Standing in the Gap

I.     Introduction

A.  Standing in the Gap

1.    The idea of standing in the gap has long meant someone who will intercede or mediate for a person in a difficult situation.

2.    Abraham and Moses both did this on occasion.

3.    When God speaks through the prophet Ezekiel, He states that he has found no one to stand in the gap to represent them before their captivity. (Ezekiel 22:30)

4.    Our passage tonight reminds us of who stands in the gap for us spiritually speaking.

B.  Background of Passage

1.    Jude

a.    Jude is a short one-chapter book of the Bible.

b.    The message contained within is a warning about false teachers and how God will deal with them.

2.    Doxology

a.    The last two verses don’t end with the normal NT greetings or benedictions.

b.    Instead, Jude ends with a doxology.

c.    A doxology is a “hymn or form of words containing an ascription of praise to God.”[1]

d.    Jude ends this rather tense letter on a positive note with his praise of God.[2]

3.    This doxology is all about praising Jesus who stands in the gap for us.

II.   Standing in the Gap

A. 

1.    Jesus stands as a with us when we face the of life.

a.    In John 15:12-15 Jesus calls the apostles His friends as He speaks, yet again, about His death.

b.    Jesus can Keep you from falling/Stumbling…

c.    Keep you from stumbling/falling

2.   Jesus can help us before God when we are . (Psalm 121:3-8)

a.    God doesn’t want to kick us while we’re down; He wants to help us get back up.

b.    When we need a friend to be there for us and help pick us up, Jesus is that friend.

B.  &

1.    Jesus stands us before God Almighty.

a.    In 1 John 2:1 we are reminded that we have an advocate παράκλητος (paraklētos) with the Father. That advocate is Jesus.

b.    Advocates are those called to stand by us to intercede or help us.

c.    Sometimes, we hear this term in a court of law when a child needs someone to represent their interests.

2.    Jesus is our advocate before God.

a.    …to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy…

b.    Several Scriptures present this idea: Ephesians 1:4; Eph 5:27; Col 1:22; 1 Thess 3:13

3.    Jesus is also our mediator.

a.    Mediators stand between two parties who are often in disagreement to seek a resolution for the two parties.

b.    1 Timothy 2:5

c.    Jesus stands in the gap between us and God

d.    Hebrews 9:11-15

e.    Jesus is that perfect sacrifice that makes it possible for us to stand before God with a .

4.    Standing before God with Christ as our advocate and mediator is done “…with great joy.” (most likely an eschatological celebration often seen in Scripture: Isaiah 12:6; 25:9; 60:5; 61:10; Jer 31:7; 1 Peter 4:13; Rev 19:7)

a.    This celebration will be “in the presence of His glory”

b.    We are destined someday to stand in His very presence, and it is Christ who has made that hope a reality for us.

C.  Savior

1.    The end of the doxology includes a series of praises directed to God for the gift of Jesus.

a.    Glory- honor is due God

b.    Majesty- praise is offered to God

c.    Dominion- It is God’s power that has made all this possible

d.    Authority- God has the right to exercise such power

2.    We should give and to God because He has His power to us the right to stand before Him through the gift of His Son.

a.    “…before all time…” is a statement about the eternal nature of the promise which has been realized through God’s gift.

b.    This formula is meant to offer praise to God of the highest order. It ends with Amen.

3.    The term “Amen” was most likely meant to be a response by the audience to the doxology itself.[5]

III.         Conclusion

A.  For or About

1.    Duane Warden observes, “Christians are anxious for Christ’s return, not anxious about His return.”[6]

2.    The two statements present a very different mindset towards Judgement Day.

B.  Invitation

1.    Jesus wants to stand in the gap for you.

2.    If you present yourself to Him, He will stand in that gap for you.