1.  Introduction (Verses 1-4)

a. Greeting (V 1,2)
b. Purpose for the letter (V 3
c. Explanation for the need and urgency of the letter (V 4)

2.  Warnings (V 5-15)

a. Three examples of Old Testament people who experienced the judgment of God because of their sin.

• The unbelieving Israelites in the wilderness (V 5)  Reference Numbers 13:17; 13:27-31; 14:22-37; 26:64-65
• The angels that sinned (V 6)  Reference Matthew 25:41, 2 Peter 2:4
• Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighboring cities (V 7)  Reference Genesis 18:20-21, Genesis 19:5-13

b.  Comparison of the apostates to these OT examples

• Defiled the flesh with sexual uncleanness like those in Sodom and Gomorrah. (V 8) 
• Despised dominion like the angels that sinned.  (V 8)
• Speak evil of dignities like the Israelites did when they rebelled against Moses. (V 8)  Reference Numbers 14:7-10
• An example of Michael who would not speak harshly and viciously even to Satan. (V 9)
• Another comparison to those who speak against authority in ignorance. (V 10)

c. Three OT individuals who's wickedness paralleled the characteristics of the apostates that had crept into the church.

• Cain, an example of self serving worship. (V 11)
• Baalam, an example of someone who would counsel others to sexual misconduct for a reward.   (V 11)  Reference Num 22 & Rev 2:14
• Korah, an example of someone who stands against authorities.  (V 11)  Reference Numbers 16

3.  An Analysis of the apostates that had crept into the church.

a.  An illustration of them from the harsh side of nature. (V 12, 13)
b.  Recognizable from the conduct of of those about whom Enoch wrote. (V 14, 15)
c.  Recognizable from their ungodly language, and their evil thoughts. (V 16)
d.  Recognizable by their fulfillment of the prophecy of the apostles. (V 17, 18)
e.  Recognizable by their unfaithful conduct. (V 19)

4.  Exhortations

a. Concerning themselves, they were to be

• Firm in the Faith. (V 20)
• Steadfast in love. V 21)
• Confident in their hope. (V 21)

b.  Concerning the apostates:

• Treat some of them with gentle measures. (V 22)
• Treat others of them with sternness and and strength. (V 23)
• Treat all of them with loathing of their sin. (V 23)

5.  Closing Remarks

a.  Looking to God, all were to be thankful for:

• His assistance in preserving them. (V 24)
• His grace in presenting them faultless before God (V 24)
• His wisdom in the affairs of mankind (V 25)
• Ascribing to God glory, majesty, dominion and power. (V25)