Jude 1:20 by Precept Austin Commentary

Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit: humeis de agapetoi epoikodomountes (PAPMPN) heautous te hagiotate humon pistei en pneumati hagio proseuchomenoi (PMPMPN) building = Acts 9:31; Ro 15:2; 1Co 1:8; 10:23; 14:4,5,26; Ep 4:12,16,29; Col 2:7; 1Th 5:11; 1Ti 1:4 Acts 15:9; 26:18; 2Ti 1:5; Titus 1:1; Jas 2:22; 2Pe 1:1; 1Jn 5:4; Rev 13:10 praying = Zech 12:10; Jn 4:24, Ro 8:15,26,27; 1Co 14:15; Gal 4:6; Ep 6:18 Barclay - But you, beloved, must build yourselves up on the foundation of your most holy faith; you must pray in the Holy Spirit; NET - But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith, by praying in the Holy Spirit, TLB - But you, dear friends, must build up your lives ever more strongly upon the foundation of our holy faith, learning to pray in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. Wuest - But, as for you, divinely-loved ones, building yourselves up constantly in the sphere of and by means of your most holy Faith, and as constantly praying in the sphere of and by means of the Holy Spirit, Young's Literal - And ye, beloved, on your most holy faith building yourselves up, in the Holy Spirit praying, THE ANTIDOTE FOR APOSTASY But you - Don't miss these strategic "changes of direction" (there are over 4000 "but's" (See Terms of Contrast) in the NAS version!). Stop and study this change asking questions like "Why now? Who? What is involved with the change?," etc. Note that in Jude 1:20-23 the writer instructs his readers (and us) how they are to contend earnestly for the faith. Every leader of every church every where at all times would do well to follow Jude's "template!" But you beloved draws a clear distinction between his readers and the apostates who had crept into the local body. By using beloved which is used in the NT only to address believers (and God's beloved Son), Jude contrasts his readers who do possess the Spirit, with the apostates who do not possess the Spirit. He knows that they will need to rely on the Spirit's enabling power to pray and to edify one another. Dependence on the Spirit is also imperative in order to carry out the commands in this section (These verbal imperatives are: Remember Jude 1:17, Keep Jude 1:21, Have mercy Jude 1:22, Save Jude 1:23, and Have mercy Jude 1:23). Remember that what God commands, He always enables. We can attempt to obey the command in our own strength or by relying on the supernatural strength of the Spirit. You can mark it down - The former is always futile but the latter is always fruitful! Are you seeking to continually be filled with the Spirit so that you might be supernaturally energized to obey the instructions and commands of Scripture? (Eph 5:18-note, Gal 5:16-note) Grant Osborne notes that "In Jude 1:3, Jude directed them to “defend the faith,” and in Jude 1:5–16 and then Jude 1:17–19 they were to defend it by taking action against the false teachers and exposing their heresy. Now he tells them to defend the faith by strengthening their own faith and keeping the church “safe in God’s love." Bauckham (Word Biblical Commentary) calls Jude 1:20-23 the true epicenter of the letter, asserting that the argument of Jude 1:5-19 becomes “necessary background” to the appeal here, which is “the climax of the letter to which all the rest leads up.” (Jude 1:21). There are two parts to this section, beginning with the command to develop their own faith (Jude 1:20–21) and then the command to rescue as many of those who had strayed after the false teachers as they could (Jude 1:22–23). (Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: James, 1-2 Peter, Jude, Revelation) Beloved (repeated in Jude 1:3, 17)(27)(agapetos) - He appeals again with a fond affirmation. With pastoral care as a good shepherd, Jude addresses his readers again as agapetos. "Dear friends" (NET) Building yourselves up on your most holy faith - Note the striking contrast between those who cause divisions (Jude 1:19) and those who edify or build up (contrast also - "in the Holy Spirit" with "devoid of the Spirit" in Jude 1:19). The reflexive pronoun yourselves (heautou) emphasizes that continue growth in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is their personal responsibility. Hiebert adds "They were to act as moral and responsible agents in this,” for such growth demands their active cooperation. While the divine bestowal of life imparts the ability and desire to grow, it is yet the responsibility of each believer to “work out” his own salvation (Phil. 2:12-note, Phil 2:13-note)." Spurgeon - He has told us about the one foundation, now he bids us build thereon: “Building up yourselves on