Who am I encouraging?

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. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. - Jude 1:20-23 (NLT)

This imperative establishes the believer's responsibility to be obedient and faithful by living out his salvation while God works out His will. It means to remain in the place of obedience where God's love is poured out on His children, as opposed to being disobedient and incurring His chastening. This refers to the perseverance of the saints, the counterbalance to God's sovereign preservation of believers in Christ and is accomplished by:
1. building one's self up in the Word of God
2. praying in the Holy Spirit and
3. looking for the finalization of eternal life
An eager anticipation of Christ's second coming to provide eternal life in its ultimate, resurrection form, which is the supreme expression of God's mercy on one to whom Christ's righteousness has undeservedly been imputed, Paul called this "loved His appearing" and John wrote that such a steady anticipation was purifying. - John MacArthur

So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].  For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.- Philippians 2:12-13 (Amplified Bible)

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever. Amen. - Jude 1-23-24 (NKJV)

Be Encouraged to build up others in the faith with your words, your actions, and your obedience.



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