Keep Yourselves in the Love of God Part 2

As we continue in our study of Jude 20, and 21, the diamond in our text is the keeping ourselves in the love of God, primarily meaning keeping ourselves in harmony with God's ever-present love. We talked about building one block of Godly living upon another, not just floating out there, not just letting go and letting God, but diligently seeking His presence and love constantly, working out our salvation with fear and trembling. Not desiring to sin by disobeying God, and saying He loves me just the way I am, but as it is said, " Not that I'm so great that even God loves me, but God is so great that He loves even me." So this week we want to take a look at the second phrase of the jewel that surrounds our diamond, to build ourselves up ON OUR MOST HOLY FAITH.
The phrase most holy faith is found only here in Scripture. It is notated on your most holy faith, seeming to mean that we are building upon a foundation. In Jude 3 it says that the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. This faith came by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ. (Rom.10:17) Faith is the foundation upon which the whole Christian life is founded. It is a foundation sure, stable, and solid. Faith is the means by which we are made right with God, justified by faith. (Rom.5:1) Only a faith resulting in a living relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will affect our spiritual growth. And this faith is a gift from God. (Eph.2:8) Remembering that "He who began a good work in us will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ. "(Phil.1:6) We have started well, let us continue to build upon this most holy faith that we might finish well.
Are we building ourselves up to this? Do we have any more of Christ's beauty in our character? Do we have any more of His grace in our hearts? Do we have any more of His truth in our minds? Then a year ago, then five years ago, then ten years ago? Keep yourselves in touch with Christ and Christ will make you grow. The only preventative of falling away from steadfastness is continual progress. Christians who just float get in grave trouble. Evidence of Godliness is seen in our swimming progress. Our lack of Christ likeness may show we are not on our way to heaven at all. To be sure of our election, we must see progressive sanctification. And the main player in helping us in that is the Holy Spirit. The phrase on our most holy faith seems to show that the Holy Spirit has inspired this faith, and genuine spirituality, Christ likeness, God honoring lives are its fruit.
Commentator Alexander MacLaren states," Faith is the foundation of all supreme excellence and nobility and beauty of character: because, for one thing, it dethrones self, and enthrones God in our hearts, making Him our aim and our law and our supreme good: and because, for another thing, our trust brings us into direct union with Him, so that we receive from Him the power thus to build up a character." Paul's words in Philippians 4:8,9, will go a long way to help us in our spiritual maturity. As Jesus said in John 17:17,"Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth." We grow on the foundation of the truth. Let us continue in this word of truth, to be Bible saturated, Christ exalting, God honoring people, to know truly that we are disciples of His. Next week, another help to keeping ourselves in the love of God, praying in the Holy Spirit, what is that and what does it look like.
Elder Randy Slak
08/30/2021