your most holy faith.” “Praying.” That is the next thing; there is no preservation like that which is given by God in response to believing prayer. “Praying in the Holy Ghost.” There is a kind of praying which is without the Holy Ghost, and it speedeth not. There is a praying which is the breath of God in man, returning whence it came; this will keep us from falling, and bring us untold blessings. Wuest paraphrases "building yourselves up constantly in the sphere of and by means of your most holy Faith." This exhortation reminds us of Jesus' prayer for His disciples, asking His Father to "Sanctify them in truth, Thy Word is truth." (Jn 17:17-note). In short, the best defense against false doctrine is sound doctrine, for only God's Truth can effectively counter Satan's lies! Churches that "bypass" this important element, are "wide open" for ravenous wolves to come into the flock and wreak "doctrinal havoc!" The "holy faith" is the foundation on which we are to build. Jude urges them but they must make the choice to pursue spiritual maturity. A Duane Litfin says that "the best thing believers can do to withstand the malady is to develop their spiritual immunological resources." (A Biblical Strategy for Confronting the Cults) I would add that the best way to do this is by growing in respect to their salvation by a systematic, steady intake of the "pure milk of the Word" (1Pe 2:2-note). Hiebert agrees that "The key element in the antidote to apostasy is a vital and growing fellowship with God grounded in His self-revelation." Dear pastor and/or church leader, Jude's exhortation begs the question "Are you feeding the sheep, solid food which alone will enable them to discern truth from error?" (Jn 21:15-17KJV-note , Heb 5:14-note) H. Pickering once said "Men may decry doctrine, but it is creed that produces character and not character that produces creed!" Building...up (2026)(epoikodomeo from epí = upon, Vincent says it indicates the placing of one layer upon another + oikodomeo [from oikos = house + domeo = to build] = build a house) literally means to build upon something already built, "adding to the foundation of a building" (Friberg), "to build further" (TDNT), to erect a superstructure (an entity, concept, or complex based on a more fundamental one - 1Co 3:10). Epoikodomeo is always used figuratively in the NT referring to their spiritual edification (cf Eph 2:20-note, Col 2:7-note). The present tense calls for continual building on the superstructure of our faith. While the apostates majored on tearing down the faith, Jude encourages the saints to be zealous to build up the faith. The building of strong Christian character is a process that takes a lifetime. Indeed, we are all "works in progress." (Php 1:6-note). As someone has abbreviated it... PBPGIFWMY Which means "Please Be Patient. God Isn’t Finished With Me Yet." Often times when we look in the mirror and deep into our own soul, we may not like what we see, but it's then that we need to recall the great truth that God isn’t finished with us yet. Paul used the root verb oikodomeo in his letter to the Thessalonians, exhorting them to "encourage one another and build up one another." (1Th 5:11-note) Peter uses a similar construction metaphor writing that we are "living stones...being built up as a spiritual house" built upon Jesus Christ the "precious corner stone." (1Pe 2:4-6-note). Related uses of epoikodomeo - In Acts 20:32-note we see "the Word of His grace...is able (has the inherent power) to build you up." The point is that the Body of Christ will NOT be built up without the intentional "injection" of the Word of Truth (cf Jn 17:17)! How is your church doing dear reader? Is the preaching expositional and profound (deep)? Are Bible studies offered that focus on "how you feel about the passage" (or what it means to you) or on what the Word of God authored by the Spirit of Truth actually teaches? There is a difference and only one truly builds up and fortifies the body! In Ephesians 2:20-note Paul says that we have "been built upon (past tense) the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone." In Colossians 2:7-note Paul says we have "been firmly rooted (perfect tense = past completed action with continuing effect/result) and now being built up (present tense = continually, passive voice = "divine passive" = by the Spirit) in Him (Christ). " Matthew Henry - The way to hold fast our profession (cf Titus 1:9-note, 1Ti 3:9) is to hold on in it. Having laid our foundation well in a sound faith, and a sincere upright heart, we must build upon it, make further progress continually; and we should take care with what materials we carry on