Life Lessons From Jude – Readiness

A sense of readiness is perceived as we read through the Epistle of Jude. Readiness to talk about the Word of God. As soon as Jude recognized a problem in the Christian community, he immediately began talking to them about the Word of God.

What is your approach when it comes to resolving issues that you identify? Are you most ready to talk about your knowledge about the situation or are you most ready to say what scriptures have to say about the situation?

After identifying the problem, he readily brought to their attention the acts of God, reminding them of God’s character (Jude 1:5-7).

In summary, he told them that the Lord is a savior, the Lord is a just God, the Lord is a jealous God, and there is punishment for sinners who will not repent. Your ability to not only sound positive but Spirit led can only be made possible when you spend 1:1 time fellowship with the Father. Your personal bible study lifestyle will cause your readiness in sharing the Word, to be effortless.

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

How ready are you to divide the Word of truth? You can only be as ready as your study life. Amen!

Life Lessons From Jude – Responsibility

It takes a responsible person to care about the issues and concerns of others. Jude was that kind of person. He cared so much about the state of being, the welfare and more of the Christians. So, in writing his epistle, he began identifying and analyzing the problems that were ongoing; also providing possible solutions.

He identified that false teachers had slipped into the Christian community (Jude 1:4-11 (NIV)) and he further provided the characteristics of the false teachers.

In summary, these are the characteristics;

·       People who live immoral lives

·       People who defile authority

·       People who abuse celestial beings

·       People who mock and curse anything they do not understand

·       People who do whatever they feel like, there by destroying their soul

·       People who tell others that, after becoming Christians, they can do as they like without fear of punishment

·       People who kill their brothers

·       People who will do anything for money

·       People who will disobey God

As a responsible person, Jude went ahead to bring full awareness to the Christian community of who their God is by expounding on the acts of God and the character of God. He even provided possible ways on how to get people to salvation. He encouraged the Christians to stay within the boundaries of God’s love even as they build themselves up in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)). It takes a responsible person to sharpen another. Jude was that kind of person. Let’s learn from Jude by taking full ownership and responsibility for the things that come our way. Giving them full attention and awareness.

My encouragement to you is in accordance with 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NV) - Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

In conclusion - Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act (Proverbs 3:27 (NIV)).

Life Lessons From Jude – Companionship

Jude, in his epistle, comes across as someone who is mindful about his company. Otherwise, he would not have overwhelmed his epistle with words of caution, words of prevention and wisdom on how to deal with false teachers. So, how important is your companionship? Who do you keep company with? Do you choose your companions on purpose? Or do you let yourself mingle and associate with everybody? The Word of God is very keen about companionship. Jesus chose the people he kept company with?

1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)

Do not be misled: “Bad Company corrupts good character.”

This was a very challenging season for the Christians and Jude recognized that. So, he even went ahead to encourage the Christians on how to maintain their bond and relationships by building themselves up in the Holy Spirit. He further advised the Christians to win the unbelievers to the Lord.

Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations whereby it seems like we are obligated to keep certain companionships by reason of our jobs. In such situations, it is imperative to not allow ourselves to be trapped by their ungodly standards. Rather, remain in prayers and let the light of Christ in you shine so bright such that you win the unbelievers over to Christ