Book of Jude: Verses 20-23 Coaches Notes.. pt 2

20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Verse 20...   But, ye, beloved...   Jude has been contrasting the ungodly and  lost with those who have believed in Christ Jesus and are saved.  ...building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost  ~Growing and building one's faith comes from time spent studying the Word of God and time spent in prayer.  The ungodly do not spend any time seeking God or conversation with HIM.

Verse 21..  Keep yourselves in the love of God...   This is not something we can 'will' ourselves to do.  This is accomplished only through asking God to help us.  This is done through praying to God for a hunger and a thirst for His Word and His Will for your life.  ~Seek Ye first the Kingdom of God.  ... looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.   This is REALLY what EVERYONE needs:  God's Holy mercy and grace unto eternal life.

Verse 22...  And of some have compassion, making a difference...  The 'some' Jude is referring to here are the ungodly and lost.  'have compassion' in this sense means to have pity for.  Friends, please don't forget your own spiritual condition before you knew the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  'making a difference'... God may use you and I to be HIS hands and feet in the lives of the ungodly.   Now I believe acting out this verse needs a certain amount of 'balancing', especially if you are a parent and have responsibilities to a family.  Family is your first ministry. 

Verse 23...  And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.     Some we are to have compassion for, others we are to save with fear, pulling them out of the fire...  To save with fear means we are to give them knowledge of Jesus Christ that will ultimately lead to their salvation.  We should take utmost care to guard ourselves also, lest we fall under the same sin and temptation we are trying to minister to them about. Understand that WE are not saving them, but the Holy Spirit is working through our witness. ...hating even the garment spotted by the flesh....  Keep yourselves at the utmost distance from what is or appears evil, and designing  that others may do so too. Avoid all that leads to sin or that looks like sin.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for the Divinely inspired teaching of the book of Jude.  Lord help us to walk closely with You and to give us discernment regarding how we should walk regarding our interaction with the world.  We are told to be in the world but not OF it.  Oh Lord I pray that would be true.  Guard me, protect my family, Lord.  Help me to be a Godly witness in all my interactions.  Father God give me patience and humility.  

Above all, give me a hunger and a thirst for Your Word and to know You MORE.  I love You, Lord.  And pray these things in Jesus' name, AMEN.