Scripture has a lot to say about apostasy. It is in fact one of the signs we live in the last days (2 Thessalonians 1:3). Apostasy is simply understood as a “falling away”. The falling away from sound doctrines, teachings, and Biblically concepts. In this post, I want to share 7 principles on what Believers must do during the days of apostacy according to the book of Jude.
Table of Contents
Jude 1:18-23
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.
Principle #1
Build Yourself Up in
The Word of God
Jude 1: 20 “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith,”
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During the days of apostacy many will come with their own teachings. Divisions of all sorts according to their own worldly standards and fleshly desires. To be able to discern and stand firm in Holy faith we must study the Word of God. Both Paul and Peter urged this for the last days:
- Study, 2 Timothy 2:15
- Know the Holy Scriptures, 2 Timothy 3:15
- Preach the Word, 2 Timothy 4:2
- Take heed, 2 Peter 1:19
Principle #2
Pray
Jude 1:20 “praying in the Holy Spirit,“
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Not only in the days of apostasy but in all days, pray in The Holy Spirit, See Romans 8:26 below.
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
When you pray in the Spirit of God, that means you are praying according to His will by praying according to His will, He will help you stand in Truth. “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” 1 John 5:14
Principle #3
Put On The Armor of God Daily
Jude 1:21 “keep yourselves in the love of God..”
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God loves every Believer with an everlasting and unconditional love. However, let’s be honest, as Believers we can get out of fellowship with the Lord by sinning. We cannot prevent the sun from shining, but we can put up a parasol to keep the sun from shining on us. Therefore, put the armor of God on daily to be able to stand against the temptations of the world, flesh, enemy, and this awful apostasy. If you do fall out of fellowship, run back to the foot of the cross in repentance.
Armor of God:
Ephesians 6:10-20
- Belt of Truth
- Breastplate of Righteousness
- Shoes of The Gospel of Peace
- Shield of Faith
- Helmet of Salvation
- Sword of The Spirit (Word of God)
- Praying at all times
Principle #4
Be Kingdom Minded
Jude 1:21 “waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.“
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In the days of apostasy and everyday, look/wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many translate this verse to be the mercy of the rapture. However, I can see it to be a calling for Believers to keep their gaze squarely on eternity.
Principle #5
Be Compassionate
Jude 1: 22 “And have mercy on those who doubt;“
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Have compassion on those who are in doubt. Some are genuine doubters and need help in these days of apostasy. Have compassion on others and counsel them. Remember the days you were doubting and how God lead you to be counseled. Now it is your turn to counsel into Truth.
Principle #6
Protect The Flock from Lies
Jude 1:23 save others by snatching them out of the fire;
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We can compare this verse to Zechariah 3:2;
2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?
Help protect the flock from those that have fallen in the lies. This means correcting our Brothers and Sisters in faith with gentleness. As Paul instructs us, in 2 Timothy 2:25. But know we can only glean in days of apostasy. Pray for a revival to happen, only the Holy Spirit can bring it.
Principle #7
Do Not Adopt Apostasy Methods
Jude 1:23 “hating even the garment stained by the flesh.“
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While we are pulling our Brothers and Sisters that have fallen in apostasy out of the fire, we do not to adopt their methods or drop drop down to the level of those that are living to satisfy their flesh. We are to take heed at all times.
Be Ready
Be ready to face apostasy. There are many false teachers and doctrines from demons. We are living in times of scoffers, following their own ungodly passions. Let’s strive to be set apart and represent the true Living God according to His Will. May God give His Bride strength and wisdom in these days.
Be blessed.
