“But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ:”   

But you, beloved,

Now Jude turns his thoughts to his believing readers. The word “but” contrasts Christians with apostates.

remember the words

The word “remember” is imperative for recall to mind. There is a tendency for Christians to forget what the New Testament has to say. It is not enough to remember the thoughts or ideas; we must remember the words of the apostles. This is a statement about the importance of inspiration of Scripture. God inspired more than the writers of Scripture; He inspired the “words” of Scripture. If the words are not inspired, then the sentences and paragraphs are not inspired.

These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Co 2:13

which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Jude reminds his readers what other New Testament authors of Scripture had to say about apostasy. What Jude has to say about apostasy is not new. His readers were contemporaries with the apostles. These words were “spoken before by the apostles.”

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Ti 3:1-5

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 2 Ti 4:3-4

For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Ac 20:29-30

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons… 1 Ti 4:1

Peter warned against false teachers: 2 Pe 2:1-3; 3:3-4.

The Lord had many disciples, but only a few apostles. An apostle had the authority to write Scripture. This gift was also the right to have authority over all the churches until the canon of Scripture was closed. A qualification for an apostle was to see Jesus with his own eyes.

PRINCIPLE:

The Christian life is lived by continually remembering the words of the New Testament.

APPLICATION:

We forget so quickly what the New Testament has to say:

And you have forgotten the  exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him… Heb 12:5

 Remembrance is important to the Christian life:

Remember the word that I said to you, “A servant is not greater than his master.” If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. Jn 15:20

Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. Ac 20:31

Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel… 2 Ti 2:8

For this reason I will not be  negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 2 Pe 1:12

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. Re 2:5