The book of Jude warns us against cheapening the grace of God – or listening to those who do. He gives us at least seven signs to help us identify people who cheapen the grace of God:
- They live immoral lives (Jude 8) and try to justify it before God.
- They defy authority (Jude 8) and refuse to submit to God or his people.
- They care only for themselves (Jude 12) and live to satisfy their own selfish desires.
- They bear no fruit (Jude 12) – the fruit of the Spirit or fruit for the kingdom (making disciples).
- They complain (Jude 16) and grumble about how things are going in life.
- They brag (Jude 16) to make themselves greater – and to make God smaller.
- They create divisions (Jude 19) and cause problems in the church.
Discussion Questions:
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- List the 7 signs that you might be cheapening grace. Pick one or two that you have been guilty of.
- Read Jude 8. What does it mean to “live immoral lives” today? Give some specific examples. What do you think it would have looked like in Jude’s day?
- Describe the connection between cheapening grace and defying authority. Have you ever seen it in your church or small group?
- Read Jude 12. “God’s grace is designed for us to be givers, not takers.” Do you agree? Explain.
- List the two types of fruit in a Christian’s life. Which one is harder for you to produce in your life, and why?
- Read Jude 16. How does complaining and grumbling cheapen the grace of God?
- Why is a proud spirit so contrary to the grace of God? Explain.
- Read Jude 19. What are some of the divisions people try to create in the church today? How does this cheapen the grace of God?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
