Jude 1

Introduction

Jude 1uses three examples to illustrate how God dealt with rebellion: (1) the children of Israel were kept out of the promised land, (2) the angels “which kept not their first estate” were cast out, and (3) those in Sodom and Gomorrah who rejected divine warnings were destroyed. Jude warned apostates that one day the Lord would come “to execute judgment upon all” the ungodly (see Jude 1:4–8, 14–19). He promised the faithful that by building their faith through prayer and love for God they would be saved from the fate of the apostates (see Jude 1:20–25).

Prayerfully study Jude 1and consider the following principle before preparing your lessons.

Some Important Gospel Principles to Look For

• Strengthening our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ prepares us to help others whose faith is weaker (see Jude 1:20–23).

Additional Resources

• The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, 437–41.

Suggestions for Teaching

• Use the following idea or one or more of your own as you prepare to teach Jude 1.

Jude 1. We can strengthen others who are weak in the faith.

(10–15 minutes)

Divide your class into five groups. Have each group read one of the following scripture blocks and write a summary of it in their own words: Jude 1:1–4; 1:5–11; 1:12–16; 1:17–19; 1:20–25.

Invite a student to collect the five summaries and read them, in order, to the class. Ask another student to summarize the summaries for the entire book of Jude (see the “Introduction” for Jude chapter 1).

Place a chair next to a sturdy table. Have a student stand on the chair and another student stand on the floor next to the chair. Ask the class which student is in the best position to help the other student get up onto the table. Why is the one in a higher position better able to assist the one who is lower? Jude realized that the Saints needed to help one another overcome apostate teachings. Have students read Jude 1:20–21and look for the counsel given to faithful Saints. Read Jude 1:22–23. Ask: Why is this counsel given after rather than before the counsel in Jude 1:20–21? Share the following by Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve:

“The example of our living will carry a greater influence than will all the preaching in which we might indulge. We cannot expect to lift others unless we stand on higher ground ourselves” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1975, 57; or Ensign, Nov. 1975, 38–39).

Ask students to tell about specific ways that others have lifted them to a higher level of living a gospel principle or standard.

Explain that the way we live our lives may influence others to resist temptation and embrace the gospel message. President Hinckley said:

“Never before has the Church had a better reputation than it has now. This is because of you, my brethren and sisters. The opinions of people concerning us for the most part arise out of personal and individual experiences. It is your friendliness, your concern for others, and the good examples of your lives that result in the opinions held by others concerning the Latter-day Saints” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 3; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 4).

Invite students to write in their journals about a quality they have that, if it were strengthened, could help them lift others to higher ground.