What is it to be like a Christian?

[Contributor: L. R.]

(in less than 500 words; to be exact, 443 words)

The Christian life is centered on the believer’s faith in Jesus Christ. It is an act of trust in Him. The Christian life is meant to be lived by faith. It is through faith that we enter the Christian life, and it is by faith that we live it out. When we begin the Christian life by coming to Christ for the forgiveness of our sins, we begin to experience the goodness and providence of God in all things. As we grow in our relationship with God, the Holy Spirit works within us, and we begin to see how our lives have been changed because of Him.

However, being a Christian comes with its challenges (costs). We are often hated and persecuted for our faith. Many believers face insults, humiliation, discrimination, arrest, beatings, torture, burning, or even death for their beliefs. This is happening all around the world. Only Christians with deep faith can endure such suffering. As I write, this persecution is ongoing in India too.

Despite these hardships, being a Christian makes us blessed. There is abundant life in Christ. As Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” If we believe in Him, we have eternal life in His name. If we remain in Him, He remains in us. By believing in Jesus Christ, we can be assured that even if we die one day, we will rise again and be with Him in the Kingdom He has prepared for all believers.

Being a Christian means fully believing in Christ, placing all our faith in Him, and committing our entire lives to Him. In return, He blesses our lives. He is our God and also a faithful friend who listens to us and never leaves us, whether in times of need, despair, or trouble.

The life of Jesus Christ is the perfect example of goodness. He lived selflessly, healed the sick, fed the hungry, and taught us to love one another. Ultimately, He died on the cross for the sins of humanity to give us the gift of eternal life. His ministry and sacrifice exemplify God’s goodness toward mankind. After all, the term “gospel” means “good news.” We are called to follow in the footsteps of Christ, doing good deeds as He did, showing love, compassion, and kindness to others, especially in times of difficulty.

As we follow Jesus, we are not just followers but also participants in the good news He brings. This means living out our faith in practical ways and sharing His love with the world, just as He demonstrated for us.

Mercy Is Not Fair—It’s Better: Musing on Romans 9:14–18

Studying Romans 9:14–18 [ESV 2011]

Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means!

Rom 9:15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”

Rom 9:16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

Rom 9:17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

Rom 9:18 So then He has mercy on whomever He wills, and He hardens whomever He wills.

The Seeming Problem: God seems partial. God seems tyrannical. God seems unjust.

The Difficult Statement Apart from v.14: “He hardens whomever He wills” (v. 18), and “desiring to… prepare for destruction” (v. 22).

The Theological Message from the Context:

1.    God’s Mercy: The word "mercy" is found 11 times in Romans, 5 of which are in this passage, vv. 15–23. The mercy of God refers to His forgiveness or overlooking of sins when we (offenders, transgressors, sinners) never deserve it. As sinners, we would rather have God be merciful than fair. The justice (fairness) of God would condemn us forever without forgiveness (provided in Christ).

2.    God’s Absolute Sovereignty: God’s will is mentioned at least 5 times in vv. 14-18. Paul preceded this truth by discussing the immeasurable love of God. The sovereignty of God refers to His benevolent control over everything, such that nothing happens outside His good purpose. Thus, the meaning of God’s sovereignty excludes the understanding that God is malevolent, capricious, or megalomaniacal.

Going Deeper:

1. The Hardening of Pharaoh: The hardening of Pharaoh is first done by himself:

·       1st plague – Ex. 7:22

·       2nd plague – Ex. 8:15

·       3rd plague – Ex. 8:19

·       4th plague – Ex. 8:32

·       5th plague – Ex. 9:7

Only from the 6th plague onward is it explicitly stated that “the LORD hardened” (Ex. 9:12).

·       8th plague – Ex. 10:20

·       9th plague – Ex. 10:27

·       10th plague – Ex. 11:10

·       End of Pharaoh – Ex. 14:8

The hardening of Pharaoh is primarily his own doing (from every human perspective, there is nothing to blame God for).

