Staying Strong in Faith—A Call to Keep Going (Jude 1:17–25)
Sometimes, life as a Christian can feel hard. There are challenges, doubts, and even people who try to pull us away from our faith. In the short letter of Jude, the writer gives powerful encouragement to believers: stay strong, build each other up, and keep your eyes on Jesus.
Let’s walk through the final verses of Jude—verses 17 to 25—and see what they teach us about how to live with faith in difficult times.
Don’t Be Surprised by Difficult People
Jude starts by reminding his readers that the apostles (like Peter and Paul) already warned that:
“In the last times there will be people who make fun of your faith. They will follow their own selfish desires.”
These people cause division. They don’t have the Holy Spirit and live only for themselves.
So, when we face people who mock God or try to confuse us, we don’t need to be shocked. The Bible told us this would happen. Our job is not to argue with everyone—but to stay focused on Jesus.
Keep Growing in Faith
Instead of getting discouraged, Jude gives believers clear instructions:
“But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”
This means we should keep learning, growing, and praying—with the help of God’s Spirit. We’re not alone.
He also says:
“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
In other words, stay close to God. Stay in His love. Keep trusting that Jesus will return and show mercy. That hope gives us strength to keep going.
Help Others Along the Way
Jude encourages us not just to protect our own faith, but to care for others:
- Show mercy to those who are doubting.
- Help save those who are slipping away from the truth.
- Be cautious, but still compassionate with people caught in sin.
He’s saying: Don’t give up on people. Be patient, loving, and wise. Sometimes we need to gently guide others back to Jesus.
God Is the One Who Keeps Us
Jude ends with one of the most beautiful praises in the whole Bible:
“To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy…”
That’s incredible! God is not only helping us stay faithful—He is also preparing to welcome us into His presence with joy. He is strong enough to protect us and kind enough to forgive us.
“To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority… now and forever!”
It’s a reminder that our faith doesn’t rest on our strength, but on God’s. He is faithful, powerful, and worthy of all praise.
Final Thoughts
Jude 1:17–25 gives us practical and encouraging advice:
- Don’t be surprised when people reject God.
- Keep growing in your faith through prayer and trust.
- Show mercy to others and help bring them back to Jesus.
- Remember that God is the one who keeps you safe and brings you home.
This short passage is a powerful call to stand firm, love well, and worship deeply—all while trusting the One who holds us up.
Jude 1:17-25 (WEB)
1:17 But you, beloved, remember the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These are those who cause divisions and are sensual, not having the Spirit.20 But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in God’s love, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 On some have compassion, making a distinction, 23 and some save, snatching them out of the fire with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.24 Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy, 25 to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.