S EPTEMBER Four Wonderful Things God Does for Us (Jude 1–2) SEPTEMBER Four Wonderful Things God Does for Us (Jude 1–2)

God calls us, loves/sanctifies us, keeps us, and …

3. He keeps us (1d)

We are kept for Jesus Christ (1d).

The word translated kept, or “preserved,” (tēreō, tay-reh′-oh) means “to guard from loss” or “to maintain.”

We can rest easy in Christ, knowing our salvation is keptsafe in heaven by His omnipotent hand. How does 1 Peter 1:4 express this fact?

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:4

God calls us, loves/sanctifies us, keeps us, and …

4. He meets our needs (2)

Jude now prays for his readers: May mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you (2). The word translated mercy (eleos, el′-eh-os) means “compassion.” Mercy also means we don’t get what we deserve. We must have God’s mercy to receive salvation and not get the eternal condemnation we deserve. Yet, we also need mercy throughout our Christian lives because we all occasionally are guilty of sin in attitudes or actions. At those times, we can approach God’s throne of grace and receive mercy in our time of need (Heb. 4:16).

Peace refers to inner tranquility or calmness during the problems and difficulties of life. This peace passes all human understanding and guards our hearts and minds during difficult times (Philip. 4:7). Lovereminds us of Christ’s love, which He demonstrated when He died on the cross for our sins. How does Revelation 1:5d express this?

Jude prays: May mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you. The word multiplied shows his desire that throughout our Christian lives we will experience more and more of God’s mercy, peace and love. God meets all our needs through His mercy, His peace, and His love.