Jude 1:22-23 Some Have Compassion
Introduction: Different people require a different
approach when dealing with them. However, all lost people need Christ. Paul’s
desire was to reach them at all cost. To the weak became I as weak, that I might
gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save
some. I Cor. 9:22
We Are Commanded To Reach the lost by the Love of Christ
- And of some have compassion - eleeite - Pres Act Imp - Pity - Some had
sinned, causing difficulty in the church. They required love and compassion from
God’s people to find their way. There restoration would only come through the
spirit of meekness and a tender heart. Don’t be harsh and severe, or lack
forgiveness, as we deal with them. If God has forgiven them, why should not we?
Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church
of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but
the profit of many, that they may be saved. I Cor. 10:32-33
We Are to Continually Make a Difference by Loving the Lost
and Those Who Have Failed making a difference: -
diakrinomenoi - Pres Act Ptc - 2 Cor. 5:14 For the love of Christ
constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all
dead:
Illustration: Stephen Olford tells of a Baptist
pastor during the American Revolution, Peter Miller, who lived in Ephrata,
Pennsylvania, and enjoyed the friendship of George Washington. In Ephrata also
lived Michael Wittman, an evil-minded sort who did all he could to oppose and
humiliate the pastor. One day Michael Wittman was arrested for treason and
sentenced to die. Peter Miller traveled seventy miles on foot to Philadelphia to
plead for the life of the traitor. "No, Peter," General Washington said. "I
cannot grant you the life of your friend." "My friend!" exclaimed the old
preacher. "He's the bitterest enemy I have." "What?" cried Washington. "You've
walked seventy miles to save the life of an enemy? That puts the matter in
different light. I'll grant your pardon." And he did. Peter Miller took Michael
Wittman back home to Ephrata – no longer an enemy but a friend.
We Are Commanded to Reach Some with Fear and Judgment of
Their End - 1:23 And others save with fear, - fobw
swzete - Pres Act Imp - keep safe and sound, rescue from danger or
destruction, preserve someone who is in danger of destruction. The fear of the
believer on behalf of the lost is picture here. We are to be fearful of their
place in eternity. We should know the consequence of being lost, apart from
Christ.
If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might
save some of them. Rom. 11:14
We Are to Continually Warn and Fight for Their Very Lives
- pulling them out of the fire; - arpazonteV - Pres
Act Ptc - seize, carry off by force, snatch out.
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing
this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. I Tim. 4:16
We Are to Continually Hate the Sin That Tarnishes Their
Lives - hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. - Pres Act Ptc -
misounteV - despising the appearance of the flesh.
Hate what they have become, and those sins which have marred their lives. This
sin, like clothing is apparent to those who see them dressed in their
unrighteous clothing.
I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were
as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me,
saith the LORD. Amos 4:11
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and
they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. Rev. 3:4