Build yourselves up

Jude 1:17-21 - “But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 

[18] How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 

[19] These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 

[20] But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 

[21] Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

The Epistle of Jude wanted to highlight the utmost importance of our salvation. However, the author shifts his focus towards contending for the faith. This refers to a comprehensive body of Christian doctrine initially passed down by Christ himself and later taught by the apostles. Jude emphasizes the critical nature of preserving and protecting the faith from false teachings and heresies that could lead believers astray.

As we explore the text more thoroughly, we discover that Jude offers a cautionary message about the presence of deceitful and misleading teachers. In verses 4-16, Jude carefully outlines the traits of these individuals and the perilous outcomes that can result from following their teachings. Through his detailed descriptions, Jude aims to warn and protect his audience from falling prey to the harmful influence of such false teachers.

Our current age is undoubtedly a remarkable time in human history, and it requires us to be prepared to face unprecedented challenges that come with living in the end times. As modern-day Christians, we must remain vigilant against the dangers of false doctrines, which can easily deceive us if we lack a deep understanding of the Word. 

To safeguard and uphold the Gospel, we need to equip ourselves with knowledge and be willing to defend it while also surrendering ourselves to the Lordship of Christ, which should be evident in the transformation of our lives.

Genuine faith is demonstrated by Christ-like conduct. Our relationship with Christ should be evident in our daily lives, as it is founded on our trust in the all-knowing Creator and loving Father who empowers us to live by faith. Cultivating a personal connection with Him allows us to recognize His voice with clarity and follow it without hesitation.

As believers, we have been entrusted with building ourselves in the most holy faith. We must understand that we cannot attribute our lack of knowledge to our Church or leaders. Instead, we must take full accountability for our spiritual growth and development.

While pastors and local churches are responsible for guiding and reminding us, ultimately, we will stand alone before God in judgment. Therefore, it is crucial that we remain faithful and committed to our spiritual journey, actively seeking opportunities to grow and mature in our faith. Only then can we truly take ownership of our spiritual growth and be accountable for our progress.

Our Prayer for today:

Heavenly Father, may we always hold fast to our faith and remain steadfast in our pursuit of spiritual growth. May we never lose sight of our responsibility to strengthen our relationship with Christ and deepen our understanding of His teachings. Help us approach each day with a strong desire to establish ourselves in the faith of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.