v3: Beloved: Jude is writing to fellow believers (those who are committed to the calling and purposes of G-d and those who have received His love)
· Very diligent: Jude was completely committed to these people.
· Common salvation: Within this context “common” does not mean those things which are unclean and therefore rejected (As we see this word used in Acts 10:14-15). In this context “common” refers to something that is shared and is for all humanity. There is only ONE way of salvation for ALL of mankind – through faith in Messiah Yeshua.
· Contend earnestly for the faith: As people living in the last days, we need to be (first and foremost) people who understand our call to contend for the faith (1 John 2:18-21) In the last days, some people, even some of those in our midst (among us😳), are going to attack truth and try to get people to move away from it.
· Once for all: This refers to something that happened at one time only. However, the implications of that one-time action go on forever. Example: Yeshua died once, but that has implications for eternity. We are saved once – and that has implications for eternity. This faith was delivered once to us…. But its implications go on into eternity. It is this faith we need to contend for.
· For all: It has relevance for all mankind.
v4: Crept in: These heretical men have secretly and stealthily entered into the house of G-d and mingled among believers, without anyone knowing what their true objectives are. One of the characteristics of heresy is to cause division among G-d’s people (Mark 3:25). We need unity, but our unity MUST be based on truth. A unity (like the kind the pope is proposing) is a unity that is not worth preserving, as it is based on falsehood (we don’t worship the same G-d as the Muslims etc. Allah does not have a son. Our G-d does)
· Marked out for this condemnation: These are men marked out for judgement. One way that we can contend for the faith, is to speak about the judgement that is coming. The cross is one of the best examples of G-d’s commitment to judgement. G-d did not spare His only Son (Roms 8:32). We should have been the recipients of G-d’s wrath (Roms 5:8-9), but Yeshua took upon Himself the penalty for our sin. We cannot preach effectively concerning the cross unless we speak about G-d’s judgement. If we preach about it without reference to judgement (those who don’t receive Yeshua will experience judgement) then we lessen its significance and its power.
· Ungodly men: Their thoughts and actions do not glorify G-d.
· Licentiousness: Lewd. These people take the grace of G-d and pervert or misappropriate it to gratify themselves. This is a form of self-worship. Worshipping in this improper, sensual, way glorifies and pleases their own senses, rather than fulfilling the purposes of G-d.
· Deny: Although these people have received the message, and have understood it, something within them (this desire to please their own senses) causes them to rebel against the authority and L-rdship of G-d. When we emphasise the flesh we will deny the authority of G-d.
· Lord (God) and our L-rd Messiah Yeshua: The verse ends with a reference to Father G-d as well as with reference to G-d the Son.