Jude 1:20-23

The Believer and the Faith

In contrast to the ungodly, the faithful were to build upon their faith and pray in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26; Ephesians 6:18). The idea of building on the faith that already exists is used in other places and in other ways, such as Hebrews 6:1-20. Jude's desire was that Christians might stay in contact with the rewards found in God's love for them. These rewards were theirs through obedience (John 14:9-10; John 14:15; John 14:21; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6). The mercy of Jesus for which Jude prayed is found in salvation (Judges 1:20-21).

Clearly, the lost can be divided into two categories. There are those lost through being honestly mistaken and those intentionally lost. Jude urged Christians to be patient and loving with those honestly doubting the truth so they could be led to Christ. However, he warned them to exercise care with those in deeper trouble than the honest doubters. They would have to be snatched away from the very fires of hell. Of course, anyone trying to save them would have to beware lest, in pulling them out of trouble, they too should be spotted with the sins of the flesh (Judges 1:22-23).