Charles Stanley (January-20-2021) Daily Devotional: Reinforcing Our Faith
May the word of God we shall receive in this Sermon transform our lives through Christ our Lord
Jude 1:20-23 – 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.
Though we’ve considered some ways to identify false teachers, it’s not possible to avoid this destructive influence completely. The best defense is a foundation of faith that enables us to stand firm against the subversive pull of the world. So how can we build a stronger faith?
First, we must saturate our mind with the Word of God. Then the Holy Spirit will bring new insights and help us mature.
Second, it is wise to do as Ephesians 6:18 – (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) urges: “Pray at all times in the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit understands exactly what truth we’ll need and when, so continually turning to Him for guidance leads to our protection.
Third, we must abide in the love of God. Of course, believers cannot fall beyond the scope of God’s love, but we shouldn’t take His amazing grace for granted. With that in mind, guard your intimacy with Him and the time you spend in His presence.
Fourth, eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ. The thought that He could return at any moment helps us maintain an eternal perspective (1 John 3:2-3 – 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure).
Though there is no magic formula for strengthening our faith, the steps laid out in today’s passage will guide us toward God and away from the snares of the world.