End Times Scoffers

Remembering God's Goodness in Times of Doubt

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In our walk with God, it's easy to forget how far we've come and the countless ways He has blessed us. We often fall into the trap of asking, "What have you done for me lately, God?" - forgetting the answered prayers, the healing, the provision, and the protection that have brought us to where we are today. This tendency to forget is deeply human, which is why we're called to intentionally remember.

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The book of Jude, though short, packs a powerful punch when it comes to reminding believers of essential truths. Jude, likely the half-brother of Jesus, writes to warn against false teachers and encourage believers to stand firm in their faith. He starts by urging his readers to "remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold." This call to remember is crucial, as it grounds us in the teachings that have been passed down and prepares us for the challenges ahead.

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One of the warnings Jude gives is about scoffers in the last days - those who follow their own ungodly desires and divide the body of Christ. These individuals live by "mere natural instincts" rather than being led by the Spirit. It's a sobering reminder that not everyone who claims to be part of the church is truly walking in step with God's will.

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So how do we combat this tendency towards ungodliness and division? Jude gives us clear instructions: "Build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit." This isn't just an individual exercise, though. We're called to build each other up, to create an atmosphere of encouragement and spiritual growth within our faith communities.

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For mature believers, this means shifting our focus from always seeking to be fed to looking for opportunities to feed others. There's a unique fulfillment that comes from serving, from pouring out our lives for others. If you're feeling stuck in your spiritual growth, it might be because you haven't been actively seeking ways to build others up in their faith.

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Jude also emphasizes the importance of praying in the Spirit. This goes beyond praying out of our own understanding or trying to impress others with our words. It's about tapping into that deeper connection with God, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our prayers and intercession. When we neglect this spiritual practice, we become more susceptible to falling back into those "mere natural instincts" that Jude warns against.

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In the midst of this exhortation, Jude gives a beautiful reminder: "Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." Waiting isn't easy - in fact, most of us despise it. But there's something powerful about learning to wait well, to trust in God's timing and His process. The victory often comes in the waiting, in the journey itself, rather than just the destination.

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One of the most striking passages in Jude's letter is his call to "be merciful to those who doubt." This is a reminder that doubt is not the opposite of faith, but often a part of the faith journey. Instead of condemning those who struggle with doubt, we're called to show mercy, to create space for questions and wrestling.

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To illustrate this point, Jude alludes to a vision from the book of Zechariah. In this vision, Joshua the high priest stands before the angel of the Lord, dressed in filthy clothes. Satan stands ready to accuse him, but God rebukes the accuser and declares Joshua to be "a burning stick snatched from the fire." God then commands that Joshua be given clean clothes and a clean turban, symbolizing the removal of sin and the bestowal of righteousness.

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This imagery reminds us that we too have been snatched from the fire, rescued from a life of sin and corruption. Our old "filthy rags" of self-righteousness and ungodliness have been replaced with the clean garments of Christ's righteousness. This transformation isn't just for us, though. We're called to reach out to others who are still trapped in that old way of living, to "snatch them from the fire and save them."

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It's a delicate balance - showing mercy to those who doubt while also "hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh." We're called to love the sinner but hate the sin, recognizing the destructive power of ungodly living because we've experienced it firsthand. This isn't about judgment, but about a deep desire to see others experience the same freedom and transformation we've found in Christ.

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Jude concludes his letter with a doxology, reminding us of God's ability to keep us from falling and to present us before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy. This is the God we serve - the one who is able to transform our lives, silence the voice of the accuser, and present us as blameless before the Father.

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As we reflect on these truths, let's challenge ourselves to live differently. Are we actively building others up in their faith? Are we praying in the Spirit, or relying too much on our own understanding? Are we showing mercy to those who doubt, remembering our own journey of faith? Are we reaching out to snatch others from the fire, sharing the transformative power of the gospel?

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We were made for more than just following our natural instincts. We were made to live Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered lives that reflect the glory of God. May we never forget the great things God has done, and may we continually seek to grow in our faith and help others do the same. In doing so, we'll find ourselves presented before God's glorious presence, without fault and with great joy.

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Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide for your week:

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Day 1: Remembering God's Faithfulness

Reading: Psalm 103:1-22

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Devotional: In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to forget the countless ways God has been faithful to us. Jude reminds us to "remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold." Today, take time to reflect on God's faithfulness in your life. What prayers has He answered? How has He sustained you through difficult times? Write down specific instances of God's goodness and keep this list as a reminder when doubts creep in. Let the psalmist's words echo in your heart: "Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (Psalm 103:2)

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Day 2: Standing Firm in God's Love

Reading: Jude 1:17-23

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Devotional: Jude exhorts believers to "keep yourselves in God's love." This isn't about earning God's love, but rather positioning ourselves to receive and remain in it. How can you actively stay connected to God's love today? Perhaps it's through intentional prayer, meditating on Scripture, or acts of service. Remember, God's love isn't based on your performance, but on His unchanging character. When you feel tempted to doubt or stray, recall the image of Joshua the high priest being clothed in clean garments (Zechariah 3). You too have been cleansed and are deeply loved by God.

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Day 3: Overcoming Doubt with Community

Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25

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Devotional: Jude instructs us to "be merciful to those who doubt." We all experience seasons of doubt, and it's crucial to approach these times with grace - both for ourselves and others. The author of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of community in our faith journey. How can you build up others in their faith today? Consider reaching out to a fellow believer who might be struggling. Share your own experiences of doubt and how God has sustained you. Remember, we're not meant to walk this journey alone. Let's "spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (Hebrews 10:24).

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Day 4: Living by the Spirit, Not by Instinct

Reading: Galatians 5:16-26

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Devotional: Jude warns against those who "follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit." As believers, we're called to a higher standard - living by the Spirit rather than our base impulses. Paul's letter to the Galatians provides a clear contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Today, examine your life. Are there areas where you're prone to following natural instincts rather than the Spirit's leading? Ask God to help you cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Remember, this is a process of growth and transformation. Be patient with yourself as you learn to walk in step with the Spirit.

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Day 5: Hope in God's Preserving Power

Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Devotional: Jude concludes with a powerful reminder that God "is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy." This echoes Peter's words about the living hope we have in Christ. No matter what trials or temptations you face, God is able to preserve you. Reflect on times when you've felt close to stumbling but experienced God's sustaining grace. How does the promise of being presented "without fault" before God impact how you view your current struggles? Let this hope anchor your soul today, knowing that your faith, "of greater worth than gold," is being refined for God's glory.

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