Today I read through a book in the Bible I rarely hear talked about-- the book of Jude. Come to find out, Jude was a brother of Jesus! He identifies himself as the brother of James in the opening of his letter, but it is the same James who was the brother of Jesus. For me, knowing that information gives me a different perspective while reading the book.
Jude tells us about false teachers who we are warned will infiltrate our churches, and the importance of being aware of them. He also tells us how to treat them. The way that he outlines it makes a lot of sense to me. He tells us to be careful of these people, but not to give up on them. To continue to be steadfast in leading them into the truth. Our goal as Christ followers is always to lead as many people to Jesus as possible. We can't just give up on them! In being persistent and patient with love, we literally snatch people from the flames of hell.
We also have to be careful to protect ourselves from the spirits that torment them as they linger in sin on their way to salvation. We do this by praying in the name of Jesus Christ and building each other up in the truth. Like I mentioned yesterday, we fight these spiritual battles with spiritual weapons. We handle these situations by refusing to stand for the sin. That does not mean rejecting those who sin (for we all sin) but rather, loving people through their process without changing our outlook of truth. We love the sinner, but hate the sin. Such is a godly reaction, because it is how Jesus feels as well. We were never meant to live in sin, and He hates what Satan has done to pollute the world he created for purity. He knows the sin causes us pain and He doesn't want that for us. His unfailing love covers us and leads us into the fulfilling life of righteousness. Our goal is always to live as righteously as possible, which is why we do not accept sin.
Today, consider those around you on whom you have given up. Who will lead them to the light? Contemplate your role in their lives. Is it time to go back at them with your spiritual weapons? You never know who you may snatch from the gates of hell.
Jude 1:17-23 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.
But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. (NLT)
2 Timothy 2:24-26 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach. and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. (NLT)
Jude tells us about false teachers who we are warned will infiltrate our churches, and the importance of being aware of them. He also tells us how to treat them. The way that he outlines it makes a lot of sense to me. He tells us to be careful of these people, but not to give up on them. To continue to be steadfast in leading them into the truth. Our goal as Christ followers is always to lead as many people to Jesus as possible. We can't just give up on them! In being persistent and patient with love, we literally snatch people from the flames of hell.
We also have to be careful to protect ourselves from the spirits that torment them as they linger in sin on their way to salvation. We do this by praying in the name of Jesus Christ and building each other up in the truth. Like I mentioned yesterday, we fight these spiritual battles with spiritual weapons. We handle these situations by refusing to stand for the sin. That does not mean rejecting those who sin (for we all sin) but rather, loving people through their process without changing our outlook of truth. We love the sinner, but hate the sin. Such is a godly reaction, because it is how Jesus feels as well. We were never meant to live in sin, and He hates what Satan has done to pollute the world he created for purity. He knows the sin causes us pain and He doesn't want that for us. His unfailing love covers us and leads us into the fulfilling life of righteousness. Our goal is always to live as righteously as possible, which is why we do not accept sin.
Today, consider those around you on whom you have given up. Who will lead them to the light? Contemplate your role in their lives. Is it time to go back at them with your spiritual weapons? You never know who you may snatch from the gates of hell.
Jude 1:17-23 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.
But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. (NLT)
2 Timothy 2:24-26 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach. and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. (NLT)
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