Wednesday Devo
Scripture:
Jude 1
This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.
I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.
2 May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love.
This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.
I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.
2 May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love.
Commentary:
1–2 Initial Greeting. Although he is the brother of Jesus, Jude identifies himself as his servant (Gk. doulos), acknowledging Jesus as Lord. He is also the brother of James, who plays a major role in the NT (Matt. 13:55; Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18; 1 Cor. 15:7; Gal. 1:19; 2:9, 12; by this time, the only “James” who could be identified by name only without further description was James the Lord’s brother—see note on Acts 12:17). called. See note on Rom. 8:30. Beloved (Gk. participle of agapaō) shows the intimate relationship between God the Father and the readers. It also shows that God has set his special love on them for salvation. At the outset of his letter to Christians who are threatened by false teachers, Jude reminds them that they will be kept and preserved by God’s power from falling away. The introduction thus anticipates the confident and joyful conclusion in Jude 24–25.
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2449.
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2449.
Questions:
- In verse 1, Jude is pointing to the fact that God loves those who serve Him. Servants are LOVED. The Greek word for loved used here is referring to a love that was proved in the past that results in a present cherishing. God proved His great love for us by sending His one and only Son to die for us so that we might have a relationship with Him and have eternal life. It seems simple, even a given... but if we aren't careful we can easily forget from day to day just how much He's done for us! How often are you amazed by His love? How can you remind yourself on a daily basis?
- While we would never admit this out loud, sometimes we respond to God in our everyday life as though this gift from God wasn't enough. We want more! By our actions and attitudes it's like we are saying to God, "Oh you gave up your only Son for me? What else you got?" Look at your life, attitudes and the way you pray. Are you guilty of these types of attitudes? How can we make sure we are staying in a place of gratitude and humility before a loving and gracious God?
Prayer Topics:
- That you would always be aware of God's love for you.
- That you would never take that love for granted.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
3. Why did Jesus have to die on the cross? Since “all have sinned” and the “wages of sin is death,” Jesus had to die on the cross to pay the fine for my sin so I could be right with God.
(Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:21-23, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:1-6; Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22)
(Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:21-23, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:1-6; Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22)
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