A Look at the Epistle of Jude

“But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.”- Jude 20-21

            Jude’s wording in verse 20 shows the contradictory way believers are to act among the brethren as opposed to the false teachers in their midst. As representatives of Christ we are to support and encourage one another. We are to edify (build up) each other spiritually thru faith and the power of Holy Spirit driven prayer.  God’s mercy and grace are readily available to those who are his legitimate children. We prove our legitimacy thru our trust and reliance on the Lord and him alone, recognizing we cannot succeed in life from an eternal perspective on our own.

            Jude’s denunciation of false teachers takes up the bulk of this short letter; however, he now presents positive, inspirational words to his readers. They are told to build each other up thru Holy Spirit led prayer, plus encouraging, God-inspired talk. In the light of the false teaching that attempts to alter the path one is taking, we must all remember that it is God who gives us the desire and the power to do what pleases him.^[1]Therefore, if we stay close to the Lord and make him the main focus of our lives each day we will not be in danger of falling away from our faith.

            There are those who wish to cheapen God’s works by offering alternatives. I heard just the other day of a belief system that involves our use of Universal Power or energy force that is all around us to bring healing to bodies. To me, anything that takes the focus off God and onto ourselves, then places it on a thing we can do to bring about miraculous events is dangerous. This is because there’s nothing we can do of this magnitude for ourselves without God. And God’s name isn’t being invoked in this case. I dismiss such things as contradictory to scripture. Be on guard. Satan can influence minds and enable people to do good, positive things outside of God’s influence to put on display his mantra that either there is no God or we do not need him. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; John MacArthur Study Bible and www.biblegateway.com

^[1]Philippians 2:12-13 NLT – "Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him."