2. The Redefinition of Goodness, Love, and Mercy: Goodness, love, and mercy are aspects of God’s nature. Since we are fallen, we deceive ourselves into thinking of them differently. We have redefined these virtues because our hearts are depraved (Jer. 17:9). Depravity refers to the human condition where sin has corrupted every part of man, rendering us incapable of pleasing God on our own, and even our best and most righteous deeds are filthy before God’s standard. Paul established this in Romans 1-3. Paul is now speaking about the sheer mercy of God, demonstrated to people. The first incident of sin in Eden involved the redefinition of goodness—the forbidden fruit was described as “good for food” (Gen 3:6), and the deception of the couple. In this context, depraved humans tend to view the justice of God as unfair and the prerogative of God’s mercy as deserved by sinners.

The Validity of the Question (v. 14): The question here is rhetorical, meant to lead the reader toward a convincing and impressive point in the opposite direction. The fact that Paul asks this question makes it a sensible inquiry. However, Paul will not entertain or validate any ignorant or arrogant person (vv. 20–21) who seeks self-justification or excuses. Paul’s question intends to portray the wisdom of God so that we might believe in His mercy more and more. Paul’s quotation of Ex. 33:19 is in the context of mercy to reinforce the truth that God is merciful even in His justice. This question arises from a presupposed knowledge of God’s character, so it is valid when we approach it with a seeking heart, not a self-justifying one (finding fault with God).

The Meaning of the Passage: Election[1] (vv. 4, 8, 11, 26, 30) is a sovereign work of God. It is based on nothing else. It is His will. He does it according to His infinite mercy. God’s election does not cast any doubt on His impartiality. God is just in condemning sinners. Election is a demonstration of grace[2] and mercy. This mercy of God is effective and will not fail. Election accomplishes God’s will and purpose. This doctrine should help us trust God more, knowing that His judgment for unbelievers and salvation for believers are both certain.

A Few Implications:

Negatively, from v. 17, the Illustration of Pharaoh: The foolishness of contending against God. O fools, God laughs at you – Ps. 59:8; 37:13. You thought you triumphed, but you are judged. You thought you were wise, but you are a fool (Rom. 1:22).

Negatively, What We Need to Know: The default destiny of man. The fallenness of man. The creatureliness of man (the depravity of man – v. 16). If we understand these truths, we might never see the seeming problem. Rather, we will beg to be part of the group who obtain mercy, because the question of justice or injustice evaporates when we recognize our fallen state before God and our need for His mercy.

---

[1] Election is the theological term for the action of God in which certain individuals or groups of people are chosen by God for a special purpose and destiny before the creation of the world. In other words, God chose some people for salvation before they were even born or created. In Calvinistic understanding, everyone, and only the elect of God, will be saved

[2] Grace is best understood (and simplified) as God’s unearned/unmerited favor granted to a person who does not deserve it. We may understand God’s mercy as God not punishing us for what we deserve, and God’s grace as God blessing us with what we do not deserve.

Discovering Wonderful Things: James 4:1–2

 

Reading Notes from the book of Jude (Greek Text)

ALL GROUPS READING JUDE

[14:30, 23/11/2022] S. R.:

[There were times I read one book of the Bible a day. Most of the time, 4-10 chapters a day. And some seasons, just a chapter a day. This time, I shall be reading only a verse a day! 😄]

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟙 SBLGNT

 Ἰούδας Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ δοῦλος, ἀδελφὸς δὲ Ἰακώβου, τοῖς ἐν θεῷ πατρὶ ⸀ἠγαπημένοις καὶ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ τετηρημένοις κλητοῖς·

Hmmm! This time, let me read, study, and post from the Greek New Testament. I intend to go through the book of Jude one verse a day.

And this time, it won't make sense to you, I am sorry, but not sorry😄

#3 Identifications of Sender: Jude, slave of Jesus, brother of James. (They are siblings)

#3 Descriptions of the Recipients: Called ones (adj.), Loved ones (RPP), Kept ones (RPP) [All Dative Plural Masculine].

