Persevere in Love and Mercy

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Persevere in Love and Mercy

Date: Aug. 31, 2023

Passage

Jude 1:17-25 (ESV)

17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith 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.

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 1:21

keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

Jude speaks to the believers as friends. His charge comes to them as close friends, not one lording over others. He directs them to remember Jesus’ own warning against false teachers who would come in the last days. They would be marked by their lack of morality and their ungodly character. We must be alert not to follow the bad influence of worldly Christians. We live in a time of amorality, super materialism, and unabashed greed. We should not be influenced by so-called Christian leaders who endorse such a lifestyle.

Again, he refers to them as dear friends, and encourages them to build themselves up in the most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit, so that they can guard ourselves spiritually. It is so hard to be filled with God’s love and practice his mercy. But when we live the most holy faith and pray for the Holy Spirit to help us, we can be truly merciful to those who are wavering in their faith and save them from the fires of hell.

Lastly, Jude praises Jesus who sustains and presents us to the Father without fault and in great joy. Let’s persevere with this hope, faith and love.

Prayer: Prayer: Father, thank you for Jesus who is able to keep us to the end when we seek you in the most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and practicing God’s love and mercy.

One Word: One Word: Persevering in God’s love and mercy

Complacent or Victorious?

Revelation 3:1-13

Key Verse: 3:5

The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.

Today's Question

How is Christ exalted?

See answer and references