Mining the Scriptures: Jude 20-23

Though Jude’s primary purpose was to warn about false teacher’s, he also writes several words of instruction to his readers.  In fact, verses 20-23 contain such, beginning with the phrase “But you…”  As such these have application in our lives as well.

Build your faith (through an examination and cultivation of God’s word. We are to constantly be improving in our Christian walk).  Pray in the Holy Spirit (this most probably indicates that we are to pray in accord with God’s will, that which the Holy Spirit has shared through His inspiration of the word). Keep yourselves in the love of God (this is our responsibility, to keep ourselves in God’s love. Obedience is how we show our devotion and love for Him). Look for Christ’s mercy (as Cornelius and other seeker’s of truth have done).

Finally, verses 22-23 explain how we are to deal with the sins of others. This depends upon the circumstances of the sin and sinner, how fully they are taken in the sin, and what is best to save them.  Some need longsuffering and compassion, while others need a more direct  and hasty treatment, “pulling them out of the fire” (23).

Author: Stan Cox

Minister, West Side church of Christ since August of 1989 ........ Editor of Watchman Magazine (1999-2018 Archives available online @ http://watchmanmag.com) ........ Writer, The Patternists: https://www.facebook.com/ThePatternists