#All Christians are chosen by God, beloved by God, and kept safe by God.

#Perfect tense: God has already loved us and kept us safe, and those effects are still in operation, never to be doubted or thwarted.

#Passive mood: It's the doing of God, not us.

#NSM-Jude; GSM-Jesus and James; Christians-DPM

#ἐν is difficult to translate: "in" "by" or "for" and the dative of Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ is without a preposition. We would expect hupo if it's "by". Simple translation is to render "in" in both cases.

Theological takeaway: No matter what, we are the called ones, loved ones, and preserved ones by God, this is the main idea.

Grammatical Challenge: Dative Case. And even δὲ (conj.) could be adversative or continuative), "moreover"

Textual Variant: ηγιασμένοις sanctified.

Probably LSB is right but it needs explanation: “Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:”

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟚 SBLGNT

ἔλεος ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη καὶ ἀγάπη πληθυνθείη.

#Another triad description: Mercy, Peace, Love. Also related to the triune God of v20-21 (Mercy of Jesus, Peace from Holy Spirit, and Love of God)

#It's an Optative verb: functioning as prayer, not just a way of greetings. A normal greeting is "Grace and peace..." or "Grace, mercy and peace" Jude excluded "Grace" and included "love" because these virtues are what his readers need, especially because false teaching is destroying them.

#It's a passive mood: These virtues come from God. And the prayer is to be multiplied. It's not something new to be granted, nor something they haven't received or not known. They knew and experienced these virtues. Jude’s prayer is for them to experience more.

#ἔλεος is what the Old Testament understands of "chesed" the lovingkindness of God, which Psalm 63:3 says is better than life itself. Peace is primarily with God, now that we are accepted by God. And we do have a love for God because He first loved us and we are His people now.

#God's mercy is inexhaustible. His peace comforts the most weary soul. His love is most satisfying.

#Takeaway: We are not only supposed to be recipients of God's Mercy, Peace, and Love. We must also practice Mercy, Peace, and Love among fellow Christians. Also, we must imitate Jude in praying for others to have an increase in them.

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟛 SBLGNT

Ἀγαπητοί, πᾶσαν σπουδὴν ποιούμενος γράφειν ὑμῖν περὶ τῆς κοινῆς ⸀ἡμῶν σωτηρίας ἀνάγκην ἔσχον γράψαι ὑμῖν παρακαλῶν ἐπαγωνίζεσθαι τῇ ἅπαξ παραδοθείσῃ τοῖς ἁγίοις πίστει.

#3 infinitives: 2 to write (first one in the Present tense — abandoned, and second one in Aorist tense — written), and to contend (which is the main goal of this verse and this letter)

#3 Participles: making effort (present middle — planning but abandoned): exhorting (present active —method, means to accomplish the goal by Jude); handed down (aorist passive — reality, unchanged, completed, possessed truth).

#Main Verb: ἔσχον Aorist Active Indicative. Because of this, the effort to write about salvation is abandoned. And to write to contend for the faith is exhorted.

#2 Subjects: common salvation and delivered faith. Salvation is worth pondering over again and again for growth (πᾶσαν σπουδὴν). Delivered faith needs no improvement, it's perfect and complete (ἅπαξ).

#ἐπαγωνίζεσθαι — an intense form of contention. Occurred only in this verse in NT.

#4 clusters: I write, to you, our salvation, handed down (apostolic).

#ἀνάγκην— urgency, condition, circumstances to write — false teaching spreading. Ἀγαπητοί: tone of address — affectionate, unlike rude false teachers.

Main message: We must fight for our faith, never surrender, never compromise; it's authentic, complete, and unchangeable.

#Grammatical Challenge: the participle and infinitive ποιούμενος γράφειν (abandonment or reinforcement?)

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟜 SBLGNT παρεισέδυσαν γάρ τινες ἄνθρωποι, οἱ πάλαι προγεγραμμένοι εἰς τοῦτο τὸ κρίμα, ἀσεβεῖς, τὴν τοῦ θεοῦ ἡμῶν χάριτα μετατιθέντες εἰς ἀσέλγειαν καὶ τὸν μόνον ⸀δεσπότην καὶ κύριον ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν ἀρνούμενοι.

