Jude 1.20 commands Christians to build themselves up in their most holy faith.

Salvation comes from God both by the work of Jesus Christ at Calvary and the Holy Spirit in the hearts and minds of men and is developed by the presence of the Holy Spirit and the effort of men who subject themselves to the rule of God in their lives. Jude, the half-brother of the Lord Jesus, lists several ways we are to build ourselves up in our faith which is the personal responsibility of every Christian.

First, he commands we pray. In this way we both talk to God and hear from God His direction for our lives. The most effective prayer life is the one saturated with the Word of God for God uses His Word to speak to our hearts as we pray.

Second, we are to obey God which is our means for remaining in His love. If we love God, Jesus taught, we will obey God. Obedience is the proof of our devotion and surrender to God.

Third, we show mercy to our fellow believers. Like the members of a gym where everyone is at different stages of physical fitness but each one is working on getting more fit so too the Church is the community of spiritual fitness where each person individually who is working on their faith is encouraged and helped corporately in that process.

Fourth, we are to save others by sharing the gospel so that they are saved from the flames of hell. The destiny of all people everywhere is condemnation from God unless they receive a pardon for sin from Jesus Christ the Savior. God’s people are the communicators of God’s free pardon but God’s people must engage the lost for them to receive it.

These disciplines are to be practiced daily if we are to become strong Christians who know God and are useful to Him for the building of His kingdom.