Called, Sanctified, Preserved in Christ

1
Called, Sanctified,Preserved in Christ

• Theme Our responsibility (in contending for the
  faith) to Gods grace. Jude 11-2

2
Introduction

• When Jude writes his letter it is with the intent
  to write his brethren about the salvation they
  shared.
• He needed, however, to spend his energy on
  exhorting his brethren to contend for the
  faith.
• It is no wonder he opened his letter to his
  brethren as called, sanctified (beloved), and
  preserved in Christ.

3
Introduction

• While many hear these virtuous terms, what
  exactly do they mean?
• What does it mean to be called?
• How are we sanctified?
• How are we preserved in Christ?
• By understanding these terms all Christians
  should have an encouraging perspective of who we
  are in the Lord.

4
Those Called

• Those in Christ have been called.
• Strongs Enhanced Lexicon Called, invited
  invited to obtain eternal salvation in the
  kingdom through Christ.
• This calling was not according to mans devising
  or a result of our meritorious works.
• It was according to Gods own purpose and grace
  before time began. Eph. 15

5
Those Called

• This calling comes through the gospel.
• We have been called with a holy calling. 2 Tim.
  19
• The calling is made through the preaching of the
  gospel to every creature. Mk. 1615-16
• We become Gods chosen and are called through a
  belief in the truth. 2 Thess. 213-14

6
Those Called

• Our responsibility in contending for the faith is
  to make our calling and election sure. 2 Pet.
  110-11
• This requires sobering diligence on our part.
• Otherwise, we will be like the Israelites in the
  wilderness. Jude 5 Heb. 312-19 411
• All were called by God to enter the Promised Land
  of rest.
• But most were unable to enter because of unbelief
  that led to lack of diligence!

7
Those Sanctified

• The words sanctify, sanctification...
• Strongs Enhanced Lexicon
• To render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or
  hallow.
• To separate from profane things and dedicate to
  God.
• Therefore, God has set apart those who have been
  called. Jude 1

8
Those Sanctified

• How we are sanctified in the Lord.
• Is the work of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 611
• It is also the work of the Word of God. Jn.
  1717 Eph. 526
• Since the Word of God is said to be the sword of
  the Spirit (Eph. 617), the Word is evidently
  the instrument used by the Spirit to help bring
  about our sanctification. 2 Thess. 213

9
Those Sanctified

• Our responsibility in contending for the faith is
  to live a sanctified life.
• It is true that the Lord sanctifies those who
  belong to Him. 1 Cor. 12
• Yet, many who are sanctified by the Lord, may
  live carnal lives. 1 Cor. 31-3
• Thus, our responsibility of being sanctified is
  an ongoing process while we live in the flesh. 1
  Thess. 519-23

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Those Preserved inChrist Jesus

• The meaning of the word preserved.
• Enhanced Strong Lexicon
• 1To attend to carefully, take care of.
• 1a to guard.
• 1b metaph. to keep, one in the state in which he
  is.
• It is used to describe that which is closely
  watched and guarded. Jude 6

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Those Preserved inChrist Jesus

• In a positive manner this word speaks of our
  wonderful assurance in Christ.
• We are carefully guarded in Christ!
• Peter uses a different word (phroureo,
  froo-reh-o) to express a similar idea. 1 Pet.
  15 (read v. 3-5)
• Paul used yet another word to express his own
  confidence in Gods preservation. 2 Tim 418
• Jesus assured his disciples no one could snatch
  them out of His hand. Jn. 1027-29

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Those Preserved inChrist Jesus

• Our responsibility in contending for the faith.
• We must keep ourselves in the love of God. Jude
  21
• This indicates that we must cooperate with God
  (and His calling). cp. Eph. 14
• God provides the power to keep us safe, but we
  must provide the faith.

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Conclusion

• It is a blessing to know how much love God has
  for us by calling, sanctifying, and keeping us in
  Christ Jesus.
• May we do our utmost, through faith, to be kept
  in Christ until He returns!