#γάρ— reason to contend for faith, reason for Jude to write urgently. Because of παρεισέδυσαν, the only verb (AAI). Very creepy, cunning, subtle these false teachers were. . .

#3 Participles: Concerning False teachers. Destiny (RPP) — Doom; Deviation (PAP) — Depravity; Denial (PMP) — Defiant.

#ἀσεβεῖς found 6 times in Jude. The description of false teachers — Godless. They were against God, God-haters. ἀσέλγειαν is sexual deviant. False teachers are sexually immoral teaching that God's grace would forgive them.

#Jesus is both δεσπότην καὶ κύριον, it’s folly to go against Him. And he is ἡμῶν ours (used 2 times). Blessed, comforting, affectionate pronoun.

#τοῦτο has to refer to v5-7, looking forward.

#Main point: Beware of any and all false teachers. They are always against God and against us. They will always bring condemnation, immorality, and denial of Christ. Don't underestimate them. Don't be overconfident. Don't tolerate them. Don't listen to them. Don't hang out with them.

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟝 SBLGNT

Ὑπομνῆσαι δὲ ὑμᾶς βούλομαι, εἰδότας ⸂ὑμᾶς ἅπαξ⸃ ⸀πάντα, ὅτι ⸀Ἰησοῦς λαὸν ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου σώσας τὸ δεύτερον τοὺς μὴ πιστεύσαντας ἀπώλεσεν,

#1 Infinitive: Ὑπομνῆσαι Aorist Active Infinitive — goal/purpose/ intention/objective of this verse. Effect on them: To remind them

#2 Indicatives: βούλομαι Present Mid Indic. His expression of emotion — deep desire.

ἀπώλεσεν AAI. Jesus destroyed. The main picture Jude wants the people to see: Jesus as a destroyer no matter how loving (saving) He is.

#3 Participles: εἰδότας RAP. The basis of reminder. They know and affirm very well. Followed by adv 'hapax' (once for all) not needing to be retaught or re-demonstrated.

σώσας AAP. The historical fact of physical deliverance. Followed by adj. 'deuteron' (later on) the contrast of saving to destroy —rejected.

πιστεύσαντας AAP. Unbelieving ones—deliberately, despite witnessing deliverance.

#Message: Don’t think highly of yourself when the Lord lifts) blesses you. Always fear God. Keep believing; Stick to the truth because God is a destroyer, He won't change, won't compromise, He will stick to His ways.

#Textual Variant: It's Ἰησοῦς not 'Kurios'

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟞 SBLGNT

ἀγγέλους τε τοὺς μὴ τηρήσαντας τὴν ἑαυτῶν ἀρχὴν ἀλλὰ ἀπολιπόντας τὸ ἴδιον οἰκητήριον εἰς κρίσιν μεγάλης ἡμέρας δεσμοῖς ἀϊδίοις ὑπὸ ζόφον τετήρηκεν·

#Two Pronouns in English translation: "their" ἑαυτῶν  P-GPM, but ἴδιον is adj. ASN functioning as 3PM pronoun referring to the angels. Antecedent ἀρχὴν and object οἰκητήριον (also neuter) are also singular.

#Main verb: τετήρηκεν RAI. What God does from the beginning and still doing and will surely be accomplished to punish the negligent angels. Properly kept, preserved but for destruction.

#2 Participles: Description of angels. Opposite actions.

 τηρήσαντας AAP. They neglect yet God is always serious. Same in the root verb.

ἀπολιπόντας AAP. They forsook, leaving behind, unsatisfied.

#2 Objective Nouns: ἀρχὴν N-ASF and οἰκητήριον N-ASN. What's the significant difference between them? Their dignity/power and abode. Power and place, function and position, title and role?

