The book of Jude is one of those short letters that carries a dynamite punch. It is not one to be omitted from the established Word of God, and yet we tend to use only the high point of the written letter. By the high point I mean the favored portion of the text, better known as Jude verse twenty.
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost... ~ Jude 20
I too quote this text by heart. It is valuable and precious to use, however the genius of Jude is not complete in this portion of the text alone. There is much more that needs our attention. Matter of fact within the contemporary Bible there are twenty four other verses to be observed.
The general theme of Jude is the exhortation of keeping false doctrines out of the church. It is fortifying the body of Christ to keep it from separate doctrines which generate errors, party factions and splits.
Although it is not a large teaching, it is broad in it's declarations. It covers many things that can creep in through people. Things that can breed and become problematic.
These include everything from:
1. denying Jesus as the Christ
2. sexual immorality
3. jealousy
4. greed
5. murmuring
6. complaining
7. lack of respect for leadership or direction
Jude's teaching also encourages us to be mindful of *scoffers and to ** contend for the faith. As we share the truth in love with those who are in our care, we are also to detect and address error. It never suggest brow beating, but does open up the reality of strong teaching, and the proper use of graces. It also offers underlying teachings on both submission and prayer.
*to treat with Scorn (disrespect), to treat with contempt in word and/or action.
**to do all one can to maintain it
So while praying in the Spirit and getting built up on the most Holy Faith, it is good to know that there is a faith foundation that we stand on, one that is of a Godly order with guidelines for greatness.
Contend earnestly for the faith. Walk in love. Stay teachable. Do not scoff (disrespect) the truth.
