Jude 17-23
But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith … keep yourselves in God’s love  ( Jude 20 -21, NIV ).

Our focal text tells us what we need to do as we prepare to contend and defend the faith that has been passed on to us. “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith … keep yourselves in God’s love” (Jude 20 21, NIV).

The first part says build your faith. How can we do this?  We do this by engaging with the word of God through reading, study and meditation. The more we do this, the stronger our faith will be. The Bible says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”. (Romans 10:17).

In another place we are told, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). If we are not pleasing Him, then we cannot stand and fight for Him.

In order to be effective in our effort to contend for the faith, we must heed the call to build our faith. We must make sure that we are sound in biblical doctrines. For any church to be effective in fighting apostates, the leaders must focus on building the faith of the members. This is an important preparation. Let us respond to it. Shalom.

Your Turn

• Pray for yourself as you have been ministered to by the Holy Spirit.
• Pray for the grace to build your faith and stand firm in the doctrine of Christ.

Song:  Faith of our fathers! living still. 

Further Reading: 2 Timothy 2:15.