our building, namely, gold, silver, precious stones, not wood, hay, stubble, 1Co. 3:12. Right principles and a regular conversation will stand the test even of the fiery trial; but, whatever we mix of baser alloy, though we be in the main sincere, we shall suffer loss by it, and though our persons be saved all that part of our work shall be consumed; and, if we ourselves escape, it will be with great danger and difficulty, as from a house on fire on every side. (Jude - Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary) Spurgeon - Edification is a grand defense against the assaults of skeptics and heretics. These prey upon the ignorant and unestablished, but fail to overthrow those who are rooted and grounded in the truth. We need to be continually built up: learning more, loving more, and living more the grand truths of the gospel. We must see to it that the foundation is right, for it will be useless, or worse than useless, to be built up upon false principles—it is “on our most holy faith” that the building must be based. We should be so established in the doctrines of grace as to recognize their holiness and to imitate it in our own lives. Only a “most holy” faith is safe for the soul, and woe unto the man who rests content with any other. See, then, brethren, that to ward off the ills of these last times we must labour to know the truth ourselves, and must endeavor to instruct our brethren therein. Personal and mutual edification in the church should be zealously maintained as one of the most valuable defenses against the invasion of error. (A Weighty Charge - Jude 1:21) Most holy faith - This phrase is found only here in Scripture. Holy means separate or set apart, so the faith Jude exhorts us to is a faith that is distinguished, set apart. In the context of this letter, the faith Jude refers to is "the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 1:3-note = "faith" = bookends of this letter!) Some see most holy faith as the referring to the entire revelation from God, the whole body of truth contained in His Word or as John MacArthur says "the objective body of Biblical truth." (Ref) Hiebert adheres "to the common view that “your most holy faith” denotes the foundation upon which the Christian life is founded." As discussed earlier faith (see Jude 1:3-note) in this context does not refer to the subjective experience (personal trust in Christ), but refers to objective faith, the substance of what is believed, the object of their personal belief ("the apostles' teaching" - Acts 2:42). Kistemaker on Most holy faith - This faith is a gift of God that is entrusted to Christians and is described in superlative form as “most holy.” This faith which originates with God is perfect, pure, and incomparable. Mayor - The faith here is called "most holy" because it comes to us from God, and reveals God to us, and because it is by its means that man is made righteous, and enabled to overcome the world. (The Expositor's Greek Testament) Hiebert explains why the faith is called "holy" - As “most holy” it is separate and distinct from all other faiths because of its origin and transmission as well as the holiness it produces in those who ground their lives upon it. “Because the Spirit inspired this faith, genuine spirituality is its fruit.” This precious “faith” stands “in marked contrast to the vile and shifty doctrines which the libertines profess and uphold.”...The faith which believers build upon is not an abstract doctrinal system but the Spirit-formulated message of the holy character and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Only a faith resulting in a living relationship with the living Lord Jesus Christ will effect such spiritual growth. (Second Peter-Jude: An Expositional Commentary) Paul describes this building process in Acts, addressing his words to the Ephesian elders... And now I commend you to God and to the Word of His grace, which is able (has the inherent supernatural power) to build you up (epoikodomeo) and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Acts 20:32-note) WHAT IS TRUE PRAYER? Praying in the Holy Spirit - This is the only occurrence of this exact phrase in Scripture. Some might interpret this as glossalalia, praying in tongues, and while this does not exclude that manner of praying, it is not the main intent. The preposition "in" is what is referred to as locative of sphere. Compare... (Ro 8:26-note) In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; Wuest explains that in the Holy Spirit "is locative of sphere. That is, all true prayer is exercised in the sphere of the Holy Spirit, motivated and empowered by Him. That means that if the saint expects to really pray, he must be Spirit-filled or Spirit-controlled (Eph 5:18-note). The fullness of the Holy Spirit is the prerequisite to effectual praying. The Spirit, when yielded to, leads us in our petitions and generates within us the faith necessary to acceptable and answered prayer. The expression “praying in the Holy Spirit” is also instrumental of means. We pray by means of the Holy Spirit, in dependence upon Him." Spurgeon - The second most needful defensive principle in the church is devotion. “Praying in the Holy Ghost” is the weapon with which the hosts of the Lord will put to rout the armies of the alien. The prayers of saints are the mighty artillery with which the walls of our Jerusalem are protected. Supplication is a cannon which throws tremendous bolts against the advancing foe, as Sennacherib knew when Hezekiah pleaded with God. The prayers, however, must be deeply spiritual, written on the heart by the Holy Ghost, and presented with energy of his creating. Formal, lifeless petitions are but a Chinese painted fortress, but praying in the Holy Ghost is an impregnable castle. Those “groanings which cannot be uttered” are pieces of ordnance which make the gates of hell to tremble. We must put our hearts under the influence of the blessed Spirit of God, and then lift them up in continued intercession before God, and there can be no fear about the preservation of our minds from the error of the wicked. A praying church soon tries the spirits of false prophets, and casts them forth as evil. I have far more faith in prayer than in controversy. Keep the prayer meetings right, maintain private prayer with earnestness, and we may laugh to scorn all the sophisms of unbelievers and deceivers. (A Weighty Charge - Jude 1:21) Jamieson - The Holy Spirit teaches what we are to pray for, and how. None can pray aright save by being in the Spirit, that is, in the element of His influence. (Jude - Commentary Critical and Explanatory) Hiebert explains that "In the Holy Spirit marks the sphere of the praying, “as if immersed in the Holy Spirit and shut off from the world’s evil.” The picture is parallel to Ro 8:26–27-note where Paul portrays the Holy Spirit as prompting, purifying, and directing prayer in harmony with the will of God. It is not a mere ritual but “praying out of hearts and souls that are indwelt, illuminated, and filled by the Holy Spirit.” (Second Peter-Jude: An Expositional Commentary) Wuest adds that this phrase shows "how the saints are to build themselves up on their most holy faith. That is, prayer is the vital factor in the Christian life which activates all the other departments of the Christian experience." Moffatt - The real experience and possession of the Holy Spirit inspires prayer, not any proud sense of superiority to others or any false independence towards God. Clarke - The prayer that is not sent up through the influence of the Holy Ghost is never likely to reach heaven. (Jude Commentary) Wiersbe - The Word of God and prayer certainly go together (Acts 6:4). Evangelist Billy Sunday used to give his converts three rules for success in the Christian life. Each day they were to read the Bible and let God talk to them. They were to pray; in other words, they were to talk to God. And they were to witness and talk to others about God. It would be difficult to improve on those rules. (Be Alert 2 Peter, 2 & 3 John, Jude- Beware of the Religious Impostors) Paul gives a similar instruction to the saints at Ephesus... With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, (Eph 6:18-note) For an interesting study, observe the NT uses of the phrase "in the Holy Spirit" which is found 8x in Scripture - Mk 12:36; Lk 10:21; Jn 1:33; Ro 9:1; 14:17; 2Cor 6:6; 1Th 1:5; Jude 1:20. The synonymous phrase "in the Spirit" is found 20x - Mt 22:43; Lk 1:17; 2:27; Acts 19:21; Ro 8:9; 1Cor 6:11; 14:16; Eph 2:22; 3:5; 4:23; 6:18; Phil 3:3; Col 1:8; 1Ti 3:16; 1Pet 3:18; 4:6; Rev 1:10; 4:2; 17:3; 21:10 Spurgeon on in the Holy Spirit - Mark the grand characteristic of true prayer-"In the Holy Spirit." The seed of acceptable devotion must come from heaven's storehouse. Only the prayer which comes from God can go to God. We must shoot the Lord's arrows back to Him. That desire which He writes upon our heart will move His heart and bring down a blessing, but the desires of the flesh have no power with Him. Praying in the Holy Ghost is praying in fervency. Cold prayers ask the Lord not to hear them. Those who do not plead with fervency, plead not at all. As well speak of lukewarm fire as of lukewarm prayer-it is essential that it be red hot. It is praying perseveringly. The true suppliant gathers force as