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As Jude's letter continues in verses 20-21, he shows us how to build up our spiritual self-defenses. We are going to face dangers in the world. But if we have good spiritual self-defenses, we can overcome them.

As Jude’s letter continues in verses 20-21, he shows us how to build up our spiritual self-defenses. We are going to face dangers in the world. But if we have good spiritual self-defenses, we can overcome them.

Jude 1:20-21 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.

Make a Habit of Learning God’s Word

The first thing we are told is to focus on building up our faith. This happens when we immerse ourselves in the word of God. If you want to stay strong in the face of spiritual threats, then you need to know the word of God. But notice this isn’t an individual effort. We are told to study God’s word in groups, and build each other up in the faith.

Get Close to God Through Regular Prayer

The other great habit we must have to pray regularly. In Jude, this is described as praying in the Holy Spirit. Lack of prayer will lead to pride and the feeling that we don’t need God’s help in life. Prayer humbles you and reminds you how dependent you are on God.

Think About How You Can Honor God in Each Situation in Life

We are told to keep ourselves safe in God’s love. This is just another way of talking about living a life that honors God. If we simply remind ourselves daily to honor God with our lives, we will be much more likely to do what pleases God in a given situation. This will make it much harder for us to be led astray by false teaching.

Help Those Who Are in Trouble

Jude 1:22-23 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.

The final part of our self-defense strategy is to actively help people who are falling away from God. It may seem challenging to try and help people who find themselves in sin, but it is an act of love. The Bible says that Christians are part of God’s family. And when we a family member in trouble, we should be motivated to help them.

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Key Points:

  • Make a habit of learning God’s word.
  • Get close to God through regular prayer.
  • Think about how you can honor God in each situation in life.
  • Help those who are in trouble.

Quote This:

Jude 1:22-23 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.

See Also: New Testament, Sermonlink, Spiritual Warfare

Talk About It
  1. What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Read Jude 1:20-21. How well do you think you know the Bible? How can you grow in your understanding of the Bible?
  3. Jude 1:20 says that we are supposed to learn God’s word together. Why do you think God wants us to learn this way?
  4. How important is prayer in your everyday life? How have you learned to overcome struggles with your prayer life
  5. Read Jude 1:22-23. Have you ever helped someone who was struggling with doubts about God or Christianity? How did you help them?
  6. Have you ever helped someone who was struggling with sin? How did you help them?
  7. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
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