Text: Jude 1: 1-4 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called: 2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
The times we are in are evil. It is the last days. Things that we do not imagine will happen are happening in our days. Instead of condemning evil things, they get celebrated nowadays.
As Christians, God is counting on us. We have received a common salvation, we are however not making it common and popular to people around us. We just keep to ourselves alone. This is not the mind of God, He wants us to publish the good news by proclaiming our faith everywhere.
In order for us to be preserved in this evil times, we must do the following:
Continue to maintain His presence.
Moses knew that the only thing that could preserve Israel as a nation was if God’s presence remained with them (Ex. 34:33-35). The presence of God was distinguishable in the life of Moses, His face shone and reflect the glory of God, such that other people could not look at him.
When the presence of God is with us, the more secure we will be. Moses was kept secure because he dwelt in God’s presence. Every enemy he had were subdued before him (Num, 12: 1-10).
David also dwelt in the presence of God, he was kept secured by God from all attacks: animals and humans (Psalms 127: 1-6). Refuse to be a nominal Christian. Make yourself known to God. He will make Himself known to you.
Be a servant of God. Serve God.
Those who serve God, He keeps alive to serve Him more (Mal. 3: 17).
The Bible records that Phineas did serve God and God promised to preserve him and his household (Num. 25: 11-13). Let serving God be the reason why you are living.
God blesses those who serve Him; He heals them and prolongs their days (Ex. 23: 25-26).
David was a great servant of God (Psalms 89: 20; 105: 15), no wonder he was greatly blessed by God.
Daniel served God wholeheartedly, he was blessed mightily by God. We must add value to the kingdom of God through service.
Activate your faith in God.
The extent of faith you have in God determines the security of your destiny. Job had great faith in God, his security was strong. His blessings that the enemy took were doubled by God (Job 14:14; Job 42: 10-17).
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were men of great faith, God defended them. Those who threw them into the fiery furnace were burnt, but they were preserved. The king had to give honour to their God (Dan. 3:16, 28).
What can help you in these times?
The strength of your relationship with God.
Queen Esther had a strong relationship with the king, she got what she wanted (Esther 5: 3-8). Our relationship with the king of kings must be strong.
The quality of the word of God in you.
How much words do you have? This is what you can use to fight the enemy when he comes against you.
What is the seriousness with which you take the word? Your power and life rest on this.
May God preserve you in Jesus name. Amen!
The sermon, How To Be Preserved In These Times And Seasons, by Pastor Yomi Obadimeji, senior Pastor of RCCG Strongtower, Manchester was delivered on July 22, 2018.