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.


Application: 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: Persevering in God's love and mercy