Jude 1:20

But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,

Study Bible

But you, beloved
This phrase addresses the recipients of the letter with a term of endearment, indicating a close relationship and deep affection. The term "beloved" is often used in the New Testament to refer to fellow believers, emphasizing their identity as loved by God and by the writer. This reflects the communal and familial nature of the early Christian church, where believers were seen as brothers and sisters in Christ. The use of "beloved" also serves to contrast the faithful recipients with the false teachers mentioned earlier in the epistle.

by building yourselves up in your most holy faith
The concept of "building up" suggests a process of spiritual growth and edification. The "most holy faith" refers to the core doctrines and beliefs of Christianity, which are considered sacred and set apart. This phrase implies an active role in nurturing one's spiritual life, akin to constructing a strong foundation. The imagery of building is common in Scripture, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, where Paul speaks of building on the foundation of Jesus Christ. The emphasis is on personal responsibility and community effort in strengthening one's faith.

and praying in the Holy Spirit
Praying in the Holy Spirit indicates a form of prayer that is guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This aligns with the broader New Testament teaching on the role of the Spirit in the believer's life, as seen in Romans 8:26-27, where the Spirit intercedes for believers. It suggests a deep, intimate communication with God that transcends mere words, relying on the Spirit's guidance to align one's prayers with God's will. This type of prayer is contrasted with rote or superficial prayers, emphasizing sincerity and spiritual depth.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jude
The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as Jude, the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus. He writes to warn believers against false teachers and to encourage them to remain steadfast in their faith.

2. Believers
The recipients of the letter, referred to as "beloved," indicating a close, affectionate relationship. They are encouraged to build themselves up in faith and prayer.

3. Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, who empowers and guides believers in their spiritual growth and prayer life.

Teaching Points

Building on the Foundation of Faith
Believers are called to actively participate in their spiritual growth by building on the foundation of their faith. This involves studying Scripture, engaging in fellowship, and practicing spiritual disciplines.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Prayer
Praying in the Holy Spirit means allowing the Spirit to guide and empower our prayers. This requires a heart open to the Spirit's leading and a willingness to submit to God's will.

The Importance of Community
The term "building yourselves up" implies a communal effort. Believers are encouraged to support and encourage one another in their faith journey.

Guarding Against False Teachings
By strengthening their faith and relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can better discern and guard against false teachings that may infiltrate the church.

Perseverance in Faith
The call to build up one's faith is a reminder of the need for perseverance. Spiritual growth is a continuous process that requires dedication and commitment.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can you actively build yourself up in your most holy faith in your daily life?

2. What does it mean to pray in the Holy Spirit, and how can you incorporate this practice into your prayer life?

3. In what ways can your local church community help you grow in your faith and guard against false teachings?

4. How does understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in prayer change your approach to communicating with God?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced false teachings or challenges to your faith. How did building yourself up in faith help you navigate that situation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ephesians 6:18
This verse emphasizes the importance of praying in the Spirit on all occasions, which aligns with Jude's exhortation to pray in the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 14:4
Discusses the edification of oneself through spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues, which can be related to building oneself up in faith.

2 Peter 3:18
Encourages believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, similar to Jude's call to build up one's faith.