starts.
I. Remember, Jude is addressing two false teachings that have been introduced to the Church.
A. Lasciviousness --- the teaching that says that the flesh must be satisfied no matter what, and that the grace of God covers it, therefore it is a license for one to do as one pleases.
Bible Knowledge Commentary: Claiming liberty in Christ, they interpreted His grace as license to do what their flesh desired with no inhibitions. Their libertinism turned grace into barbarous licentiousness.
B. Denial of Jesus as God ---
Bible Knowledge Commentary Not surprisingly, this perversion in practice (libertinism) was accompanied by a perversion in doctrine—a denial of the person and authority of Jesus Christ.
II. Jude called to remembrance three examples of rebellion against God.
A. Those who were led out of Israel
B. The fallen angels
C. The area around and including Sodom and Gomorrah
III. Jude also calls to remembrance the consequences of each group‘s actions..
Matthew Henry Commentary Outward privileges, profession, and apparent conversion, could not secure those from the vengeance of God, who turned aside in unbelief and disobedience. The destruction of the unbelieving Israelites in the wilderness, shows that none ought to presume on their privileges. They had miracles as their daily bread; yet even they perished in unbelief. A great number of the angels were not pleased with the stations God allotted to them; pride was the main and direct cause or occasion of their fall. The fallen angels are kept to the judgment of the great day; and shall fallen men escape it? Surely not. Consider this in due time. The destruction of Sodom is a loud warning to all, to take heed of, and flee from fleshly lusts that war against the soul, 1 Peter 2:1
A. The Exodus Jews --- all die (except Joshua and Caleb.)
1. They saw the first Passover; the slaying of the firstborn.
2. They saw the pillars of cloud and fire.
3. They ate the manna and drank the water that came forth from the rock.
4. They saw the radiance on Moses’ face after his encounter with God.
5. With all they saw God do for them, they rebelled.
(a) Rebellion is turning from God when you know better.
(b) Rebellion is the opposite of repentance.
B. The fallen angels
1. They had been in God’s presence.
2. They “…left their own habitation…” They chose to do something other than what God had assigned.
Adam Clarke Commentary The angels which kept not their first estate—Their own principality. The words may be understood of their having invaded the office or dignity of some others, or of their having by some means forfeited their own. This is spoken of those generally termed the fallen angels; but from what they fell, or from what cause or for what crime, we know not. It is generally thought to have been pride; but this is mere conjecture. One thing is certain; the angels who fell must have been in a state of probation, capable of either standing or falling, as Adam was in paradise. They did not continue faithful, though they knew the law on which they stood; they are therefore produced as the second example.
3. Point of conjecture --- it is supposed that these were the “sons of God” who intermarried with the “daughters of men” in Genesis 6:1-7 (read)
4. Jude was quoting from the Book of Enoch which apparently the early Church knew well and quite possibly accepted.
(Read from Chapter 7 in The Book of Enoch)
The Book of Enoch Chapter 7
1It happened after the sons of men had multiplied in those days, that daughters were born to them, elegant and beautiful.
2And when the angels, (3) the sons of heaven, beheld them, they became enamoured of them, saying to each other, Come, let us select for ourselves wives from the progeny of men, and let us beget children.
3Then their leader Samyaza said to them; I fear that you may perhaps be indisposed to the performance of this enterprise;
4And that I alone shall suffer for so grievous a crime.
5But they answered him and said; We all swear;
6And bind ourselves by mutual execrations, that we will not change our intention, but execute our projected undertaking.
7Then they swore all together, and all bound themselves by mutual execrations. Their whole number was two hundred, who descended upon Ardis, (4) which is the top of mount Armon.
8That mountain therefore was called Armon, because they had sworn upon it, (5) and bound themselves by mutual execrations.
9These are the names of their chiefs: Samyaza, who was their leader, Urakabarameel, Akibeel, Tamiel, Ramuel, Danel, Azkeel, Saraknyal, Asael, Armers, Batraal, Anane, Zavebe, Samsaveel, Ertael, Turel, Yomyael, Arazyal. These were the prefects of the two hundred angels, and the remainder were all with them. (6)
10Then they took wives, each choosing for himself; whom they began to approach, and with whom they cohabited; teaching them sorcery, incantations, and the dividing of roots and trees.
11And the women conceiving brought forth giants.
12Whose stature was each three hundred cubits. (375 feet tall) These devoured all which the labor of men produced; until it became impossible to feed them;
13When they turned themselves against men, in order to devour them;
14And began to injure birds, beasts, reptiles, and fishes, to eat their flesh one after another, (8) and to drink their blood.
15Then the earth reproved the unrighteous.
C. Sodom and Gomorrah and territories.
1. The Pulpit Commentary
(1) These were personal sins of a heinous character. They were sins against both soul and body. (No whoremonger shall enter the kingdom of God 1 Corinthians 6:9), and fornication is a sin “against the body itself” (1 Corinthians 6:18).
(2) They were social sins. They affect the family and society.
(3) They were sacrilegious sins. The body, which is a temple of the Holy Ghost, (1 Corinthians 6:15). allows its members to become those of a harlot .
IV. Jude taught a three fold problem
A. Historical - he said, “Do you remember the exodus?” Unbelief prevailed where blessings had abounded.
B. Theological - “Do you remember the fallen angels?” Dissatisfaction with God’s will was the problem.
C. Life Style - “Do you remember Sodom and Gomorrah?” Their problem; hatred of God’s design for morality and proper living.
Conclusion: The three examples from centuries ago sound strangely modern. They might even hit close to home. Do you perhaps find yourself on one these avenues? Matthew 7:13 says, “ Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:”
Remember: Rebellion is turning from God while repentance is turning to God. Which will you choose?
I wish to add a disclaimer here. The inclusion of a portion of The Book of Enoch in no way should be construed as a view that this book is inspired Scripture. However, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Jude quoted it several times in his writing. Therefore it must be given respectful consideration.
Have a good week and stay safe. Keep your eyes open to all possibilities and be aware of your surroundings. I want each of you to be out of harm’s way. However, don’t let the events of the past week deter you from going out and enjoying the life God has given you. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment