Jude 24 HE IS ABLE The concluding lines of this epistle are in the form of a doxology, a hymn of praise and testimony. This letter begins with an invocation of assurance that is so important when we are in the midst of departure and falsehood in relation to doctrine and conduct of life. The Highest Authority is invoked before warnings were given. Now in the form of a closing prayer comes this conscious awareness of Him who is without limitations of any kind. All blessings come from Him. This commendation of the Lord's people to Him from one who knew Him well, would strengthen their resolve to be faithful to the truth in spite of what other people say or do.
Wherever we go there will be false teachers who are "walking after their own lusts." Their dangerous teaching can claim the attention of sincere saints, and even become attractive to one who has become careless regarding the infallibility of the scriptures. But God is still for us, and we do not have to fear the consequences of false teaching if we are rooted and grounded in faith in Christ and love for Christ. There is no question as to the ability of God to keep His own.
Our Lord is "able to save to the uttermost" [Heb.7:25] as He make continual intercession for us. He is able to establish us in the truth of the Gospel [Rom.16:25] and that motivates us to keep reaching out to others in confidence with the message of salvation to which we have been commissioned. When temptations arise, He is able to provide any and all help we need to overcome those temptations [Heb.2:25]. Opposition to consistent, faithful Christian faith and conduct is going to happen. Our Lord Jesus Christ is able to "subdue all things unto Himself" [Phil.3:21] when He deals with those who seem to be overpowering.
Our God is able to "keep [us] in perfect peace [Isa.26:3] no matter what attacks are made against all that is holy and righteous. If we are tempted to be dismayed, the antidote is available - "whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusted in Thee." Our Lord is able to "keep [guard] that which I have committed," or that which I have entrusted to Him. Confidence in God includes our trust in Him to guard believers by the indwelling Holy Spirit. He does what we cannot do. We also trust Him with our own souls when in danger, times of pain or in death. He is able to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." There is no limit to divine authority and grace [Eph.3:20].
As Jude draws his letter to a close, he gives assurance to those under the pressure of dangerous apostasy, that God is with us and for us, and is "able to keep us from falling [stumbling]." A stumble comes before a fall, as it is here in this passage. His hand, His power, His love for us is available to keep us from yielding to temptation. He does not want those who have been standing steadfast for the truth to fall into sin. None of God's children want to bring dishonor on our Lord, but we are plagued with deception around us as well as the deceptiveness of our own hearts. In our weakness we are so grateful for the One "who is able to keep us from falling."
This beautiful commendation to God from whom all blessings come, focuses our attention on Christ rather than the apostasy that was around, and all the other sins that was attempting to trio up the Lord's people. Not only is He able to keep us from stumbling and falling, but He is able to present us "faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." To be sinless and faultless is obviously not referring to our present condition. Christians are still "in the world," though they are "not of the world."
As we look forward in our experience with God, we understand and rejoice in the confidence that there will be a time when we are truly sinless and faultless. The final condition of believers in Christ will be that "we will be like Him for we shall see Him as He is." "To see Thee face to face, Thy perfect likeness wear, And all Thy ways of wondrous grace Through endless years declare."
The words of this hymn will be really true when these vile bodies will be made new like unto His body of glory. The attractions of sin will not be a problem to us when we see Jesus. I expect coming into the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ will be such a wonder that to us in our present limitations, it is indescribable. Truly it is "above all that we ask or think."
Future joy must be in some ways, different than present joy. We have the ability to choose joy now in spite of the circumstances in which we may be found. Our joy comes in choosing to obey His commands. Joy comes when our prayers are answered because we are praying in His will. There is joy when the efforts to win souls are fruitful and the results of the Gospel are seen. There is present joy when we are in fellowship with the Lord and His people. What "exceeding joy," surpassing joy, is like must mean there is an area of emotion and thankfulness that is impossible for us to experience here. Perhaps it will be a special joy to our Lord and Savior "when all the saints are gathered home." There are real limitations to our human ability Even though we may apply ourselves to full capacity And labor in various way and means enthusiastically - This is the beginning - we are not home yet.
Temptations abound motivated by duplicity Dark deeds are done thinking it is secretly Evil men and seducers attack with alacrity; Pressure continue - we are not home yet.
Let us not relax thinking we can deal with sin easily Nor drop our guard against wrong by acting foolishly Because grace is sufficient, do not make choices carelessly - Stumbling is possible - we are not home yet.
Keep in fellowship with God by learning deliberately Truths from His word, then praying and acting accordingly So that in devotion and dedication we grow spiritually -
This is training time - we are not home yet.
"Father, I wonder sometimes how the first time I see my Lord in glory, how it will affect me. A growing faith is producing in me a growing joy and desire to please Him. If there are ways I can grow in faith to a greater devotion to my Lord, I want to apply myself to it now. It will be wonderful to step into His presence and experience a whole new kind of joy - and be able to claim it. Amen."