#The outcome: κρίσιν μεγάλης ἡμέρας judgment on the great day. Not an ordinary day. God has the strictest judgment for those who neglect/despise His ways.

#Vivid warning picture: δεσμοῖς ἀϊδίοις everlasting chain. Inescapable, undying, ever sure.

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟟 SBLGNT

ὡς Σόδομα καὶ Γόμορρα καὶ αἱ περὶ αὐτὰς πόλεις, τὸν ὅμοιον ⸂τρόπον τούτοις⸃ ἐκπορνεύσασαι καὶ ἀπελθοῦσαι ὀπίσω σαρκὸς ἑτέρας, πρόκεινται δεῖγμα πυρὸς αἰωνίου δίκην ὑπέχουσαι.

#3 comparative words: ὡς, ὅμοιον ⸂τρόπον. Even the object δεῖγμα. This verse is about comparison/ illustration to make a point— warning.

#3 Participles: ἐκπορνεύσασαι καὶ ἀπελθοῦσαι AAP — their characters, reason for judgment.

ὑπέχουσαι PAP. As a result, still suffering — eternal suffering.

#Main Verb: πρόκεινται PMI. Set before us as an example. It's seeable, plain, visible.

#Message: Past things are a lesson for us. We are expected, required, and commanded to learn from the past (OT, and the whole Bible). Bible is always relevant.

#Fornication and Unnatural Sex: the judgment is emphasized not primarily for these sins but for the celebration of ungodliness. No matter what sin we are in or have committed, if we don't celebrate sin but despise sins and turn away from them, God shall not judge us. After all, we all are sinners and will still be until our resurrection; we have to hate sin, not normalize sin, not tolerate sin but run away from it.

 

𝕁𝕦𝕕𝕖 𝟙:𝟠 SBLGNT

Ὁμοίως μέντοι καὶ οὗτοι ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι σάρκα μὲν μιαίνουσιν, κυριότητα δὲ ἀθετοῦσιν, δόξας δὲ βλασφημοῦσιν.

The deeds of dreamers ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι (PMP) (men of v4) are expressed in 3 present active indicative verbs. μιαίνουσιν, ἀθετοῦσιν, βλασφημοῦσιν. Defiling. Deesteeming, Defaming. Continuously, deliberately.

#Message: Be careful of dreamers. Stay away from those who tell their dreams as if it's God's revelation.

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟡 SBLGNT

ὁ δὲ Μιχαὴλ ὁ ἀρχάγγελος, ὅτε τῷ διαβόλῳ διακρινόμενος διελέγετο περὶ τοῦ Μωϋσέως σώματος, οὐκ ἐτόλμησεν κρίσιν ἐπενεγκεῖν βλασφημίας, ἀλλὰ εἶπεν· Ἐπιτιμήσαι σοι κύριος.

διακρινόμενος PMP

διελέγετο IMI

ἐτόλμησεν AAI

ἐπενεγκεῖν AAN

εἶπεν AAI

Ἐπιτιμήσαι AAO

# 4 groups: Michael, Devil, Moses, and Lord.

# False teachers defied authorities as if they were powerful whereas the powerful being (Michael) conducted himself controllably and humbly. True knowledge brings humility and calmness of mind!

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟙𝟘 SBLGNT

οὗτοι δὲ ὅσα μὲν οὐκ οἴδασιν βλασφημοῦσιν, ὅσα δὲ φυσικῶς ὡς τὰ ἄλογα ζῷα ἐπίστανται, ἐν τούτοις φθείρονται.

οἴδασιν RAI. Spiritual knowledge.

βλασφημοῦσιν PAI

ἐπίστανται PMI. Natural knowledge

φθείρονται PPI. Destroy them.

#Spiritual knowledge saves, natural knowledge damns.

ἄλογα ζῷα imagery of uncontrolled animals. False teachers mock spiritual/biblical/written truth, and they live by their natural impulse leading to their own destruction. No matter what, we need help outside of us.

