Jude’s Structure
Opening: The opening in verses 1-2 is clear. The sender and recipients are identified and Jude greets his audience. The main idea of these opening verses is the desire for mercy and love to be multiplied to the recipients.
Main Body: The use of the vocative address in verse 3 marks a transition. The occasion and purpose of the letter are then explained. Jude expresses his need to write (3) and gives the reason (4).
Verse 5 begins with the transitional formula, “I want to remind you…” and verses 5-16 deal with the opponents, moving back and forth between OT examples and the present oppressors. The main idea of 5-16 is two-fold. Jude reminds his readers of how Christ has dealt with His opponents in the past and how his readers’ opponents resemble the ungodly that Christ has dealt with in the past.
The use of the vocative in verse 17 and 20 clearly mark out those propositions as forming the exhortation. The main idea of these verses is that Jude’s readers should avoid pronouncing judgment on their opponents, should allow Christ’s words to be remembered, and should keep themselves in the love of God. These two specific commands are then followed by three general commands.
Doxology: The doxology in verses 24-25 is also clearly defined. The main idea of the doxology is that the Father should receive glory, majesty, power, and authority.
Outline of Jude
- Opening (Verses 1-2)
- Main Body (3-23)
- Occasion/Purpose of Writing (Verses 3-4)
- Description of Opponents and Their End (Verses 5-16)
- Response Exhorted to the Believers (Verses 17-23)
- Doxology (Verses 24-25)
Preaching Guide for Jude
With a comprehensive understanding of the book as a whole and how each part is functioning, it is now possible to suggest several different sermon outlines for Jude. There is an outline presented for the whole letter, as well as a 4-part sermon series. Within the series, there are recommended cross references to alert the hearer to the cohesion of the discourse.
Big Picture Idea for Jude: When faced with people that deny Christ, those beloved by God and protected by Christ must remember that Christ deals with His enemies, keep themselves in the love of God, and show mercy.
Single Sermon for the Whole Book
Title: Live for Christ, even when Others Don’t
When faced with people that deny Christ:
- Treasure Your Identity as Beloved of God and Protected by Christ (1-2; 24-25)
- Remember Christ Will Deal Decisively with His Enemies (3-16)
- Keep Yourself in the Love of God and Show Mercy (17-23)
4-Part Sermon Series
Message 1: Jude 1-4
Title: How to Deal with Christ’s Enemies
- Recognize there will always Be Enemies of Christ amid His People (3-4; cf. 17-19)
- Delight that Christ’s Enemies Cannot Affect Your Beloved and Protected Status (1-2; cf. 24-25)
- Contend for the Faith Which Extols the Grace of God and Mercy of Christ (3-4; cf. 20-23)
Message 2: Jude 5-16
Title: What Will Happen to Those that Deny Christ?
- Remember How Christ Has Dealt with His Enemies throughout History (5-7; 9; 11; 14-15)
- Consider What Will Become of Those Who Presently Resist Christ (8; 10; 12-13; 16)
- Resist the Urge to Take Matters into Your Own Hands and Respond Rightly (9; cf. 17-23)
Message 3: Jude 17-23
Title: Living for Christ amid Ungodliness
- Don’t Be Surprised by Ungodliness (17-19; cf. 5-16)
- Keep Yourself in the Love of God (20-21) by:
- Strengthening Yourself in the Faith (Past)
- Praying in the Spirit (Present)
- Looking forward to Christ’s Gift of Eternal Life (Future)
- Mercifully Save as many as You Can (22-23)
Message 4: Jude 24-25
Title: A Life of Praise in Trying Times
- Praise God for His Protecting and Sustaining Care (24; cf. 1-2)
- Praise God for His Accomplishments through Christ (25a)
Eagerly Anticipate Praising God for All Eternity (25b)
Prepare Verse by Verse
Now that you have an outline of Jude and some suggested message outlines, you’ll need some good resources for exegesis. Our Jude page has several public domain commentaries you can use, as well as some recommended modern commentaries. We also offer our Jude Greek Reading Videos, which walk you through translating every verse in the Greek text of Jude.
