Scripture:
Jude 1:17-23 ESV
[17] But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. [18] They said to you, “In the last time, there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” [19] It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. [20] But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, [21] keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. [22] And have mercy on those who doubt; [23] save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh
Observation:
Jude is a very short book. In fact, you can read through it in under 5 minutes. The information that is found in it. Jude talks a lot about false teachers. Giving his readers stern warnings that there will be those who will try to pull others away from the faith. Reminding them about what the apostles had said about scoffers and how they will mock or ridicule those who believe and follow the faith and have no regard for the word of GOD but live however they want to and do whatever they want to. They will bring about division separating people who were meant to work together. They live for the world and more than likely have an antichrist spirit if they have any spirit at all. Informing his readers about how to combat these scoffers. Jude tells us that we will need to build ourselves up in the faith. By prayer and petition, asking GOD to reveal the truth and lead us with HIS Holy Spirit and keeping their eyes on the mercy that is found in Jesus Christ. Trusting that HE made all things right when HE gave HIS life in exchange for ours on the cross. The phrase that caught my attention when I read this is in verse 22, and the importance of it is found in verse 23. Jude gave us one short letter to bring us to this point. Doubt is what will bring a lot of people to look at the facts it’s unbelief that is the real issue. Those who doubt. When you present, the truth, you will eventually see it as truth and come to the faith and show them mercy will allow them the time to do so. Therefore, they will be snatched out of the fire of hell and brought to the faith. Their stance on sin will change, and they will despise it.
Application:
I want us to be ready for the war that is at our doorstep, and know how to fight the battle. Knowing what GOD’S word says and doing our absolute best to live by it is an important part of how this battle is fought. Getting on our knees and fighting the right way, turning the battle over to the one who knows the enemy and his tactics. Will allow us to snatch our brothers and sisters from the gates of hell. The truth must be presented in a loving fashion, without condemnation or division. It’s really easy to stand on the outside of someone’s life and tell them all the things they shouldn’t do. There are those who just won’t listen to a list of things they shouldn’t do. Is it our job to make them believe? If so, they are not going to be won over by judgment and condemnation. The Bible I read tells me mercy triumphs over judgment. Looking at the difference between doubt and unbelieving scoffers is important. True doubters. There are those to whom GOD has not fully revealed HIMSELF yet, and that may be the reason you have been placed in their lives. Showing them mercy may win them to the kingdom. Let’s look at how it all went down with the woman at the well. Condemnation would have driven her away from what she so desperately needed. Mercy drew her into it, and as we know, Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit. HIS guide was on point. I personally find it very important to do my best to stay in tune with the Holy Spirit. Building that relationship with HIM. Learning to trust HIM. Asking HIM for guidance. If you are anything like me, you know that we are in a war and the souls of our brothers and sisters are at stake. Being armed with the love of GOD as our weapon is how this war is fought. Staying in that love is our job. Knowing that love is truth and grace. I think it’s far past time to love them all and let GOD sort them out. If we are truly trying to kick down the gates, let’s let love be our battering ram to kick down the gate of doubt that people build around their hearts. You will never condemn someone into the kingdom. You will never convict someone into the kingdom. Paul tells us that in 1 Corinthians 13, faith, hope, and love remain, but the greatest is love. It’s the weapon of our warfare. John tells us that they will know we belong to Jesus because of the way we love. Scoffers will always exist, and doubters will, too. I think it’s important to remember that at one time, you were probably in their shoes living according to what you wanted and paying no attention to the life that GOD had in store for you. GOD’S mercy and grace is needed by all of us. I know this SOAP has been all over the place, but I also know that the Holy Spirit will make sense of it for those who take the time to read it.
Prayer:
Father, I have done my best to bring this scripture to life. Now, it’s up to you to produce the fruit you intend for it to produce. I simply can’t do that. I can only write what I believe you tell me to. I try to pay attention to what your Holy Spirit says as these SOAPS are put together, and I pray that you can make sense of it to those you reach with it. It’s honestly out of my control before I ever start to type. Let your voice be heard and your face be seen. Hide everything about me behind the cross so that your purpose and plans are fulfilled. None of this is about me. So do what you will with it in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray, amen.