Text:
Jude 4-19, 2 Peter 2:20-22
Memory Verse:
“Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5).
The term apostasy comes from the Greek word “apostasia” meaning “departure”, “defection”, “rebellion”. It is the rejection of the Christian faith by someone who formerly was a Christian. Apostasy is not about being an unbeliever, but about knowing the truth and turning your back on it.
Apostasy or falling away is the act or state of rejecting the Christian faith and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. Dictionary definition gives the meaning of apostasy as:
1. An act of refusing to continue to follow, obey or recognise a religious faith.
2. Abandonment of a previous loyalty.
The Bible teaches that because iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of many shall wax cold. Increase of wickedness will result in the love of many diminishing or becoming feeble (Matthew 24:12). Has the increase of wickedness in our land affected your love for Christ?
Common traits of Apostates:
1. They have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof.
2. They are like tares among the good seeds (Matthew 13:24-30).
3. They are detestable, disobedient, and worthless for any good deed (Titus 1:15-16).
4. They fall away and depart from the truth.
Jude warns us against apostasy, especially, in this end time. We are encouraged to earnestly contend for the faith and watch out for spiritual creeps in the church. Guard your faith jealously lest you fall. You will also need to behave
like the Berean Christians: check the word of God personally and do not swallow everything you hear, hook, line and sinker.
Prayer Points:
1. Father, keep me true and faithful to You all the days of my life.
2. Help us, O Lord, in such a way that we will not lose the Kingdom of heaven
