Jude 1:20

Jude 1:20 serves as a powerful exhortation to believers amidst the warnings against false teachers and apostasy that dominate the rest of the epistle. Having described the dangers of those who would lead God's people astray, Jude pivots to instruct his "beloved" on how to stand firm and grow spiritually.

Context

The Epistle of Jude is a brief but intense letter primarily aimed at warning believers about the infiltration of ungodly individuals who twist grace into license and deny the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Jude's urgent tone reflects the serious threat these false teachers posed to the early church. After detailing their character and impending judgment in previous verses, Jude shifts from condemnation to construction in verse 20, providing a clear pathway for true believers to persevere and strengthen their faith in the face of spiritual deception and moral decay. This verse marks the beginning of a concluding section that outlines how believers can maintain their spiritual vitality and hope.

Key Themes and Messages

• Spiritual Edification and Growth: The phrase "building up yourselves" (Greek: epoikodomountes) emphasizes an active, continuous process of spiritual construction. Believers are not to be passive but are called to diligently work on their own spiritual development, adding to the foundation of their faith. This involves intentional effort in learning, obedience, and discipline, ensuring their spiritual house is built on solid ground.
• The Foundation of "Most Holy Faith": The "most holy faith" refers not merely to personal belief, but to the objective body of Christian truth—the gospel, the doctrines, and the revelation of God "once delivered unto the saints." It is "most holy" because it originates from God, is pure, and leads to holiness in those who embrace it. This faith serves as the unshakeable foundation upon which all spiritual growth must occur, safeguarding believers from error.
• Praying in the Holy Ghost: This is a crucial element of spiritual building. "Praying in the Holy Ghost" (Greek: proseuchomenoi en Pneumati Hagiō) signifies prayer that is empowered, guided, and inspired by the Holy Spirit. It implies a deep spiritual connection where the Spirit enables believers to pray according to God's will, intercedes on their behalf, and infuses their prayers with divine power and understanding. This type of prayer is vital for maintaining spiritual vitality and discernment, especially when facing spiritual opposition. Romans 8:26 also speaks to the Spirit's role in our prayers.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "building up yourselves," epoikodomountes (ἐποικοδομοῦντες), is a present active participle, indicating an ongoing action. It literally means "building upon" or "super-edifying," suggesting that believers are to continue adding to the spiritual structure already laid. This term is also used by Paul in contexts of church edification, but here it is applied individually. The phrase "most holy faith" uses the superlative form, emphasizing the supreme purity and divine origin of the Christian faith. "Praying in the Holy Ghost" (en Pneumati Hagiō) uses the preposition "en," which can denote the sphere, instrument, or power by which something is done, highlighting that the Holy Spirit is the enabling power behind such prayer.

Practical Application

Jude 1:20 provides timeless instruction for Christian living:

1. Active Spiritual Discipline: Believers are personally responsible for their spiritual growth. This involves consistent engagement with God's Word, participation in Christian fellowship, and conscious efforts to live out their faith. It is an active process of self-improvement rooted in divine truth.
2. Adherence to Sound Doctrine: The verse stresses the importance of grounding oneself in the "most holy faith." In an age of diverse spiritual teachings, it is critical to discern truth from error by knowing and adhering to the foundational truths of Christianity. This protects against false doctrines and spiritual instability.
3. Reliance on the Holy Spirit: Effective spiritual growth and prayer are not accomplished by human effort alone. Christians are called to rely on the indwelling Holy Spirit for guidance, power, and understanding. Praying "in the Holy Ghost" ensures our petitions align with God's will and empowers us to live a life pleasing to Him, especially in times of spiritual warfare.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that while external threats may exist, believers are equipped with divine resources—the revealed truth of God and the indwelling Spirit—to build themselves up and persevere in holiness.