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟙𝟙 SBLGNT

οὐαὶ αὐτοῖς, ὅτι τῇ ὁδῷ τοῦ Κάϊν ἐπορεύθησαν, καὶ τῇ πλάνῃ τοῦ Βαλαὰμ μισθοῦ ἐξεχύθησαν, καὶ τῇ ἀντιλογίᾳ τοῦ Κόρε ἀπώλοντο.

3 men of ill reputation: Cain, Balaam, Korah.

ὁδῷ road. ἐπορεύθησαν API, followed the lifestyle of Cain

πλάνῃ fraudulent of Balaam. For profit μισθοῦ. ἐξεχύθησαν API. Not only going but excessive indulgence, pour out like water.

ἀντιλογίᾳ contradiction/rebellion of Korah. ἀπώλοντο AMI. Ultimately destruction is their end.

Order in this verse: noun, proper noun, verb.

#Descriptions of False teachers are quite evident and visible if we know the word of God. And they are doomed. Nobody should be envious of them.

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟙𝟚 SBLGNT

οὗτοί εἰσιν ⸀οἱ ἐν ταῖς ἀγάπαις ὑμῶν σπιλάδες συνευωχούμενοι, ἀφόβως ἑαυτοὺς ποιμαίνοντες, νεφέλαι ἄνυδροι ὑπὸ ἀνέμων παραφερόμεναι, δένδρα φθινοπωρινὰ ἄκαρπα δὶς ἀποθανόντα ἐκριζωθέντα,

The dangerous presence of false teachers among Jude's readers. εἰσιν PAI, only verb.

5 participles to describe them. The first three are in the present tense. And the last two are in the aorist tense.

δὶς ἀποθανόντα ἐκριζωθέντα, not only apparent death but real death. Unfruitful is as good as dead, then uprooted, which is real death.

They are fearless, feeding themselves, associating with them. They are deceitful, destructive, and bring damnation only.

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟙𝟛 SBLGNT κύματα ἄγρια θαλάσσης ἐπαφρίζοντα τὰς ἑαυτῶν αἰσχύνας, ἀστέρες πλανῆται οἷς ὁ ζόφος τοῦ σκότους εἰς αἰῶνα τετήρηται.

ζόφος τοῦ σκότους blackness of darkness. What a description of utter despair!

Only verb τετήρηται RPI, being kept by God from a long time ago for eternity.

ἐπαφρίζοντα only participle, foaming out, exposing themselves.

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟙𝟜 SBLGNT

Προεφήτευσεν δὲ καὶ τούτοις ἕβδομος ἀπὸ Ἀδὰμ Ἑνὼχ λέγων· Ἰδοὺ ἦλθεν κύριος ἐν ἁγίαις μυριάσιν αὐτοῦ,

καὶ τούτοις dative of reference, "about these men"

Book of Enoch or unwritten prophecy passed down?

2 aorist active indicative verbs: Προεφήτευσεν, ἦλθεν

Imperative Ἰδοὺ AAM functioning as an interjection, to get attention.

λέγων PAP "saying" NIV didn't translate

This verse: Reaffirming God's plan to conquer falsehood, presupposing the presence of false teachers yet not to be terrified by them.

Excursus on Enoch: Cambridge BSC commentary. NAC, etc.

Vincent writes: only a few fragments till its entirety is found in Ethiopic Bible in 1773 by Bruce.

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟙𝟝 SBLGNT

ποιῆσαι κρίσιν κατὰ πάντων καὶ ἐλέγξαι ⸂πάντας τοὺς ἀσεβεῖς⸃ περὶ πάντων τῶν ἔργων ἀσεβείας αὐτῶν ὧν ἠσέβησαν καὶ περὶ πάντων τῶν σκληρῶν ὧν ἐλάλησαν κατ’ αὐτοῦ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἀσεβεῖς.

Repeated words/ideas: ungodly ἀσεβεῖς 4 times. They are ungodly people.

πάντων 4 times "all," no exception. No escape.

2 Aorist Active Infinitive verbs: ποιῆσαι to execute, ἐλέγξαι to convict. God with His saints to execute judgment and convict ungodly people of their ungodly deeds.

