Introduction

Good morning, dear friends. I'm overjoyed to see your eager faces and feel the warmth of fellowship in this sacred gathering. There's a certain kind of peace that embraces us when we come together in the name of our Lord, isn't there? A peace that transcends all understanding, a peace that whispers, "You are home."

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the words penned in the brief, yet profoundly rich letter of Jude. This letter, though small in size, is a treasure trove of spiritual wealth. It has a message that resonates with us in our present day, as it did with the early Christians to whom it was initially addressed.

Provision Promised by God

When we think about the idea of provision, our minds often turn to the material. We think about our daily bread, the clothes on our back, the roof over our heads. And indeed, our God is a God who provides for our physical needs. But the provision spoken of in Jude's letter goes beyond the physical. It's a spiritual provision, a provision that equips us to stand firm in our faith, to resist temptation, and to live lives that honor God.

Consider the first part of verse 24, "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling." The Greek word translated as "keep" here carries the idea of guarding or preserving. It's a protective provision, a safeguarding. God doesn't just provide for our needs and then leave us to fend for ourselves. He provides ongoing protection, an ever-present safeguard against the stumbling blocks of life.

But the provision of God doesn't stop at protection. It also includes empowerment. The latter part of verse 24 says, "and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy." Here, we see a God who not only guards us from stumbling but also empowers us to stand. To stand in the presence of His glory, blameless and filled with joy. This is a provision that strengthens us, that enables us to live lives of holiness and joy in the midst of a world that often seems anything but holy and joyful.

This provision of protection and empowerment is an active, ongoing provision. Verse 25 says, "to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever." This is a God who has been providing for His people from before all time and will continue to do so now and forever. His provision is not limited by time or circumstance. It's a constant, unchanging reality.

But perhaps the most beautiful aspect of God's provision is found in the means through which it is given. It's not through our own efforts or worthiness. It's not because we've earned it or deserve it. It's "through Jesus Christ our Lord." It's through the sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus that we receive this provision of protection, empowerment, and eternal security. It's a provision that's rooted in grace, in unmerited favor. It's a gift, freely given and freely received.

Protection Provided by God

Next, let us consider the fortress of God's protection ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO