How can we prepare for the Lord's return as described in Jude 1:14? Setting the Scene: Jude 1:14 “Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied about them: ‘Behold, the Lord is coming with myriads of His holy ones.’” Remember Who Is Coming • The Lord Himself—King, Judge, Savior—is on His way (Acts 1:11; Revelation 22:12). • His “myriads” of holy ones signal power, holiness, and final accountability (Matthew 25:31). Cultivate Holiness and Separation from Ungodliness • Jude’s whole letter contrasts godly living with the corruption of false teachers (Jude 4-13). • 1 Peter 1:15-16: “Be holy, for I am holy.” • Practical steps: – Guard your eyes, ears, and heart (Psalm 101:3). – Choose fellowship that strengthens purity (2 Timothy 2:22). – Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). Contend for the Faith • Jude 1:3: “Contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints.” • Preparation means knowing doctrine and defending truth: – Daily Scripture intake (Acts 17:11). – Memorizing key passages (Psalm 119:11). – Graciously correcting error (2 Timothy 2:24-25). Stay Alert and Abide in Love • Jude 1:21: “Keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life.” • Watchfulness isn’t fearful; it’s relational: – Prayerful communion (Colossians 4:2). – Expectant hope (Titus 2:13). – Joyful obedience (John 15:10). Practice Mercy While Avoiding Compromise • Jude 1:22-23 urges rescuing the doubting, “snatching them from the fire,” while hating even the garment stained by the flesh. • Balancing grace and truth: – Show compassion to the wavering. – Call sin what it is. – Protect your own walk (Galatians 6:1). Walk Like Enoch: A Model for End-Times Readiness • Genesis 5:24: “Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.” • Hebrews 11:5-6 links Enoch’s walk to pleasing God by faith. • Preparing for Christ’s return in the spirit of Enoch: – Daily fellowship with God. – Public witness (Enoch prophesied). – Steady faith that anticipates meeting the Lord. Summary Check-List □ Pursue holiness and reject the world’s corruption. □ Hold firmly to biblical doctrine and defend it lovingly. □ Maintain a vibrant, prayerful relationship with Christ. □ Extend mercy to others without diluting truth. □ Emulate Enoch—walking by faith, pleasing God, and expecting His imminent return. |
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