Jude said he “gave all diligence” in writing his letter, an assurance to his readers that he gave careful thought to what he should write.

Also in verse 3, Jude tells us he was writing about the “common salvation,” suggesting that all Christians have certain beliefs in common, and it is our responsibility to discuss these and teach them to other Christians.

“Earnestly contend for the faith,” he said. Christians should talk about what God’s Word teaches us because it is so important that we apply the lessons we learn from God.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Once we know what we believe, then it is our duty to know why we believe the great doctrines. It must be settled in our hearts that the way of salvation has been fully accomplished in the Lord Jesus Christ, and there is no need to add to nor take away from what the Word tells us.

Remember, Jude said, the cautions given you by the apostles whose character was above reproach and whose intentions came from the best of motives. The apostles warned there would be “mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts,” a reminder of what we read from the Apostle Peter in 2 Peter 3:3.

According to Jude, they separate themselves from the fellowship. This separation, though, is spiritual since they are following their own ungodly lusts. They are unable to be imitators of Christ because their eyes are so firmly fixed on the world. These are the ones who pray, preach and teach, but without the precious Holy Spirit. They are often able to get the attention of people, and their purpose is rooted entirely in their own selfish interests.

These who are separated from the fellowship have the result, tragically, of dragging their followers into separation with them.

Jude’s readers know better than to take up with selfish teachers of false doctrine. We must pray “in the Holy Ghost,” the One who helps us pray. This is the kind of prayer we want to pray, and the one that pleases our heavenly Father.

Keep yourself, Jude said, “in the love of God.” A Christian cannot survive outside of the presence of God.

Believers are tempted from every direction, and we cannot prevent ourselves from falling, but the Lord is able to keep us from falling. Always remember, you are in the care of Christ Jesus. And why would He do any less for you? He died in order that you can be presented “faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.”

n The Sunday school lesson is written by Ed Wilcox, pastor of Centerville Baptist Church. edwilcox@nc.rr.com