he proceeds, and grows more fervent when God delays to answer. The longer the gate is closed, the more vehemently does he use the knocker, and the longer the angel lingers the more resolved is he that he will never let him go without the blessing. Beautiful in God's sight is tearful, agonizing, unconquerable importunity. It means praying humbly, for the Holy Spirit never puffs us up with pride. It is His office to convince of sin, and so to bow us down in contrition and brokenness of spirit. We shall never sing Gloria in excelsis except we pray to God De profundis: out of the depths must we cry, or we shall never behold glory in the highest. It is loving prayer. Prayer should be perfumed with love, saturated with love-love to our fellow saints, and love to Christ. Moreover, it must be a prayer full of faith. A man prevails only as he believes. The Holy Spirit is the author of faith, and strengthens it, so that we pray believing God's promise. O that this blessed combination of excellent graces, priceless and sweet as the spices of the merchant, might be fragrant within us because the Holy Spirit is in our hearts (Ro 5:5-note)! Most blessed Comforter, exert thy mighty power within us, helping our infirmities in prayer. Amen Matthew Henry - Prayer is the nurse of faith; the way to build up ourselves in our most holy faith is to continue instant in prayer, Ro 12:12. Our prayers are then most likely to prevail when we pray in the Holy Ghost, that is, under His guidance and influence, according to the rule of His word, with faith, fervency, and constant persevering importunity; this is praying in the Holy Ghost, whether it be done by or without a set prescribed form. John Calvin - And as we commonly pray in a formal manner, he adds, In the Spirit; as though he had said, that such is our sloth, and that such is the coldness of our flesh, that no one can pray aright except he be roused by the Spirit of God...no one can pray as he ought without having the Spirit as his guide. (Calvin's Commentary) Disciples Study Bible on in the Holy Spirit - Pray submissive to, filled with, attentive to, and utilizing the power of the Holy Spirit. Jude had just described people devoid of the Spirit. See on Ro 8:26-27-note. George Lawrence Lawlor - Praying in the Holy Spirit is not speaking in tongues, but is “praying out of hearts and souls that are indwelt, illuminated, and filled with the Holy Spirit." Praying (proseuchomai from pros = toward, facing, before [emphasizing the direct approach of the one who prays in seeking God’s face] + euchomai = originally to speak out, utter aloud, express a wish, then to pray or to vow. Greek technical term for invoking a deity) in the NT is always used of prayer addressed to God and means to speak consciously (with or without vocalization) to Him, with a definite aim (See study of noun proseuche). This verb also conveys an attitude of reverence when praying to Him. Wuest adds that the prefixed preposition pros "gives it the idea of definiteness and directness in prayer, with the consciousness on the part of the one praying that he is talking face to face with God...(thus proseuchomai) speaks also of the consciousness on the part of the one who prays, of the fact of God’s presence and His listening ear." Proseuchomai is in the present tense which calls praying without ceasing, at all times and all places (cf 1Th 5:17-note). Beloved, do not attempt to do this in your own power or out of a sense of legalism, for you are destined to fail. Spiritual praying ultimately can only be stirred and enabled by the Spirit Who lives within us. We must rely on Him for the spiritual energy to pray "present tense!" As an important aside, praying continually in the Spirit is tangible evidence of one's dependence on God. Thomas Manton, the great Puritan expositor, has twenty-three pages of commentary on Jude 1:20,21-see commentary. Prayer is not getting man’s will done in heaven but is getting God’s will done on earth (cf 1Jn 5:14-15). James Rosscup - Praying, the central focus of the three phrases linked with keeping in God’s love, is relevant to the others, as they are pertinent to genuine prayer. Praying is a prime factor in spiritual growth, and all fruitfulness in relation to God, as in love and joy (John 15:7–12). Peter has linked prayer closely with love (1Pet. 4:7–8). It is a spiritual reflex to pray for strength or guidance to wait trustfully on God, as the psalmist reflects (Ps 119:43, 49, 74, 81–82). (An Exposition on Prayer in the Bible: Igniting the Fuel to Flame Our Communication with God) Spurgeon's Sermon - Praying in the Holy Spirit - Jude 1:20 ><>><>><> Praying in the Spirit 1. Without the Spirit there is no praying. 