But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.

Jude 1:20-21 New Living Translation

 

The Apostle Jude wrote to encourage the believers who were facing difficulty within their community because of false teachers and their destructive influence. He told them to stand firm on their faith and fight for the truth, knowing they are susceptible to errors and misleading teachings that will lead them astray.

We cannot compromise on the truth of the gospel with ideas or actions that undermine the finished work of Christ. This is essential. In Galatians, Paul reminded us not to add anything to the gospel because it will rob us of our freedom in Christ. While we can differ over many doctrinal issues, the gospel is really the one thing we stand or fall as Christians.

The best way to stand against false teachings and false ideas is to equip and empower ourselves and others with a good working knowledge of the Bible. We cannot just depend on preachers and bible class teachers to teach us God's Word. As good as their teachings and intentions are, we still have a personal responsibility to encounter God through His Word. After all, an over-reliance on one or two preachers or teachers can potentially destroy your faith.

Know God's Word for yourself.

It is good to develop a personal Bible study habit and be part of a Bible study group at the same time. It will not only provide you an avenue to grow spiritually but also create the opportunity for meaningful conversations with fellow believers. The more we understand the Bible for ourselves, the more rooted and established in our relationship with God. We can even help others grow in their faith, and in turn, welcome their help as we grow in ours.

We become a stronger and more loving community by building each other's faith and encouraging one another to walk in the truth of our righteousness in Christ.