Jude
Big ideaThe faith was delivered once for all — and Jude lines the ancient warnings (Cain, Balaam, Korah) against the creepers and grumblers, only to land on the doxology: God is able to keep you from stumbling and present you blameless.
Once for all — faith delivered to the saints.
Not new words, just ancient constraints.
If you drift, you don’t upgrade truth,
You abandon the anchor meant to keep you.
Jude on the mic, no counterfeit faith,
Brother of James — exposin’ the fakes.
Creepin’ in church like snakes in grass,
Twistin’ grace for a backstage pass.
They deny the Lord, but the judgment’s near,
Egypt fell — even angels fear.
Sodom burned for its filthy game,
What makes you think you’ll dodge that flame?
Dreamers talk loud, reject command,
Boast of the flesh they don’t understand.
Cain’s envy, Balaam’s greed,
Korah’s pride — same ol’ seed.
Clouds with no rain, roots all dead,
Wanderin’ stars, no light ahead.
They mock what they’ve never known,
Instinct-driven, truth disowned.
Grumblers grift for personal gain,
Grace on their lips, no fear of His name.
They try’n to shake me, but God’s gonna make me stay.
He’s able to keep me from fallin’ away.
Glory and power to Christ always —
Ain’t no one takin’ my praise.
He holds me tight when the crowd betrays,
Mercy and love my anthem plays.
They try’n to shake me, but God’s gonna make me stay —
Forever secure in His ways.
Michael fought but kept it clean,
The Lord rebuke you — heaven’s theme.
Power restrained, authority clear,
Truth don’t scream when the Judge is near.
They mock what they’ve never known,
Instinct-driven, truth disowned.
Grumblers grift for personal gain,
Grace on their lips, no fear of His name.
But you — build faith, stay awake.
Pray in Spirit for mercy’s sake.
Keep love warm when the culture’s cold,
Don’t let your oil run out — stay bold.
Show mercy, pull ’em from flame,
Hate the stain, still love the name.
He who called you won’t let go,
Stand firm while the mockers show.
Not by grip, but by His hand.
Not by strength, but by His plan.
Before all time — He stood alone,
Still the King upon the throne.
If He began it, He’ll sustain.
If He called you, He’ll remain.
Kept by mercy, not by fear.
Held secure — the end is clear.
They try’n to shake me, but God’s gonna make me stay.
He’s able to keep me from fallin’ away.
Glory and power to Christ always —
Ain’t no one takin’ my praise.
To the only God our Savior’s name,
Through Jesus Christ — forever reign.
Kept…
From stumbling…
Before His glory…
With great joy…
Scripture References
- Jude 1-25
- Deuteronomy 32
- Genesis 4
- Numbers 16
- Hebrews 7:25
Study this song
Teaching aids drawn from the song — for personal study or group discussion.
How the song moves
Key terms & allusions
- “once for all delivered” — Jude 3 — the faith as a fixed deposit handed down, not an evolving thing to be upgraded.
- Cain, Balaam, Korah — Jude’s three archetypes of apostasy: murderous envy (Genesis 4), the prophet-for-hire’s greed (Numbers 22–24), and rebellion against God-given authority (Numbers 16).
- “wandering stars / clouds without rain” — Jude 12–13 — vivid images of teachers who promise everything and deliver nothing.
- “The Lord rebuke you” — Michael the archangel’s words, disputing over the body of Moses (Jude 9; cf. Zechariah 3:2) — restraint instead of reviling.
- “able to keep you from stumbling” — Jude 24 — the great closing doxology that anchors the chorus.
Discussion questions
- Jude says to “contend” for the faith and also to “show mercy.” How do you hold earnest defense and mercy together?
- Cain, Balaam, Korah — envy, greed, pride. Which is most at work in the church today, and how?
- The chorus rests on God keeping us, not us keeping ourselves. How should that change the tone of “contending”?
For contemplation
- Where are you tempted to “upgrade truth” rather than admit you’ve drifted?
- Of Cain (envy), Balaam (greed), Korah (pride) — which most exposes your heart right now?
- Can you rest today in “kept by mercy, not by fear”?