From Jude 1

Keep yourselves in the love of God. The Christian life requires perseverance. A common element in the apostles letters. Jude’s instruction highlights this requires effort on the believers part. Under the grace and sovereignty of God we know we are safe in his hands. But for the apostles assurance doesn’t overrule the need to be self-controlled and be involved in the salvation God has planned for us.

This post is part of my bible in a year series.

Passage and Comments

Jude doesn’t hold back on his insults of false teachers when he wants to warn people away from them. Check out his list;

• they do not understand,
• they are destroyed,
• unreasoning animals,
• hidden reefs,
• shepherds feeding themselves,
• waterless clouds,
• fruitless trees in late autumn,
• wild waves of the sea, and
• wandering stars.

But for his listeners Jude has nicer words of encouragement.

17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. (Jude 1.17-19)

In contrast he calls them ‘beloved’ (v17).

20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. (Jude 1.20-23)

For Believers

Jude has another list of instructions;

Build yourselves up in the holy faith. He says ‘build’ which invokes the common house metaphor describing the church. Likewise  ‘yourselves’ which means a group of people. Christians need each other to grow and mature.

Praying in the Holy Spirit. A privilege that all believers enjoy, thanks to Jesus. We should remember to ask the Holy Spirit to assist and guide us in our prayers. Being grateful that He prays for us as well (Rom 8.26).

Keep yourselves in the love of God. The Christian life requires perseverance. A common element in the apostles letters. Jude’s instruction highlights this requires effort on the believers part. Under the grace and sovereignty of God we know we are safe in his hands. But for the apostles assurance doesn’t overrule the need to be self-controlled and be involved in the salvation God has planned for us.

Wait for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. I suspect Jude is referring to the completion of our salvation and to resurrection. Everything God does for us is an act of undeserved mercy.

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