*Jude 1:17-25
Jude calls on believers to remember apostolic warnings about false teachers, build themselves up in faith, and show mercy to those who doubt or are entangled in sin.
- Reminder of Apostolic Predictions:
- Jude reminds the readers about the words previously spoken by the apostles of Jesus Christ.
- The apostles had warned that in the last times there would be scoffers who follow their own ungodly desires.
- Division and Depravity:
- These divisive individuals are described as worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit.
- Jude portrays them as a threat to the community’s stability and spiritual health.
- Call to Perseverance:
- Believers are urged to build themselves up in their most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
- They are encouraged to keep themselves in the love of God while waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
- Merciful Outreach:
- Instructions are given on how to deal with those who doubt or falter:
- Be merciful to those who doubt.
- Save others by snatching them from the fire.
- To others, show mercy mixed with fear, hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
- Instructions are given on how to deal with those who doubt or falter:
- Doxology:
- The letter concludes with a doxology, praising God who is able to keep believers from falling and to present them blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy.
- It ascribes glory, majesty, dominion, and authority to God, through Jesus Christ, before all ages, now, and forevermore.
1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 1:18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.