The Mercy Response

The Mercy Response
Words of Faith 7-24-24
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2024
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Jude 1
[22] Be merciful to those who doubt; [23] snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

During a time of spiritual turmoil and confusion, several different groups of people were affected and needed ministry. Jude addressed those who were in doubt, those who were lost, and those who were taken in by the deceit of false teachers to the point of sin. All these groups were to be dealt with in mercy, but that mercy was to be expressed in differing ways.
The first group was those who were doubting or "hesitating." This group of people was literally "at odds with themselves." The false teachers had caused them to be uncertain about the truth of Christianity. Because the words of the false teachers were confusing, these people were paralyzed. They could not decide whether to follow Jesus or follow the teachers. Such persons, Jude wrote, should not be slandered or criticized. They should be dealt with in love and mercy, the same way the Lord dealt with them. They needed encouragement, not criticism. They needed to be built up, not torn down. They must be dealt with patiently and mercifully by showing them Christian love.
Others were unsaved. They were about to fall into the eternal fire of hell. Jude exhorted his readers to deal with them directly and vigorously to snatch them from the fire and save them. Salvation is God's work but here Christians are portrayed as God's instruments for snatching brands out of the fire (Zech 3:3). The picture is that of a person slipping into the eternal fire, but rescued from error by the grace and truth of God.
The final group of people was deeply involved in the immorality of the false teachers. They had been led morally astray, such that the clothing of their soul was "stained by corrupted flesh." This third group of believers was to be shown mercy but in an attitude of fear. In ministry, believers should take great caution lest they fall into the same sin. Depravity can be infectious.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians-- "If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted" (6:1). God's wondrous grace can exchange the excrement-covered garments (Zech 3:3) for festive garments of righteousness. No one, not even the most defiled sinner, is beyond salvation through faith in Christ's redeeming work.
Are there those around you who doubt because of the confusion they observe in the religious world? Show them mercy. Are there those who are lost and seem out of reach? Show them mercy as you seek to snatch them from that fire. Are there those who are stained by sin? Have mercy on them, but be careful lest you might fall into the same sin.

Father God, guide me in the path of mercy. Give me Your heart and compassion for those who doubt, those who are lost, and those who have fallen into sin. Show me how to exercise Your compassion and mercy. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2024
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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