Study the Lord's Word

The Book of Jude in the New Testament is a short letter of a single chapter and just 25 verses, yet it contains great wisdom as to how to live the Christian life. We are going to jump in at verses 20-21. These two verse contain five commands that every Christian should live by. We will consider the first command today, and each of the other four commands over the next four weeks.

Let's look at these two verses in Jude this morning as they stand together: "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life" (Jude 20-21). Note the central command: "keep yourselves in the love of God" (v. 21a). I would like to build upon that thought as we look at the commands every Christian should live by.

How do you "keep yourselves in the love of God?" (v. 21a). By studying and knowing God's Word. Note verse 20a: "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith." What does that mean, except to build yourself up in your walk with Christ. And how do you accomplish that? First, by spending time in the Lord’s Word getting to know Him better.

Paul told Timothy: "But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:14-17).

Study it, learn it, memorize it, live by it! The psalmist wrote: "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes" (Psalm 119:9-12). And in verses 15-16 he concludes: "I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word."

Your walk with the Lord is directly related to how much time you spend in the Word! Take time every day to read God's Word and to pray. Amen.