TEXT: Jude 1:24-25
READING: Psalm 21:1-13
SUBJ: The deference we give to God in view of what we are to do, and the final acknowledgment that He is all. (See vv. 20-23)
AIM: That we might live with constant awareness of the precious truths of these two verses.
INTR: Benedictions (Doxologies) refer to those aspects of divine acknowledgment and praise as to connect what has just been said or observed with that we expect for the future.
1. Consider especially the personal exhortations found in vv. 20-21.
2. But, see also, the exhortations to outreach as described in vv. 22-23.
3. These carry on to the two notes of praise in vv. 24-25 in that the ability to accomplish lies with Him alone.
THESIS: Human responsibility and divine sovereignty walk hand-in-hand throughout scripture. But our rejoicing and confidence lies ultimately with the knowledge of what He is able to do and the declaration that He will see it to completion. His is both wisdom and power.
I. Divine ability (v. 24) – what He has done and what He will do.
1. The “now” here causes all that has been said to lead into what is about to be said – the sentence concludes with verse 25.
2. The ability of God to keep us from falling
1) To restrain those things that would cause us to fall: My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. (John 10:29-30) and Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (Ephesians 3:20).
2) To enable resistance to falling. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (Romans 8:37).
3) To ultimately realize His will that we do not fall by and that by whatever means He ordains. – If He is able to keep us, He will keep us.
3. Compare Micah 7:8-9 Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.
4. The goal is presentation: Colossians 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight… and S. A. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:27).
5. Being in the presence of His glory: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:13)
6. The presentation will be with exceeding joy at the success of redemption and the glory of God in it. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: (Matthew 5:12)
II. Divine wisdom (v. 25) – what is true about Him
1. His is an exclusive claim to wisdom.
1) O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33) and To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (Ephesians 3:10)
2) It is displayed to us as “our God.” Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2)
3) It is realized in us as “our Savior.” Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: (2 Peter 1:1)
2. It is the believer’s delight to acknowledge the attributes of God
1) Glory – this is a closing doxology that acknowledges the honor claimed and it is beheld in the “face of Jesus Christ.”
2) Majesty – Greatness of His appearance in which He is and is seen above all.
3) Dominion – His is the possession of might, power, strength, etc. exercised over all His creation and especially in the success of redemption.
4) Power – Authority over all things which is undergirded by His dominion over all.
3. Note that we do not give Him these things, rather we acknowledge them and submit to them in a precious awareness of hope and faith in Him alone.
