Contending for the Faith.

The scripture:

Jude 20–23 (ESV): But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy 987faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

Introduction:

Dear family, this is the first family devotional reflection from me of this year. I feel a strong urge to talk on a short portion from epistle of Jude, namely verses 20 to 23. Jude writes this epistle with a specific purpose . He would have loved to write about the glories of the salvation in Christ, but by necessity he has been led to write to them about the need to contend for the faith that was ‘once for all’ delivered to the saints.

The dangers posed to the faith referred to here are by those who profess to be Christians, but are distorting the truth of the gospel. They are on a very perilous ground and they cause great damage to the church. After giving a graphic description of the nature of the deception and the danger, Jude has some advice for the believers. That is what I want to think about.

Reading the verse.

Actions that concerns oneself, that reflect the right attitude.

Building yourself up in your most holy faith.

Praying in the Holy Spirit.

Keeping yourself in the love of God.

Waiting for the Mercy of God that leads to eternal life.

Actions that concerns others.

Mercy on those who doubt.Saving others by snatching them out of the fire.Mercy with fear regarding those who are in open sin, with hatred for sin.