What practical steps can we take to live righteously in light of Jude 1:15? Understanding the Warning in Jude 1:15 “to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act of wickedness they have committed, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” God’s coming judgment exposes every ungodly deed and word. Knowing this, we pursue lives that withstand that scrutiny. Setting Our Hearts on God’s Holiness • Meditate on passages that declare God’s pure character (Isaiah 6:1-5; 1 Peter 1:15-16). • Invite the Spirit to search your motives daily (Psalm 139:23-24). • Write a brief “holiness statement” for yourself—three or four sentences that summarize why you want to live set apart. Turning From Ungodliness • Identify recurring sins honestly—name them, don’t soften them (Proverbs 28:13). • Confess immediately, not later (1 John 1:9). • Replace each ungodly habit with a specific righteous alternative: – Gossip → purposeful encouragement (Ephesians 4:29). – Lust → disciplined thought life and accountability (Job 31:1). – Greed → planned generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7). Guarding Our Words Jude highlights “harsh words.” • Pause before speaking; ask, “Will this build up?” (James 1:19). • Use Scripture as speech training: memorize verses that steer conversation (Colossians 4:6). • Log your words for one day—texts, emails, talk—then review their tone. Cultivating Daily Practices of Righteousness • Start each morning with Romans 12:1-2, offering body and mind to God. • Schedule Scripture intake like meals; aim for at least one chapter morning and evening (Psalm 1:2). • Fast periodically to sharpen spiritual hunger and weaken fleshly cravings (Matthew 6:16-18). • Serve someone anonymously each week; hidden obedience trains humility (Matthew 6:3-4). Anchoring in Grace, Not Self-Effort • Remember Titus 2:11-12: grace teaches us to deny ungodliness. • Preach the gospel to yourself—Christ bore the judgment Jude describes (2 Corinthians 5:21). • When you fail, run to the cross immediately; do not wallow in condemnation (Romans 8:1). Staying Watchful Together • Meet regularly with believers who will confront and comfort you (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Share victories and setbacks; confession loses its sting in a grace-filled circle (James 5:16). • Pray for one another’s steadfastness in a culture that normalizes ungodliness (1 Peter 5:8-9). Looking Toward the Day of Judgment • Keep eternity visible: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3). • Let future accountability fuel present faithfulness—every act and word matters (2 Corinthians 5:10). By living like this now, we will stand unashamed when the Lord executes judgment and vindicates His holiness. |
    |