Jude 17–25

Jude closes his letter with an exhortation that is both a warning and a source of hope. He does not sugarcoat the reality of apostasy, false teachers, mockers, and those who walk away from truth. But neither does he leave us afraid. He tells us exactly how to live steady, faithful lives in the middle of chaos.

This is not just about starting well. It is about finishing well. And if you take these words to heart, you will not only be ready for that day, you will live with strength and clarity right now.

Jude reminds us that the apostles foretold this day. “In the last time there will be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.”

When you hear someone sneer at the faith, when you see truth twisted or denied, do not panic. Scripture already said it would happen. The presence of apostasy is not proof that God has failed; it is proof that His Word is true.

Often people abandon the faith not because they have discovered new truth, but because they want to justify an old sin. Rebellion often disguises itself as intellect. But beneath it all, the issue is the heart.

So instead of being rattled, let their falling away remind you to lift your head. Every scoffer and every denier is another sign that the coming of the Lord is drawing near.

Jude’s main exhortation is this: “Keep yourselves in the love of God.”

That does not mean keeping yourself saved. God’s love never wavers. But it does mean staying close enough to enjoy it. Just like the prodigal son, he was always loved, but his rebellion kept him from enjoying that love.

So how do we remain in the sunshine of His love? Jude gives four practices.

“Building up yourselves on your most holy faith.”

Faith is strengthened when you dig into God’s Word. You cannot live on borrowed convictions or secondhand beliefs. If your Bible gathers dust, do not be surprised if your faith does too.

Growth does not happen automatically. It happens as you daily take in His Word, allowing it to shape your thoughts, convict your heart, and steady your walk.

“Praying in the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer is not about rattling off words. It is about leaning on the Spirit to lead you, shape your desires, and intercede for you.

There will be days when you will not even know how to pray. That is when the Spirit steps in. He takes your groans and turns them into intercession according to the will of God. That is why prayer keeps you anchored when the world around you is in turmoil.

“Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

We live with hope fixed on Christ’s return. To live with your eyes on eternity does not make you careless about life; it makes you careful how you live.

Think about it. If you knew Jesus might come back today, what conversations would you have? What habits would you drop? What priorities would you rearrange? Living with that expectancy keeps you focused on what truly matters.

“Of some have compassion, making a difference. Others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire.”

Apostasy should not harden your heart but soften it. Some need gentle compassion, others need strong warning, but all need rescuing.

Every person you meet is headed toward eternity, either toward life or toward judgment. And God has placed you in their path. Do not stand back while they stumble toward destruction. Reach out. Love them. Pull them back if you can.

Finally, Jude closes with this beautiful doxology:

“Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before His presence with exceeding joy…”

Here is the truth. You are called to keep yourself in His love, but ultimately it is He who keeps you. If your salvation depended on your grip, you would have already lost it. But your salvation depends on His hand, and He never lets go.

And one day, He will present you faultless before His glory with joy. Not limping into heaven, but standing blameless in Christ. That is your future.

So here is the takeaway. Do not be shocked when people fall away. Do not be stopped by their doubts or their denials. And do not let fear hold you back.

Instead, continue to grow in the Word. Keep praying in the Spirit. Keep looking for Christ’s return. Keep reaching for the lost. And above all, rest in the One who keeps you.

Because at the end of the day, this is not just about surviving apostasy. It is about thriving in Christ. It is about finishing well. It is about standing one day in His presence with joy.