The Joy of Being Kept

Jude 1-2

Jesus said, “It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master…” (Matt. 10:25).

In reality we are.  What you are and how you conduct yourself is a clear revelation as to who is your teacher/master. If your profession and practice aren’t parallel, it is your practice that is the reliable revelation of your true character.

Life is one grand show and tell time. What you show by your conduct and what you tell by your speech should be one and the same.

Jesus said, “This people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” (Mark 7:6).

Jude gives a better understanding of the master-servant relationship.

WE ARE CALLED  Vs. 1a

We are all called to be: “a servant of Jesus Christ…”

The Greek word translated “servant” is DOULOS.  It was the word for a servant who is the prized purchased possession of his master. That is us. Called to Believe, Love and Obey. We are “called” as servants to these roles.

The master also had a responsibility for the servant.  He was responsible for the servant’s: Provisions, Protection, and Program.

WE ARE CONSIGNED TO BE “SANCTIFIED” [BELOVED]  Vs. 1b

Frequently the meaning of an English word can best be understood if a synonym for it is used.  The Greek text uses a word that can appropriately be translated “sanctified.”  It can and is translated in some version “beloved.”  We are His beloved.

I Thess. 4:3 lets us know His desire for us as His beloved in that we be sanctified, that is, set apart.

The words “sanctified” and “holy” come from the same root.  Holiness is a word that scares most Christians.  Perhaps it can be better understood in this light.

Practical holiness is our being set aside in Christ to live for Him.

Progressive holiness is explained by Paul who in Philippians 3:12 expressed his desire to show forth Christ daily.

Positional holiness is ours in that we are made perfect in Christ.

Prospective holiness awaits us in heaven.

If you have such a long-range goal, it keeps you from being frustrated by short-range failures.

I don’t know your opinion of Christ, but His opinion of you is made quite clear.  You are “beloved.”

WE CONSERVED “”PRESERVED” Vs. 1c

A synonym for the Greek word translated “preserved” is simply “kept.”  You are “kept” by God. This is a fact to be enjoyed.

The word “kept” means to continually give close attention.  

Even when it may seem you aren’t — you are given Jesus’ attention always.