Benediction - Jude

Another mysterious tradition (other than HC) is the bendiction. why have it at all.

from looking at jude we can learn about about the bendiction:

1) context of Jude:

warn against false teachers
the importance of contending for the gospel
need to encourage weak/ snatch the perishing.

Implication: If we realise the context and danger of the situation - it will be natural to ask God for blessing, and the right type of blessing - not just for posperity, but preservation and power to live for and contend for the gospel.

b) Why does Jude end with v24-25

this Prayer of Benediction asks God for the power to contend for the gospel.

c) Basis of benediction

God’s salvation is not only justification. It’s preservation. We often think that we are given a task (e.g. Matthew 28:18-20) then we need to do it. He is able to keep us from falling. and power to last... and contend.

d) Attitude in praying.

Most church services end with a benedction.

at times i just stand up and do a strectch before going to lunch.

but if we are asking God to bless us to face the world, there should be a humle, revenant, but exceeding joy.

e) Insights for benediction passages.

it's interesting that Numbers 6:23-27 (context - Israel encamped about to conquer land) and jude 24-25 (contending for the gospel) both are in fighting contexts. THis has implications of what we ask God to bless us for. (cf a) )

hope this gets you thinking...