2 Aorist Active Indicative verbs defining ungodly people. The matter of judgment: ἠσέβησαν what they did ungodly, ἐλάλησαν what they spoke against Him.

What one does and speaks, how one does and speaks is known by God. And one day we, ourselves will be made known. Don't fool yourself!

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟙𝟞 SBLGNT

οὗτοί εἰσιν γογγυσταί, μεμψίμοιροι, κατὰ τὰς ἐπιθυμίας ⸀αὐτῶν πορευόμενοι, καὶ τὸ στόμα αὐτῶν λαλεῖ ὑπέρογκα, θαυμάζοντες πρόσωπα ὠφελείας χάριν.

Another descriptive list of false teachers.

2 PAI verbs: εἰσιν are, λαλεῖ speak.

2 participles: πορευόμενοι PMP, walking, their ongoing lifestyle. θαυμάζοντες PAP, flattering people.

They speak against God and fault find in God. They speak what people want to hear to take advantage of the people.

χάριν adverb, "for the sake of, for the favor of"

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟙𝟟 SBLGNT

Ὑμεῖς δέ, ἀγαπητοί, μνήσθητε τῶν ῥημάτων τῶν προειρημένων ὑπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ·

ἀγαπητοί VPM. Personal address, affection. About to say an important point.

1 imperative: μνήσθητε APM you must remember.

ῥημάτων τῶν προειρημένων sayings of the predictions.

Stick to the Bible. Study the Bible. Scrutinize every teaching with the sayings of the Apostles

 

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟙𝟠 SBLGNT

ὅτι ἔλεγον ⸀ὑμῖν· ⸂Ἐπ’ ἐσχάτου χρόνου⸃ ἔσονται ἐμπαῖκται κατὰ τὰς ἑαυτῶν ἐπιθυμίας πορευόμενοι τῶν ἀσεβειῶν.

ἔλεγον IAI.

ἔσονται FMI

πορευόμενοι PMP

ἐμπαῖκται, N-NPM, scoffers, mockers, this is who they are. And so they walk their own way—ungodly passion. It's not surprising that they are many because the end is near!

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟙𝟡 SBLGNT οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ ἀποδιορίζοντες, ψυχικοί, πνεῦμα μὴ ἔχοντες.

Another descriptive list of false teachers: dividers, sensual, spiritless.

εἰσιν PAI-3P

ἀποδιορίζοντες PAP

ἔχοντες PAP

Sensual in contrast to spiritual. Spiritless, God's work is missing in them.

True and false teaching divides people, but false teaching divides to destroy.

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟚𝟘 SBLGNT

ὑμεῖς δέ, ἀγαπητοί, ⸂ἐποικοδομοῦντες ἑαυτοὺς τῇ ἁγιωτάτῃ ὑμῶν πίστει⸃, ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ προσευχόμενοι,

No main verb here. Jude, drawing his readers' attention again with ἀγαπητοί. He directed them sharply too ὑμεῖς

2 participles which they are expected to do: ἐποικοδομοῦντες PAP, building up always in faith

προσευχόμενοι PMP, praying always in Spirit.

In other words, grow in faith and prayer. Read your Bible and Pray every day!

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟚𝟙 SBLGNT

ἑαυτοὺς ἐν ἀγάπῃ θεοῦ τηρήσατε προσδεχόμενοι τὸ ἔλεος τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον.

The main verb is τηρήσατε, Aorist Active Imperative. 2 Participles of v20 and προσδεχόμενοι PMP are instrumental participles— how to keep ourselves in God's love.

3 means to keep in the love of God: Read Bible, Pray in Spirit, and Expect Christ's Return.

Another triad: v20, praying in Spirit, v21, love of God, mercy of Jesus. Trinity.

εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Eternal life is realized and received in the fullest sense only at His coming.

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟚𝟚 SBLGNT

καὶ οὓς μὲν ⸀ἐλεᾶτε ⸂διακρινομένους,

Textual Variants are observed.

