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Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, exhorts believers with words full of urgency and divine insight. Here, in Jude 1:20-21, he implores us: "But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life."
This central scripture from the song "Waiting in God's Love" lays a foundation for a lifestyle that intertwines faith, prayer, and divine love as believers await the fulfillment of God's ultimate promise—eternal life through Jesus Christ. Let us examine what the Word of God says.
The epistle of Jude is a short but potent letter addressed by Jude, imploring believers to contend for the faith amid prevailing apostasy. This letter emerges during a time of false teachings infiltrating the early Christian community. Jude, with a pastoral heart, challenges believers to stand firm in the truth amidst deception and moral compromise. Jude's original audience was likely under significant pressure from false teachers who crept stealthily among them—illustrating the timeless battle between truth and falsehood within the church.
Understanding Jude’s context, we see a call for spiritual vigilance and communal responsibility. Jude's exhortation isn't just for personal spiritual edification; it confronts us with an urgent need to preserve purity and integrity within the body of Christ.
### "Build Yourselves Up" (epi-oikodomeō)
The Greek word used here is "epi-oikodomeō," which means to build upon a foundation, a term often used metaphorically to describe edification in faith. The essence here is continual growth, progressing in Christian doctrine and practice upon the foundational truths of the apostles and prophets with Jesus himself as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).
### "Keep" (tēreō)
Another key word is "tēreō," translated as "keep," implying guarding, maintaining, or preserving something precious. The admonition here is more than passive maintenance; it implies an active defense and cherishing of one's position in God’s love. This vigilance is similar to a sentinel guarding a treasure, an active engagement with divine love.
Understanding these key terms propels us to grasp the scripture’s depth, amplifying the active role believers play in sustaining their faith journey.
### Building Up & Praying in the Spirit
The phrase "build yourselves up in your most holy faith" calls for personal responsibility toward spiritual maturity. This growth is not in isolation but through the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Paul affirms this in 1 Corinthians 14:4, where speaking in tongues edifies the individual. Thus, praying in the Holy Spirit is an essential facet of strengthening one's faith.
### Keeping in God’s Love
To "keep yourselves in God's love," as stated repeatedly in the song lyrics, is a profound theological directive. It entails abiding in and experiencing God’s love through obedience (John 15:9-10). This love is not merely a sentiment; it is an action rooted in obedience and fellowship. The song emphasizes the posture of waiting—a theme of patience and hope (Romans 8:24-25), underpinning the Christian journey and ultimate assurance of eternal life.
### Mercy in Action: Addressing Spiritual Warfare
Verses 22-23 expand the scope from personal edification to communal mercy. Jude delineates practical measures in spiritual warfare: showing mercy to those who doubt, rescuing others from deception's fire, and maintaining mercy with caution, lest we fall prey to sin. It is a call to spiritual intervention, grounded in discernment (Galatians 6:1), underscoring the believer's role as both defender of the faith and agent of Christ’s redemption.
Here are critical steps every believer must embrace:
1. Strengthen Your Foundation: Commit to regular study and meditation on Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to deepen your understanding and application of God's truths. Let the Word of Christ dwell richly in you (Colossians 3:16).
2. Engage in Spiritual Prayer: Dedicate time daily to pray in the Holy Spirit, inviting His ministry to intercede on your behalf (Romans 8:26) and edify your spirit.
3. Guard the Treasure of Love: Actively remain in God's love through intentional obedience and intimacy with Christ. Let His commandments be the measure and expression of your love (John 14:15).
4. Demonstrate Compassionate Mercy: Be proactive in nurturing and aiding others in their faith. Exhibit mercy and wisdom to those struggling with doubt or deception, always with humility and discernment (James 5:19-20).
### Proclamation:
"I am building myself up in my most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit. I am keeping myself in the love of God, eagerly waiting for the mercy of my Lord Jesus Christ to bring me to eternal life. I am merciful to those who doubt, saving others, and maintaining a reverent fear of the Lord. By His grace, I stand firm, clothed in His righteousness."
### Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Word that guides and strengthens me. Empower me with Your Spirit to build up my faith, to remain in Your love, and to demonstrate mercy to others. Guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus as I await the day of Your promised eternal life. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
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