Jude 20-21

Verse 20. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith. Comp. Jude 1:3. On the word building, 1Cor 3:9, seq. Eph 2:20. It is said here that they were to "build up themselves;" that is, they were to act as moral and responsible agents in this, or were to put forth their own proper exertions to do it. Dependent as we are, and as all persons with correct views will feel themselves to be, yet it is proper to endeavour to do the work of religion as if we had ample power of ourselves. Php 2:12. The phrase "most holy faith" here refers to the system of religion which was founded on faith; and the meaning is, that they should seek to establish themselves most firmly in the belief of the doctrines, and in the practice of the duties of that system of religion.

Praying in the Holy Ghost. Eph 6:18.

(e) "building up" Col 2:7 (f) "praying" Eph 6:18 (++) "Ghost" "By the Holy Spirit" Verse 21. Keep yourselves in the love of God. Still adverting to their own agency. On the duty here enjoined, Jn 15:9, The phrase "the love of God" may mean either God's love to us, or our love to him. The latter appears, however, to be the sense here, because it is not a subject which could be enjoined, that we should keep up God's love to us. That is a point over which we can have no control, except so far as it may be the result of our obedience; but we may be commanded to love him, and to keep ourselves in that love.

Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Particularly when he shall come to receive his people to himself. Tit 2:13; 2Pet 3:12; 2Ti 4:8.

(g) "yourselves" Jn 15:2,10