SODOM vs. SHEPHERDS - Jude 8, Luke 2:8-20 12-4-22 Providence Crosslake Sermon

First century Jewish historian 'Philo' documents smoke still rising from the site of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction in his day. For centuries in its geographic situation and for all time in the Word of God, Sodom and Gomorrah smolder as a type and foreshadow of judgement by eternal fire prescribed for unrepentant sin. Jude cites the event oracle of Sodom in his warnings against and condemnation of enemies of Christ's church. To appreciate the full impact of his letter, it should be our goal to have Jude's references to prior revelation as fresh in our mind as we read. Consequently, as we work our way through his book, let us refresh our understanding of Genesis 18 & 19 which record lot's rescue from these reprobate societies. Furthermore, taking the final verses in Jude as an organizing framework, we can draw a contrast between the philosophy of Sodom summarized by 4 phrases in verse 8 and the attributes of Christ proclaimed in closing doxology. From Jude we learn to contend for the faith by discerning and opposing anything that denies or seeks to diminish the glory, majesty, dominion, and authority of our Lord Jesus. To illustrate the distinction and contrast between the worldview of Sodom and the heart of the beloved saints who share a common salvation, our message today will juxtapose the citizens of Sodom with early witnesses of the incarnation. As Sodom is representative of false teachers, these shepherds illustrate the heart of true worship marking the church of Jesus Christ.