JUDE MAY GIVE SOME TERRIBLE WARNINGS, BUT HE ALSO GIVES SOME GREAT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DEFENSE

1. In his warnings, he does not leave us without defense our own, and the Lord's
2. He tells us four ways that we can prepare to defend our own selves- and come out winning!
3. He then tells us that the Lord will be watching, to save us in the end - we can't lose

Note the fourfold aspect of the Believer's preparation -built up in faith!

I. THE BELIEVER AND HIS INTELLECTUAL LIFE - v. 20a

Building up yourselves on your most holy faith

1. Knowledge of the faith- Doctrines, Bible Studies, - Knowhow of Church Operation
2. Pet 3:15. ready to give an answer
3. Only by enlarging our faith can we keep it- new discoveries every day -self & God
4. Don't be satisfied with sentimental values alone - know facts that make strength

II.- THE BELIEVER AND HIS EMOTIONAL LIFE - 20b

This part involves praying in the Holy Ghost

1. No other writer uses this expression -
2. The Holy Spirit is God's Gift from within- & Prayer makes us sensitive
3. Pray after His leadership- not your own- takes much study, work, planning for prayer - Thank God for the Holy Spirit

III.- THE BELIEVER AND HIS PRACTICAL LIFE - 21a.

Keep yourselves in the love of God.

1. This covers right human relationship to God- Personal discipline
2. Do what ever God would want you to do. We try to please earthy lovers- why not God?
3. The greatest blessings in human love comes from sacrifice to please, or obey

IV.- THE BELIEVER AND HIS IMAGINATIVE LIFE - 21b

"Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life"

1. Our hope of eternity is in Christ's mercy-
2. We need to look to him daily for his mercy
3. It takes new imagination to go beyond yesterday with a walk with the Lord.