23rd
Dealing with Dodgy Doctrine - Our Response
After looking at God’s response to false teachers, we come to how we should respond. At the end of Jude’s letter, verses 20-25, he gives us some good pointers to think about, to help us to be prepared for false teaching.
Save Ourselves (20-21)
He starts off by recognising the need to be in training as Christians, in order that we are strengthened and ready whenever a spiritual issue comes our way. We do this through 3 key areas:
- Building ourselves up - by reading God’s word, and studying its application to our lives. Also by reading other good Christian books/blogs, listening to good music, and discussing what you learn with other Christians.
- Prayer - handing all our issues over to God, and trusting Him to work in our hearts through the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in our faith, because we ask Him to.
- Wait patiently - and expectantly for Christ’s return. Keep the here and now in perspective by focussing on eternity.
We also need to remember to respond appropriately whenever God teaches us, for example, this could be, taking notes, journaling, prayer, or even looking for opportunities to teach others.
Save Others (22-23)
Jude reminds us that we are to not only look out for ourselves, but also for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are to show mercy to each other, just as we are all saved through the mercy of God, and our prime concern for other people should be their salvation. As we show them love and mercy however, we should never give approval to behaviour that is in deliberate opposition to God’s will. We are to love the sinner, but hate the sin.
Saved by God (24-25)
Jude concludes his letter with a doxology that reminds us to stay focussed on the glory of God through the gospel. Since He alone can save us from our sins, by Jesus’ death and resurrection, the only right response is to give Him all glory and honour and praise. Once again, the difference between the true gospel and false gospels, is whether it is all about God and I respond to Him, or if it is all about me, and I expect Him to respond to my desires.
