“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,” (Jude 1:20)
Understanding Jude 1:20 and Its Call to Action
Jude 1:20 includes an exhortation. “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith. Pray in the Holy Spirit.” This verse is a profound call to believers. It is an invitation to active, intentional, and deeply personal spiritual growth. This simple yet profound verse carries layers of meaning. It encourages one to take ownership of their journey of faith. At the same time, it emphasizes remaining reliant on God’s Spirit. Let us explore what it means to “build up your most holy faith.” We will delve into the intricacies of this charge. We will also examine its implications for daily life.
Active Spiritual Growth
The phrase “build yourselves up” is not passive. It challenges believers to adopt a proactive approach to their spiritual lives. Faith, much like a structure, requires consistent attention, effort, and the right materials to grow strong and resilient. This imagery of building conveys personal responsibility. Just as an architect designs and assembles a structure, Christians are called to intentionally strengthen their spiritual foundations.
Active spiritual growth involves several practices. These include regular prayer and engaging with Scripture. It also involves fellowship with other believers and reflecting on one’s spiritual progress. Each day, choose to invest in your relationship with God. Make faith a central priority, not an afterthought. It is important to note that this responsibility is not undertaken in isolation. Instead, it is done in partnership with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers and guides believers in the process.
Most Holy Faith
The term “most holy faith” refers to the fundamental truths and doctrines of Christianity. These are the sacred and enduring beliefs that form the bedrock of a believer’s life. The term “holy” underscores their purity and their divine origin. This faith is not merely intellectual assent. It is a dynamic and life-changing trust in God’s promises. This trust is rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Nurturing one’s most holy faith involves not only understanding but also cherishing the core tenets of Christianity. These tenets include the love of God and the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus. They also involve the gift of salvation and the hope of eternal life. It calls believers to treasure these truths as precious and to continually deepen their understanding of their significance. Engaging with God’s Word is essential. Meditating on its teachings is crucial. Applying it to daily life cultivates this most holy faith.
Prayer in the Holy Spirit
Jude 1:20 highlights prayer as a central part of building one’s faith, specifically “praying in the Holy Spirit.” In this context, prayer is not merely a ritual or a formality. It is a deeply personal and Spirit-led conversation with God. Praying in the Holy Spirit involves letting the Spirit guide your prayers. It inspires them to align with God’s will and purposes.
This type of prayer goes beyond words. It is about connecting heart-to-heart with God. It involves seeking His guidance and drawing strength from His presence. The Holy Spirit intercedes on behalf of believers, as noted in Romans 8:26: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Prayer in the Holy Spirit is a lifeline. It is also a profound act of faith. It sustains and empowers believers.
Keeping Oneself in God’s Love
Another vital aspect of building one’s faith is “keeping yourselves in God’s love.” This phrase speaks to the importance of cherishing and maintaining an intimate relationship with God. To remain in God’s love means to abide in His presence. Jesus emphasized this in John 15:9: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”
Maintaining this relationship involves daily communion with God, obedience to His commands, and an ongoing awareness of His love. It means allowing His love to shape one’s thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. This relationship is not static; it requires nurturing, much like any meaningful connection. Believers can draw closer to God through prayer, worship, and acts of love. They experience the life-changing power of His love in their lives.
Looking for the Mercy of Christ
Jude 1:20-21 also speaks of waiting “for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” This expression reflects the hope and assurance that characterize the Christian faith. The mercy of Christ is a present reality. It is also a future promise. It encompasses God’s grace, forgiveness, and the ultimate hope of eternal life.
Anticipating Christ’s mercy encourages believers to live with patience, perseverance, and an eternal perspective. It serves as a reminder to fix one’s eyes on God’s promises. Trust in His unfailing love, even in the face of challenges. This forward-looking faith cultivates an attitude of gratitude and humility, recognizing that all of life is sustained by God’s mercy.
Connecting to God’s Word
Building one’s faith is inseparable from engaging with the Word of God. The Bible is described as living and active (Hebrews 4:12). It is a source of nourishment for the soul. It also serves as a guide for life. Reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture allow believers to grow in their knowledge of God. It strengthens their faith. It also provides wisdom for navigating life’s trials.
Applying the Word to daily life is equally important. James 1:22 reminds believers to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Faith is not just theoretical; it must be lived out in actions that reflect God’s character and teachings. Putting faith into practice strengthens and deepens one’s spiritual foundation. This can be done through acts of service. It can also be achieved by sharing the gospel or demonstrating love to others.
Conclusion
The call to “build up your most holy faith” in Jude 1:20 is a powerful reminder. It shows that faith is not static but dynamic. It requires active engagement, intentional effort, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Understanding and cherishing the core truths of Christianity are essential. Maintaining a close relationship with God through prayer and love is also critical. Every aspect of this journey is vital.
This process ultimately guides believers toward a richer, more resilient faith. Such faith can withstand life’s storms. It shines as a testament to God’s unwavering grace. By taking this call to heart, Christians can experience the fullness of God’s love. They feel His mercy while growing ever closer to Him. Jude’s exhortation is both a challenge and a gift, inviting believers into a deeper, more vibrant relationship with their Creator.
“But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith. Pray in the Holy Spirit.” (Jude 1:20)
May the love of God shine through us, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those around us. Amen.
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 