DECEMBER 21 - NURTURING FAITH
READ Jude 1
Jude is challenged to earnestly contend for the faith against false teachers.
INSIGHT
False teachers were a major problem in the early church, and many of the epistles deal with them. Jude offers scathing rebukes and warnings to false teachers, but in addition he offers insights on how we can protect ourselves from them. In verses 20-21, Jude uses four phrases which are instructive: "building yourselves up" (studying and doing things to encourage your spiritual growth); "praying in the Holy Spirit" (cultivating a healthy prayer life); "keeping yourselves in the love of God" (monitoring your lifestyle and guarding against sin); and "looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life" (cultivating an eternal perspective).
PRAYER
Thank the Lord that He is truth and praise Him that He leads the willing heart to know truth:
They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts,
And I will declare your greatness.
They will give a testimony of your great goodness
And will joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger and great in faithful love.
The Lord is good to everyone;
His compassion rests on all he has made
(Psalm 145:6-9).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones,
And praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment,
But his favor, a lifetime.
Weeping may stay overnight,
But there is joy in the morning
(Psalm 30:4-5).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
The Lord will protect you from all harm;
He will protect your life.
The Lord will protect your coming and going
Both now and forever (Psalm 121:7-8).
Jude is challenged to earnestly contend for the faith against false teachers.
INSIGHT
False teachers were a major problem in the early church, and many of the epistles deal with them. Jude offers scathing rebukes and warnings to false teachers, but in addition he offers insights on how we can protect ourselves from them. In verses 20-21, Jude uses four phrases which are instructive: "building yourselves up" (studying and doing things to encourage your spiritual growth); "praying in the Holy Spirit" (cultivating a healthy prayer life); "keeping yourselves in the love of God" (monitoring your lifestyle and guarding against sin); and "looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life" (cultivating an eternal perspective).
PRAYER
Thank the Lord that He is truth and praise Him that He leads the willing heart to know truth:
They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts,
And I will declare your greatness.
They will give a testimony of your great goodness
And will joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger and great in faithful love.
The Lord is good to everyone;
His compassion rests on all he has made
(Psalm 145:6-9).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones,
And praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment,
But his favor, a lifetime.
Weeping may stay overnight,
But there is joy in the morning
(Psalm 30:4-5).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- Greater desire to be like Christ
- Local churches across the nation
- Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
The Lord will protect you from all harm;
He will protect your life.
The Lord will protect your coming and going
Both now and forever (Psalm 121:7-8).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2025.