Understanding spiritual growth, prayer, and staying close to God—in simple terms
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God…” — Jude 1:20–21
Introduction: Why Jude 1:20 Matters
What do you do when your faith feels shaky, the world feels loud, and truth seems harder to find? That is exactly the kind of moment Jude speaks into. The book of Jude is short, but it is packed with wisdom for believers living in confusing times. Jude wrote to Christians who were facing false teaching, moral confusion, and spiritual pressure. In Jude 1:20–21, he gives a simple but powerful roadmap: build up your faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and keep yourself in the love of God. In other words, stay grounded, stay prayerful, and stay close to the Lord.
Key Verse for Today
This verse is a gentle reminder that spiritual strength does not come from trying to hold everything together on our own. It grows as we stay rooted in God’s truth, keep talking with Him in prayer, and rest in His love day by day.
What “Most Holy Faith” Looks Like in Everyday Life
At its core, “most holy faith” means the true Christian faith centered on Jesus Christ and the message passed down through Scripture. It is not just a spiritual vibe or a general belief that everything will work out. It is the solid truth of the gospel—who Jesus is, what He has done, and how He calls us to live (Jude 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Jude calls this faith “holy” because it comes from God and should not be mixed with false ideas or changing opinions. That is why it matters so much. In a world full of mixed messages, believers need something solid to stand on (Ephesians 2:20).
Growing a Faith That Stays Strong
Jude’s phrase “build yourselves up” gives the picture of a house being strengthened brick by brick. Faith works like that too. It grows over time as you read God’s Word, obey what you learn, and keep showing up for time with the Lord. Colossians 2:6–7 says believers should be “rooted and built up” in Christ, and 1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us to encourage one another and build each other up. So spiritual growth is not about trying harder to look religious. It is about steadily becoming more grounded in Jesus. Some days that may look like reading one Psalm, praying for five honest minutes, or choosing obedience in one hard area. Small steps matter.
Prayer That Keeps You Close to God
Praying “in the Holy Spirit” does not mean using fancy words. It means praying with God’s help, under His guidance, and with a heart open to His will. Sometimes we do not even know what to pray—but Romans 8:26 says the Spirit helps us in our weakness. Ephesians 6:18 also tells believers to pray “at all times in the Spirit.” So this kind of prayer is honest, dependent, and real. It is the difference between rushing through a routine and actually talking with God. When we pray this way, we grow closer to Him, gain wisdom for daily life, and receive strength for the battles we face.
When Faith Leads and Self Does Not
Jude draws a clear line between self-centered living and genuine faith. One path says, “Do whatever feels right.” The other says, “Follow Jesus, even when it is hard.” Self-centered living is driven by pride, impulse, and personal desire. True faith is grounded in truth, shaped by love, and strengthened by obedience. Over time, that kind of faith begins to show fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). It is not about being flawless. It is about belonging to Christ and being changed by Him little by little.
Simple Ways to Live This Out
- Read the Bible regularly. Let God’s Word shape your thinking and strengthen your faith (Psalm 119:105; Colossians 3:16).
- Pray honestly and often. Bring your worries, questions, and needs to God, trusting Him to guide you (Philippians 4:6–7; Romans 8:26).
- Stay connected to other believers. Faith grows stronger in community, where people can encourage and challenge one another (Hebrews 10:24–25; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).
- Be careful who you learn from. Not every spiritual voice is healthy, so test what you hear against Scripture (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1).
- Show mercy to people who struggle. Jude 1:22 reminds believers to have compassion on those who doubt.
- Invite accountability. Trusted Christian friends can help you stay grounded, honest, and growing (Proverbs 27:17).
A Short Prayer
Lord, help me grow in faith when life feels uncertain. Teach me to pray with honesty, trust Your truth, and stay close to Your love. Strengthen me day by day, and help my life reflect the character of Jesus. Amen.
Takeaway: A strong faith is not built in one big moment—it is built in daily choices to trust God, pray, and stay rooted in His Word.
Conclusion: Staying Close to God’s Love
Jude’s message is deeply practical: build your faith, pray with God’s help, and stay in His love (Jude 1:20–21). In a distracted and confusing world, that is not a small thing—it is how we stay steady. The good news is that you do not have to do this perfectly. You just have to keep drawing near to Jesus, trusting that He is able to keep you from stumbling (Jude 1:24). So here is the challenge: take one step today. Open your Bible. Pray an honest prayer. Reach out to another believer. Choose one simple act that helps you stay close to God. Small faithful steps, repeated over time, build a strong and steady faith.
Minister A Francine Green I June 2026