Intro: Jude spends the majority (about 70%) of his short letter warning his readers of false teachers, and identifying for his readers these false teachers. In v. 3 Jude calls on believers to “earnestly contend for the faith.” Here in the conclusion of his letter Jude calls attention to the life of the beloved, the called, the saved, and the sanctified with this phrase… “But ye, beloved…” He goes on to give the beloved 5 directives:
I. BUILD – Building up yourselves on your most holy faith (v.20a)
A. Every true believer has a new life which has a foundation – the foundation is Jesus Christ and your faith in him.
B. The reason a foundation is laid is to build something upon it. How foolish to lay a foundation and not build on it. (1 Cor. 3:11; Eph. 2:20; Luke 14:28-30)
II. PRAY – Praying in the Holy Ghost (v.20b)
A. We must avail ourselves of this great privilege and power that we have been given – prayer!
B. But there are several problems that I see with my and your prayer life
1. Slackness – we just don’t pray right: (a) Ye have not because ye ask not (Jas. 4:2); (b) If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (John 14:14).
2. Shallowness – we only pray for the food, good sleep, and for God to bless: (a) Luke 18:1; (b) Col. 4:2; (c) 1 Thes. 5:17
3. Selfishness – all about making you happy: (a) ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (Jas. 4:3); (b) Pray for things that would please God and make Him happy?
4. Spiritless – prayers in the flesh: (a) praying in the Holy Ghost (Rom. 8:26-27); (b) praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit (Eph. 6:18).
III. KEEP – Keep yourselves in the love of God (v.21a)
A. This directive means to keep ourselves ever aware of God’s love for us as well as keep us in love with the Lord!
B. A good love relationship must be maintained.
C. Many today (even in this church) have drifted from that love relationship. (Matt. 24:12; Rev. 2:1-5)
IV. LOOK – Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (v.21b)
A. The mercies of God can be classified into 3 sets:
1. Past mercies – the greatest = salvation (cross)
2. Present mercies – intercessor / mediator in Christ
3. Future mercies – the greatest = Rapture
B. We have already partaken of past mercies, we are partaking of present mercies, and we are looking for the future mercies! (Col. 3:4; 1 Pet. 1:7)
V. PULL – Pulling them out of the fire (vv.22-23)
A. We need to be busy pulling people from the fire!
B. Some need compassion! (Mark 6:34; 1 Pet. 3:8)
C. Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.
D. That is how we make a difference!
Conclusion: We are once more a year nearer the Lord’s coming. Let us occupy, labor and toil till our Master comes! May the Lord find us faithful.
