"Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” Jude 1-4 

If we must continually understand the riches of Christ and our union with him before entering into "hard tasks" or dealing with "difficult things."

Preparation:

1. The focal point of being a servant of Jesus Christ

2. Finding gladness in the wonder of electing love (1 Corinthians 1:2, 9:22-24)

“Effectual calling is an act of God the Father, speaking through the human proclamation of the gospel in which he summons people to himself in such a way that they respond in saving faith.” Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, p. 63

Calling Involves:

1. Understanding the facts of the gospel (the brokenness/sinfulness of all people, the fact that sin leads to death and separation from God, Christ paid for our sins by being our substitute.)

2. An invitation and the calling to respond to the good news of Christ (Matthew 11:28-30, John 1:12, Revelation 22:17)

The joy of forgiveness and eternal life by faith alone through the work of Christ alone.

• The wonder of our salvation includes being eternally loved by the Father and kept by the tender mercies of Jesus.

3. Mercy, peace and love MULTIPLIED, not merely added on.

Being multiplied, which means being bestowed continually and in abundance.

• Mercy: God’s compassion and kindness given to us by the mercy of the cross. Those who experience mercy, extend mercy. (Jude 22-23) 

“Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” Romans 5:9-10

• Peace: A total well-being. The way things are meant to be. 

“I call piety that reverence joined with love of God which the knowledge of his benefits induces. For until men recognize they owe everything to God, that they are nourished by his Fatherly care, that he is the Author of their every good, that they should seek nothing beyond him-they will never yield willing service.” John Calvin, The Institutes of Christian Religion, I-2-1

“How wretched is man’s lot when he has lost that for which he was made; oh, how hard and cruel was that fall. He lost the blessedness for which he was made and has found the misery for which he was not made.” Anselm of Canterbury (D. 4.21.1109), on the sinfulness of man

• Love: The atmosphere in which these things are carried out.

 QUESTIONS:

1. Can you remember the first time you heard the gospel and responded? What emotions did you experience?

2. What does this statement mean, “People often come to faith in Christ in stages.”?

3. How is Matthew 11:28-30 a present day invitation?

4. Why does the keeping power of Jesus bring comfort and joy in a topsy-turvy world?

5. Why is it glorious that Jude says mercy, peace and love have been multiplied instead of richly added to you?

6. What is a daily awakening routine that invites hope and happiness?