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Peter Barnes | Jude 22-23
SERMON NOTES
DEALING WITH PEOPLE CHRISTIANLY
(Jude 22-23)
– the Greek text is something of a mingle-mangle (to use John Knox’s description of the English Reformation); the NKJV refers to two groups, the NIV and ESV to three groups.
– James 5:19-20 deals with what, Jude 22-23 deals with how
1. Be merciful to those who doubt.
– v.22; e.g. 2 Tim.2:24-25; Phil.3:15-16
– compare Luke 9:50 and Matt.12:30; and Luke 19:41 and Matt.23:27
– John Newton treated Thomas Scott firmly but very gently, commending his sincerity in 1775
2. Snatch others who are in danger.
– v.23a; e.g. Gen.19:22-24; Tit.1:13
– John Newton was rather vigorous in writing to his brother-in-law, John Catlett, over his unbelief.
3. Show mercy to others with fear and purity.
– v.23b; here there is spiritual danger
– e.g. taking on an unbeliever who is highly intelligent; evangelising people where you yourself have sinned (say, a converted drug addict); or working with prostitutes