Matthew Henry on Jude 1:1

“Called above the world”

“Christians are called out of the world, from the evil spirit and temper of it; called above the
world, to higher and better things, to heaven, things unseen and eternal; called from sin to
Christ, from vanity to seriousness, from uncleanness to holiness; and this according to the
Divine purpose and grace. If sanctified and glorified, all the honor and glory must be ascribed to
God, and to him alone. As it is God who begins the work of grace in the souls of men, so it is he
who carries it on, and perfects it. Let us not trust in ourselves, nor in our stock of grace already
received, but in him, and in him alone.”

Bondservant

As you start your day, or end your day, to what extent can you say the day will be, or was
shaped by your calling as a Christian? What did you abstain from today as a result of the
marvelous grace of our loving Lord? What did you engage with today in pursuit of the glory and
pleasure of our Sovereign? How would your day have been different, had you been shackled to
sin, rather than a bondservant of Christ?

Nauseating Pulses of the Digital Rhythms

There is a great practice of reflection often missed by many who are too distracted by the sights,
sounds, and nauseating pulses of the digital rhythms in contemporary life. Without a moment to
consider what lies ahead, or what has gone before, many a Christian is robbed of praise,
repentance and thankfulness.

What a great joy it is to be given glimpses and moments of defined victories over the flesh!
Such moments ought to stir us to praise. Moments of conviction lead to ongoing repentance,
confessing our sin and relying on the grace of God to aid us in warfare against future
temptations. Questions of reflection then usher into our deepest affections an outpouring of
thanksgiving. God has given us grace in regeneration, and God daily gives us grace all
throughout our sanctification. What a wondrous and magnificently gracious God!