Jude 3-4

Introduction:

1. Having discussed the need to defend the reality of objective truth in general, we now turn to a specific application of the principal imperative to the soul’s salvation.

2. The relativist view discussed last week is not exclusive to non-believers; most of the religious world subscribes to the idea that “the faith” is also in a state of flux.

3. This has generated a plethora of creeds, manuals, etc. among the denominations in the past, and more recently it has created the “anything goes” mindset in religion.

Discussion:

I. The Origins of Human Creeds

A. The issue Jesus had with the Pharisees, scribes, elders, and chief priests was that they had created an entire system of law (a creed) in addition to the inspired Torah.

B. By the turn of the second century, men had begun to develop creeds, generally to defend against heresies (Everett Ferguson: Church History Volume 1).

C. Most denominations follow some creed, confession, or manual as authoritative.

D. Though well-intended, these man-made documents blunt the church’s influence and make it harder for people to come to saving faith (John 17:20-23).

II. The Issue with Human Creeds

A. They divide religious groups into different sects or parties as the creeds differ (1 Corinthians 1:10; Romans 16:17-18).

B. They are ever changing and never perfected (Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:22-25; Numbers 23:19; Ephesians 4:13-15; Hebrews 13:8-9).

C. They undermine the all-sufficiency of the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:3).

D. Benjamin Franklin (the restoration preacher, not the founding father) said of creeds:

“First, any creed containing more than the Bible is objectionable, because it does contain more than the Bible.

Second, any creed containing less than the Bible is objectionable, because it does contain less than the Bible.

Third, any creed differing from the Bible is objectionable, because it does differ from the Bible…

Fourth, any creed precisely like the Bible is useless, because we have the Bible.”

III. The Church’s Only Creed

A. A creed is a system of beliefs that guides someone’s actions.

B. The NT shows that God revealed but one such system (2 Corinthians 13:5; 2 Timothy 1:13; Jude 3).

C. His word alone is our trustworthy guide as it:

1. Can make one wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15)

2. Can equip one for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16)

3. Is the source of rebirth (1 Peter 1:22).

4. Is the seed of the kingdom (Luke 8:11)

5. Is the standard of judgment (John 12:48)

6. Is not to be altered in any way (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 22:18-19).

7. Endures forever (Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:22-25)

8. Is to be contended for earnestly (Jude 3)

IV. Mounting a Proper Defense

A. It is imperative that we mount this defense properly.

B. There is a difference between contending for the faith and being contentious for it.

C. Peter was clear that the defense given for our hope was to be done with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15).

D. Paul was clear the truth must be spoken in love (Ephesians 4:15), graciously (Colossians 4:5-6), out of love from a pure heart (1 Timothy 1:5).

E. This does not mean we water down the truth (2 Timothy 4:1-5); it simply means we must not mistake boldness for harshness.

F. Neither does it mean there is never a time to be forceful, however, it is imperative that we develop the wisdom to discern when to turn up the heat (Jude 22-23).

Conclusion:

1. Truth alone can set us free from sin and sanctify us for service (John 8:32; 17:17).

2. That body of truth was delivered “once for all” and has never changed since.

3. As Christian soldiers, we must be prepared to defend that truth boldly and lovingly.