NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from The Gospel Project curriculum.
Bible Passage: Jude 1-25
Discussion Questions:
— Why should the prospect of judgment make us take all the more seriously the apostles’ teaching that we have received in Scripture?
— What would it look like for you to contend for the faith on the job or with your friends and family?
— Name one person who would benefit from hearing about the mercy of God. How will you step into that conversation, trusting God to help you proclaim His mercy in Christ?
Food for Thought:
Read the Book of Jude. It is a word of exhortation packed into a short letter. Jude, a brother of Jesus and James, intended to write to his friends in the faith regarding their common salvation, but because false teaching had infiltrated the church, he found it necessary to write an appeal urging them to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all (Jude 3).
Jude framed his appeal to contend for the faith of the Gospel with the grand narrative of Scripture. He referred to the Gospel as having been handed down. The good news of salvation came from Jesus through the apostles, but it also reflects the truth God laid down in the Old Testament. Jude also warned that the Scriptures have always taught that rebellion leads to death and judgment.
Understanding the bigger picture of Scripture helps us grasp our faith and our spiritual DNA in a much deeper way, and this includes the depth and breadth of our sin. Rebellion is an ugly stain on our human family history. The Bible does not spare the sordid details that describe humankind’s rebellion against God. Rebellion against God’s authority is a constant theme from the beginning of the Bible until the end.
The stark reality of sin actually makes the mercy and grace of our Master and Lord Jesus Christ all the more remarkable. We all deserve God’s punishment and once were under God’s wrath. But the good news of Jesus has granted us salvation by faith in Him alone. So take a deep breath and thank God for His grace, mercy and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ.
The Gospel Project
The Gospel Project is a chronological, Christ-centered study for kids, students and adults. The Bible is not a collection of stories. It is one story of God’s plan to rescue His people from sin and death. It is the story of redemption, the gospel message of Jesus Christ. More information can be found at gospelproject.com.
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by Lifeway can be found at Lifeway.com/SundaySchool or ordered at lifeway.com.
