Standing Firm in Perilous Times: A Study of Jude Verses 17-23

 Beloved, as we turn to Jude 17–23, the apostle calls us to remember the sobering prophecy spoken by Christ’s own messengers—Peter, Paul, John, and others—who forewarned the Church: “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” This is no distant warning. These deceivers walk among us today—in our Ugandan churches, across Africa, and throughout the world. They cloak themselves in spiritual authority, performing “miracles” and spinning captivating myths that gratify the flesh. They draw multitudes with entertaining promises, yet offer no true deliverance or transformation. Their crowds swell, but only discernment grounded in God’s Word can expose their emptiness. 

Jude pierces their facade with divine clarity: These are the ones who cause divisions, insisting God’s Spirit dwells exclusively in their circles; who are worldly-minded, fixated on preaching earthly prosperity—dreams of luxury homes, foreign travels, and temporal success—while ignoring Christ’s eternal Kingdom; who remain devoid of the Spirit, mimicking spiritual power with empty displays like counterfeit tongues, yet producing no holiness or love. They are spiritual corpses, alienated from the life of God. 

Yet Jude does not leave us defenseless. He summons the faithful: Build yourselves up in your most holy faith—anchor every thought in Scripture’s unchanging truth. Pray in the Holy Spirit—cultivate a life of God-dependent communion. Keep yourselves in God’s love—dwell daily on the cross where Christ’s sacrifice forever secured you (Romans 5:8). And fix your hope where it belongs: not on fleeting wealth, but on the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who promises eternal life to all who are His. 

Our Eternal Perspective (v. 21)

> “Wait anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”  

Our hope isn’t earthly rewards but Christ Himself—the Author of eternal life (John 17:3). 

Finally, he thrusts us into our mission: Show mercy. To the doubting, extend patient grace—woo them with truth’s beauty. To the deceived, act urgently—snatch them from the fire (Jude 23)! Their souls hang in the balance.

A Prayer for Such a Time
“Lord Jesus, awaken Your Church!
Give us discernment to spot deception,
Courage to contend for truth,  
And compassion to rescue the perishing.
Keep us rooted in Your love until You return. Amen.”

If this stirs your spirit:
Reach out for prayer at +256787353534 or silasoriokot123@gmail.com. 

At His Cross, 
Silas Oriokot