“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit…” – Jude 20

Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:4-12; Jude 17-23

Since verse 5 in Jude’s letter, we’ve seen destruction, judgment, eternal fire, rebellion and even underground reefs that shipwreck the church’s love feasts. There are so many ways that the church is threatened with breaking apart, all because false teachers are trying to creep unnoticed into the church and use the good news about grace in Jesus Christ as their excuse to continue living in their sins. Grace becomes their license for ungodliness and the church suffers because of it.

But verse 20 is a turning point in this letter. It reminds us that we are “beloved.” The Father loves His people so much that He gave them His Son, in Whom we must believe to be saved. This love does not leave us in the misery of our sins, but sets us free to love the Lord in gratitude. The church is those whom the Spirit is gathering to enjoy that freedom to love, sharing in the faith that rests in Christ.

In that faith we are now called to build ourselves up and to pray in the Holy Spirit. What does that look like? It is to be so amazed by the grace of God that it gives us the greatest joy to encourage each other to know that grace, too. It is to be so assured of God’s promises of joy and fellowship that sin no longer holds its appeal and selfishness gives way to service.

Suggestions for prayer

Rejoice in the love of God that gave us His Son as our Redeemer. Pray that the Spirit would help you view your life as a gift from the Lord to be used for His service. Ask Him to help other believers who are struggling to be faithful.

Pastor James Sinke has been the pastor of Bethel URC of Woodstock for ten years, having previously served the Rock Valley URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.