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Building Up Yourselves
Jude 20-21 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.
Introduction
We are exhorted to remember by Jude in his letter. Now he is urging us to build up. But what are we going to build up? I honestly think in these verses, he is giving us some pointers to combat apostasy and probably it is the best defence against apostasy.
I. Building up yourselves
A. There is but one foundation—other can no man lay—and that one is already laid by God. The chief cornerstone is Christ.
B. But every man must build thereon; and the building which he is to construct is himself.
C. Peter compares believers to “lively stones” making up the church of Christ (1 Pet. 2:5)
D. We are the living stones making up the temple of God, and our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
E. To build ourselves up, we have a responsibility to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Pet. 3:18).
F. We must desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby. (1 Pet. 2:5).
Illustration: Seven Rules for Growth
A person who is “born again” starts a new life similar to that of a new born infant. Seven rules that promote good health in babies can be adapted and applied to a Christian’s spiritual growth.
1. Daily Food. Take in the “pure milk of the word” through study and meditation.
2. Fresh Air. Pray often or you will faint. Prayer is the oxygen of the soul.
3. Regular Exercise. Put into practice what you learn in God’s Word.
4. Adequate Rest. Rely on God at all times in simple faith.
5. Clean Surroundings. Avoid evil company and whatever will weaken you spiritually.
6. Loving Care. Be part of a church where you will benefit from a pastor’s teaching and Christian fellowship.
7. Periodic Check-ups. Regularly examine your spiritual health.
II. On your most Holy Faith
A. We are talking again here the faith that was once and for all delivered unto the saints
B. Faith here is not the simple trust we put in Christ for salvation.
C. It is the whole body of Christian truth once and for all revealed in the Scriptures.
D. The Bible, is our most holy faith, and anything that is most holy we will treat with honour that is due it! We will give it the time, we will give it its rightful place in our lives, in our hearts, in our decisions, in our families, in our homes.
Illustration: The Mind of God
An unknown writer said, “This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveller’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.
III. Praying in the Holy Ghost
A. Praying in the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit does not mean some extraordinary form of prayer.
B. It is simply a call to pray consistently in the will and power of the Holy Spirit.
C. The Holy Spirit teaches what we are to pray for, and how. None can pray aright save by being in the Spirit, that is, in the element of His influence. (JFB).
Illustration:
One of the great paradoxes of the Christian faith is that God wants us to talk to Him about everything that is going on in our lives, even though He already knows everything. So why pray?
If you’ve ever wrestled with that question, perhaps the thoughts of the 19th-century preacher R. A. Torrey can help. Among the reasons he gave for prayer are these:
1. Because there is a devil, and prayer is a God-appointed way to resist Him (Eph. 6:12-13, 18).
2. Because prayer is God’s way for us to obtain what we need from Him (Lk. 11:3-13; Jas. 4:2).
3. Because prayer is the means God has appointed for us to find “grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).
4. Because prayer with thanksgiving is God’s way for us to obtain freedom from anxiety and to receive “the peace of God” (Phil. 4:6-7).
Besides these reasons, it’s enough to read the command in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing,” and realize that God wants us to talk with Him. Yes, He is all-knowing, but He also desires our fellowship. When we seek God’s face in prayer, we strengthen our relationship with Him. That’s the most important reason to pray. —Our Daily Bread, November 25, 1998.
IV. Conclusion:
Building up here is to for believers to grow spiritually. We have a responsibility to God and to ourselves that we should spiritually grow in faith and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Prayer can make a difference in our life. How is your spiritual life? Do you talk to our Lord Jesus Christ humbly and as a needy man who only can find help to Him who can supply all your need? Try Him and see what He can do in your life.

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