The Fight (Jude 5-16)

2. The Fight (Ancient & Modern) (Jude 5-16)
Jude: Contending for the Faith

Contextual and Application Questions on Jude v. 5-16:
1. How does each of the Old Testament examples in v. 5-7 illustrate a rebellion of belief in the mind of the creature about the Creator and the status of the creature in relation to the Creator? (How did they deny the authority, morality, and glory of God?)
2. Where do the beliefs of false teachers originate? What will they ultimately result in? (v.8, 10)
3. Why can we not allow our beliefs to be shaped by our instincts (v. 10)? Where must we always turn instead for right belief and understanding?
a. What lies concerning God’s authority, morality, and glory do you think are common in today’s mindset, that we need to guard against? (For example, “I don’t need God in my life – I know what’s best for me” or “The morality of the Bible is outdated – things have changed” etc.)
b. Which of these lies are you contending with at the moment? Are there any that you should be contending with but have not been?
4. In the battle of the mind, what is your strategy going to be for defending your beliefs against false teaching and lies?  (How can you ensure that you do not fall prey to false teachers? What can you do to make sure that you are practicing discernment over purported revelations from God? How can you do this together as a Community Group?)
5. Using the surrounding context, explain whom Jude is referring to when he writes, “Woe to them!” in v. 11?
6. What sins have they allowed to take root in their hearts, as exemplified by Cain, Balaam, and Korah? (v. 11)
(Refer to Gen. 4: 3-8; Num. 16: 1-35, 22:7, 31:16 or look up these Old Testament examples in a Bible dictionary if you need to refresh your memory!)
7. How did the true disposition of their hearts show up in their speech and conduct? (v. 15-16)
8. Read v. 12-13 and consider the imagery Jude uses. In what ways do false teachers (and those living false lives) pose a danger to the spiritual safety and well-being of other believers?
9. Why do we need to be aware of the example we set as Christians to both our fellow-believers and to the world? If we are not pastors or teachers in the church, does our example matter any less? Why / why not?
10. As we seek to contend for the faith by the God-honoring example of our lives, why is it essential that we be willing to look honestly at our hearts and not just our behavior?