2. How excellent and honorable a work is that of prayer! The whole Trinity has a work in this holy exercise. 3. As without the Spirit there is no prayer, so without prayer a man evidently shows himself to have nothing of the Spirit. 4. Needs must the prayers of the saints be acceptable. They are by the Holy Ghost. 5. How good is God to His poor saints! He not only grants, but makes, their prayers. 6. It is our greatest wisdom to get and keep the Spirit. 7. How happy are saints in all straits! They have the Spirit to help them to pray. (W. Jenkyn, M. A.) ><>><>><> INSTINCTIVELY WRONG - Saul Gellerman, in his book How People Work, says, “Solving tough organizational problems may require counter-intuitive strategies.” In business, counter-intuitive is a fancy way of referring to ideas that go against common sense. Consultants who advocate such thinking are simply reinforcing the advice of Jesus. Over and over, He urged His followers to do what God said was right, not what desire, instinct, and intuition told them to do. Desire says, “I want it.” Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Instinct says, “Me first.” Jesus said, “The last will be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16). Intuition says, “I’ll feel better if I get revenge.” Jesus said, “Do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). Wanting something doesn’t make it good. Achieving something doesn’t make it valuable. And having strong feelings about something doesn’t make it right. As Jude wrote, those who follow their own desires and instincts lead others into conflict and division (Jude 1:18-19). The alternative is to be spiritual, which means doing what does not come naturally. In fact, it requires supernatural strength that only God can give. - Julie Ackerman Link More about Jesus would I know, More of His grace to others show, More of His saving fullness see, More of His love who died for me. —Hewitt You can trust your instincts when you are trusting Christ. ><>><>><> GOD'S MERCY AND OURS - There’s a legend about a rabbi who welcomed a weary traveler into his home for a night of rest. After learning that his guest was almost a hundred years old, the rabbi asked about his religious beliefs. The man replied, “I’m an atheist.” Infuriated, the rabbi ordered the man out, saying, “I cannot keep an atheist in my house.” Without a word, the elderly man hobbled out into the darkness. The rabbi was reading the Scriptures when he heard a voice, “Son, why did you throw that old man out?” “Because he is an atheist, and I cannot endure him overnight!” The voice replied, “I have endured him for almost a hundred years.” The rabbi rushed out, brought the old man back, and treated him with kindness. When we treat unbelievers with contempt, we’re not serving God. He wants us to love them as He has loved us. Jude said, “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, . . . but others save with fear, . . . hating even the garment defiled by the flesh” (vv.21-23). We can still love sinners while hating their sin. God’s abundant mercy to us is the motivation for us to be merciful to others. For Further Study In Luke 6:27-31, Jesus presents God's perfect standard of love for others. Ask Him to help you strive for that standard today. It's better to give others a piece of your heart than a piece of your mind. ><>><>><> THE STRENGTH OF OUR BRIDGE - As he aged, Dabney began to worry about his impending death, and he expressed his fears in a letter to a former student and theologian, C. R. Vaughan. Dabney wondered about his ability to die honorably and to hold on to his Christian faith. Vaughan replied: “Dear friend, let me advise you now as you often have me. If you were about to cross a deep chasm, and there were a bridge over it, would you stand there looking in at yourself, wondering if you trusted enough in bridges to be able to cross? Or would you not rather go and examine the beams and timbers of the bridge and the quality of its construction, and determine whether the bridge were trustworthy, and then pass over it in confidence? Our faith is in Christ; spend yourself focusing on Him and His sufficiency, rather than on yourself.” Do you have doubts about dying? Remember, God “is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory” (Jude 1:24-25). We who love Jesus are walking by faith, Not seeing one step that's ahead; Not doubting one moment what our lot may be, But looking to Jesus instead. —Fields Faith focuses on God instead of the problem.

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Jude 1:20

Precept Austin Commentary

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