PART 2 OF 2 Staying true to the Gospel involves a conscious effort and discipline on our part. A look at this small excerpt from a powerful epistle will point us to helps that we can employ to stay on mission! REFLECTION TEXT: Psalm 24:1-10 SERMON TEXT: Jude 17-23 17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. We stay true to the Gospel by: Remembering, Keeping, and Rescuing. * Remember what the Word says about the last days. * Keep yourselves in the love of God by Building, Praying, and Waiting. * Rescue others with mercy. - PRAY (v20) praying out of hearts and souls that are indwelt, illuminated, and filled with the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit helps us pray: (Romans 8:26) Pray specifically; always; in all ways; alertly; and for one another. (Ephesians 6:18) While the wicked grow yet more wicked, let us become more holy, more prayerful, and more devout, crying with Joshua, “Let others do as they will, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” RESOURCE: Praying the Bible - WAIT (v20) Your hope is not in an answered prayer…but in the return of Christ himself! Titus 2:11-14; 2 Peter 3:11-13 ARE YOU WAITING IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT AFFECTS YOUR DAILY LIFE? 3. Be a Rescuer (Jude 22-23) - Have Mercy on Christians who are doubting/confused - Be involved: Save Others (even those closest to Hell) - Show Mercy to the corrupt - be on guard against corruption Psalm 14:1-3 ENCOURAGEMENT: “YOU DON’T HAVE TO STUMBLE, YOU CAN STAY TRUE TO THE GOSPEL” You will set yourself up to avoid stumbling if… you will fill your mind with Scripture so that you can Remember the Word of God. you will keep yourself identified and walking in the love of God instead of the lust of the flesh (pleasure-driven vs. spirit-led) you will build up your most holy faith instead of stall out or undermine it. you will pray in the Holy Spirit more than you complain or grumble. you will live like you are expecting His return! Recognizing that this is not all that there is…live with eternity in view. BE A RESCUER to Christians who are confused, the perishing, the corrupt - without being corrupted.