17
Nov '20
Prescription to Keep From Falling
17
Nov '20
Text: Jude 1:24, 25
“24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”
Introduction: Jude challenges us with how to keep from “FALLING.” After laying out the main purpose of his epistle, which is “BEWARE of APOSTASY,” he gives us the following:
- Definition of Apostates
- Description of Apostates
- Destiny of Apostates
Next, he equips every believer with three (3) instructions on how Jesus is able to KEEP US from FALLING:
1. Jesus is able to keep us from FALLING down into DOUBT, and builds us up in PRAYER! (Jude 1:20)
“20But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.”
- The word “keep” is tēréō, which means guard, watch
Personal Application: Prayer is the building block that elevates us to the next level.
2. Jesus is able to keep us from FALLING into Bitterness, and lifts us up with the LOVE of God! (Jude 1:21)
“21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”
- The word “keep” is tēréō, which means guard, watch
- The word “love” is agápē, which is used for unconditional love of God
Personal Application: We are to remember it is all because of God’s love and mercy that we are not lost and undone.
3. Jesus is able to keep us from FALLING away from RESCUING sinners from hell’s fire! (Jude 1:23)
“23And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”
- The word “keep” is tēréō, which means guard, watch
- The word “save” is sṓzō, which means deliver
- The word “snatch” is harpázō, which means by force
- The word “hating” is miséō, which means detesting
- The word “spotted” is spilóō, which means stained, soiled
Personal Application: People are slipping into the burning fire every day….we are to throw out the life-line and pull them out before it’s too late.
Conclusion: Do you need Jesus to keep you from falling? I do! Otherwise, we will fail & fall miserably. Do you know others who are falling into God’s judgment? Headed to the lake of fire? Will you rescue them? Without Jesus keeping us, we will fall into doubt, bitterness, and apathy toward those who are headed to hell. Therefore, the instructions before us are applicable for all. Will you surrender your heart and life to Him right now? Just pray, “Lord Jesus, I cannot keep myself from falling, because I have fallen into sins of selfishness, self-righteousness, and self-dependency constantly. Take control Lord – of my mind, my will, and my emotions – thru your Holy Spirit. Help me to let go and let you have your way with me!
Cleanse me. Deliver me. Fill me. I trust you to do it… all for Your Glory!” Amen!!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese