How can believers remain faithful in the last days? Ref. Jude 17–25
“Dear friends, use your most holy faith to build yourselves up even stronger. Pray with the help of the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves safe in God’s love, as you wait for the Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life,” according to Jude 20-21.
We live in a world where truth is constantly challenged. Right becomes wrong. Wrong becomes acceptable. Faith is mocked, and sin is celebrated.
The question is not, “Will the world change?” The question is: “How can Christians remain faithful until Jesus returns?”
The Epistle of Jude gives six instructions to believers.
I. Remember the Warning (vv. 17–19)
“Remember what the apostles foretold…” The apostles repeatedly warned about the last days.
Jesus warned, “Many false prophets will rise…” (Matthew 24). Paul warned, “In the last days perilous times will come…” (II Timothy 3). Peter warned scoffers will come following their own desires (II Peter 3). Jude reminds believers that none of this should surprise us.
Today’s culture often says: “Follow your heart.” “Live your truth.”
But Scripture says: Follow Christ.
Imagine a weather forecast predicting a cyclone. Wise people prepare for it, whereas foolish people ignore it. The apostles gave the Church a spiritual forecast. They told us deception would come. The wise prepare themselves.
II. Build Yourself Up in Faith (v. 20)
Faith is like a building. Buildings are not constructed in one day. Every brick matters. Likewise, our faith grows daily.
How do we build faith?
By reading Scripture: “Faith comes by hearing…” Romans 10:17. Obey God’s word, fellowship, and worship.
A tree becomes strong because its roots grow deeper. Storms do not strengthen shallow roots; they expose them. Trials reveal whether our faith has deep roots.
III. Pray in the Holy Spirit (v. 20)
Prayer is not merely talking but praying according to God’s will. It is allowing the Spirit to guide our hearts and seek God’s purposes rather than merely our own wishes.
Jesus often withdrew to pray. If the Son of God needed prayer, how much more do we?
Prayer is spiritual power. A phone without charging eventually dies. Christians disconnected from prayer lose spiritual strength.
IV. Keep Yourselves in God’s Love (v. 21)
Notice carefully. Jude does not say God stops loving us. Rather, we are told to remain in the place where God’s love shapes our lives. Jesus said, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love” (John 15). Love produces obedience.
Waiting is also part of faith. Jude says we wait for Christ’s mercy. We are not waiting for disaster. We are waiting for Jesus.
V. Rescue others (vv. 22–23)
The Christian life is never only about ourselves. Some people doubt; they need compassion and not condemnation. Some believers struggle honestly and need patient answers.
Jude says, when others are trapped in serious sin, “Snatch them from the fire.” Help them, but do not become entangled in the very sins from which you are trying to rescue them.
Example: A firefighter enters a burning building wearing protective equipment. He rescues people, but he does not become consumed by the fire. Christians must rescue sinners without embracing sin.
VI. God’s Power Is Greater Than Our Weakness (vv. 24–25)
Jude ends not with fear, but with worship. “To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling…” Our security ultimately rests in God. He keeps us. He strengthens us. He presents us faultless through Christ.
God promises to keep you from falling, present you blameless, fill you with joy, and bring you safely home.
Salvation begins with grace, continues by grace, and ends in glory.
Until Jesus’ coming,
Remember the truth. Grow in faith.
Pray continually. Remain in God’s love. Rescue others.
Trust God to keep you.
