How to Live in a Broken World

Before you start todays devotional, ask the Lord to use it to grow you up in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Now that we’re certain we live in a world that denies Jesus Christ as Lord, and likely this apostasy is already present in our churches and Christian communities today, the apostle Jude tells us how believers can live in a broken world.

First, we shouldn’t let this “falling away” disturb us. God has permitted it for a purpose.

Then, Jude reminds us that in the last times, mockers will walk after their own ungodly lusts. Their desires are totally apart from God and His will. They treat spiritual things like a joke and make a religion out of their own whims and lusts. There’s no sign of the Spirit at work in their lives at all.

How do you know when someone is sincere in their relationship with the Lord? You can use the Word of God like a Geiger counter. When you give it out to people, get a response, and watch it revolutionize their lives, you know these people know the Lord. But unregenerate people think you’re crazy for believing God and His Word. The Geiger counter doesn’t move at all when it’s held up against their lives. These apostate unbelievers are the ones who cause divisions in the church. They draw a line through the church, dividing one group against another.

So what can believers do when apostasy invades the church?

1. “Building yourselves up on your most holy faith.” “Your most holy faith” doesn’t refer to your own personal faith, rather it is the faith, the body of truth which has been given to us in the Word of God. You must study the Word of God. Study all of it, not just your favorite books. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. The best thing you can do to prepare for apostasy is to do your best to present yourself to God as one who can rightly handle the word of truth (see 2 Timothy 2:15). Root yourself deep into good, rich soil. When the heat of apostasy burns, you’ll be able to stand.
2. “Praying in the Holy Spirit.” This means we pray by means of the Holy Spirit; we are dependent on Him. He helps us pray. We don’t know what to pray for, so He intercedes for us. (See also Ephesians 6:17-18.)
3. “Keep yourselves in the love of God.” God loves the believer. You can’t keep God from loving you, although you can put up an umbrella or a roof so that you will not feel the warmth of God’s love.
4. “Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” The original word for “looking” means “to expect, to wait for.” The Lord Jesus wants us to live in an attitude of expectation for His return.
5. “And have mercy on some, who are doubting.” Many sincere people today live in doubt. Be patient with them.
6. “But others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire” refers to sinners whom we consider hopeless. But don’t give up on what God may be doing with people. No one is beyond redemption if they want to be saved.
7. “Hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” The word “flesh” refers to the psychological part of man that can go only so far but cannot be acceptable to God. Everything we do in the flesh is repulsive to God; He hates it. And we should learn to hate it, too.

If you want to know the place Jesus Christ should have in your life, especially in these days of apostasy, memorize Jude’s marvelous benediction. Ponder the truth that Jesus is God and wants to be Lord of our lives. Give Him glory.

In these days of apostasy, God’s children can bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ and hold Him up before a denying world.

1. What, for you personally, is the most challenging part of living in a broken world?

2. If the apostate lives according to their desires, what does the believer in Jesus Christ live according to?

3. Often, we don’t even realize we are living a life that revolves around ourselves, and we need other people to help us see this. Is there someone in your life that can do this for you? If not, who can you ask to help you in this area?

Additional Resources

Listen to Dr. J. Vernon McGees complete teachings on Jude 16—19, Jude 19, 20 and Jude 20—25.

For a deeper study of Jude, download the Jude Bible Companion for free!