ἐλεᾶτε PAM have mercy (not convince)

 διακρινομένους, PMP- APM (not NPM) who are doubting. Doubted by false teachings?

Mercy is expected of us. There will always be some doubters. Let's be merciful.

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟚𝟛 SBLGNT

οὓς δὲ σῴζετε ἐκ πυρὸς ἁρπάζοντες, οὓς δὲ ἐλεᾶτε ἐν φόβῳ⸃, μισοῦντες καὶ τὸν ἀπὸ τῆς σαρκὸς ἐσπιλωμένον χιτῶνα.

There's a textual variant again in this verse. SBGLNT has 2 Present Active Imperative Verbs:

1. σῴζετε to save, deliver, (spiritually). The manner of saving is by pulling them out (ἁρπάζοντες—PAP) from fire. They are already too late to be prevented, but not too late to be rescued.

2. ἐλεᾶτε, to have mercy on them. The manner is in fear because it's serious. Sin is contagious. The stronger Christian must not think highly of himself. And he should not underestimate sin. Rather the way to have mercy is by μισοῦντες—PAP hating. Loving the person but hating the sins. Not to be affected by the sins of the fallen people.

Another participle describes the subtle effect of sin: ἐσπιλωμένον—RPP, sin stains a person, that stain affects people, and has the potential to affect forever like a scar.

I hate to listen to sinful stories because it tempts me to sin. As a pastor, I have to listen to them. And I must do so in fear for my own soul to not wander off in sinful imagination and to not be excited or envious by their sins.

I must also have mercy, pity, compassion for them, overlooking their sins, instead of blaming them for the consequence.

I must also hate sin irrespective of who or when, and where the sin is being committed. Not wanting to tolerate it at all. I love this expression σαρκὸς ἐσπιλωμένον χιτῶνα, hating even the cloth stained by flesh

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟚𝟜 SBLGNT

Τῷ δὲ δυναμένῳ φυλάξαι ⸀ὑμᾶς ἀπταίστους καὶ στῆσαι κατενώπιον τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ ἀμώμους ἐν ἀγαλλιάσει

This verse along with v25 is a doxology, hymn/statement of praising God.

δυναμένῳ PMP-DSM referring to God, His attribute of omnipotent, which is demonstrated in two ways by 2 Aorist Active Infinitive Verbs:

1. φυλάξαι to keep safe from snatching away.

2. στῆσαι to make firm, to escape in safety from accusation.

Its deliverance and assurance, negative to positive. Removal of fear and granting of confidence.

This is before the glory of God (c.f. Rom. 3:23). And the status is ἀμώμους blameless

And because of this, we can have ἀγαλλιάσει exceeding joy.

Christian doesn't need to fear but must live in confidence, yes even with exceeding joy. Because God in Jesus Christ has made him/her blemish, perfect to the standard of God. It’s like topping the IAS exam or securing gold in Olympic Games, achieving the toppest target!

 

𝕁𝕌𝔻𝔼 𝟙:𝟚𝟝 SBLGNT

⸀μόνῳ θεῷ σωτῆρι ἡμῶν ⸂διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν⸃ ⸀δόξα μεγαλωσύνη κράτος καὶ ἐξουσία ⸂πρὸ παντὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος⸃ καὶ νῦν καὶ εἰς πάντας τοὺς αἰῶνας· ἀμήν.

Textual Variant is observed in this verse also. Furthermore, this verse has no verb, and is in continuation of v24 as a statement of praise. Affirming the omnipotent attribute of God, by which we shall stand against all schemes of the devil, and yet live a joyous life.

μόνῳ We have only one God, and also, He is our only saviour.

διὰ our salvation, our acceptance before God, and our offering of praise are only through Jesus Christ, no other means.

4 Attributes of God mentioned: glory, greatness, strength, authority.

Triad description of God's attribute: past, present, and forever, πρὸ, καὶ νῦν, καὶ εἰς.

What a way to end a letter, especially such serious letter concerning false teaching spreading!