Jude 1 & Proverbs 29:1 The consequences of unbelief

Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. (Proverbs 29:1 NIV)

Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. 

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. (Jude 1:5, 20, 21 NIV)

Observation:

The bible gives several examples of people who remain hardened to God. According to the book of Jude, people can call themselves believers, yet shut God out of their lives; they want to do life on their own terms. Because there is no root in Christ, but only in self, these so-called believers cut themselves away when persecution and trial come. "The greatest proof of salvation is continuance in Christian life...staying with the Lord is the difference between profession and possession. " John MacAurthur. 

Application:

3 ways to persevere in our Christian walk from the book of Jude.

1. Building ourselves up in faith. This means continuing our education and understanding of who Christ is and the fundamentals of Christianity. In short, to spend time with God in bible study.

2. Praying in the Spirit. By praying in the Spirit, we bring Truth to our prayers. The truth sets us free from the lies that our enemy is continuously trying to sow in us. It also anchors us to who God is and His promises, which leads to number three.

3. Keeping ourselves in God's love as we wait for His mercy. It is possible to have all the knowledge of Christian orthodoxy, but never love God or be aware of His great love for you. You have to push through to God, knowing that He pushed from heaven to earth to be with You. In the end, when the storms of life are crashing over you, it will be only God's love that will tether you to Him. We must make an objective every day to see His love and respond with love and adoration back. 

Prayer: 

Father, I love You so much! Thank You for loving me. Please anchor me in You. I ask that Your Good Spirit lead me to level ground.