Jude 1:1
“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, to those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.” — Jude 1:1
Introduction: Why Most Christians Struggle with Identity
Let’s be honest.
Most Christians walk around with a quiet identity crisis.
They know the right words.
They sing about grace.
But deep down? They’re still wondering:
“Does God really want me?”
“Am I really loved—or just tolerated?”
“Can I lose all of this if I mess up?”
If you’ve ever thought that way, you’re not alone.
But you’re also not stuck.
Because Jude 1:1 is one verse that ends the insecurity.
It’s short—but explosive.
In this opening line, God defines exactly who you are in Christ.
Big Idea: You Don’t Have to Wonder Who You Are
You’re not who your past says you are.
You’re not who your failures say you are.
And you’re not who your feelings say you are.
You are called by God.
You are loved by the Father.
You are kept for Jesus Christ.
Let’s walk through each of these gospel truths and see how Jude 1:1 crushes the lies we often believe.
1. You Were Called by God—On Purpose
“To those who are called…”
The word here is klētos (κλητός).
It means summoned—not randomly invited, but personally chosen.
This wasn’t a mass email.
This was a hand-delivered summons from the King.
In ancient times, this word referred to royal invitations—when a king wanted someone in his presence.
That’s what God has done for you.
📖 Cross-References:
Romans 8:30 – “Those whom He predestined He also called…”
2 Timothy 1:9 – “…who saved us and called us to a holy calling…”
📌 Application:
Stop wondering if you’re enough. God called you. That settles it.
You were wanted—not as a project, but as a person.
💬 Reflection Question:
Have you been living like God barely tolerates you—or like He intentionally chose you?
2. You Are Loved by the Father—Right Now
“…beloved in God the Father…”
“Beloved” in Greek is ēgapēmenoi (ἀγαπημένοι), rooted in the word agapē—unconditional, covenant love.
This isn’t an emotional high that rises and falls.
It’s settled. Decided. Done.
You’re not trying to earn God’s love.
You’re already wrapped in it.
This is who you are: loved in the Father—not because of what you’ve done, but because of who He is.
📖 Cross-References:
Romans 5:8 – “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Ephesians 1:6 – “He has blessed us in the Beloved.”
📌 Application:
God’s love doesn’t fluctuate with your performance.
You’re not on spiritual probation—you are securely loved.
💬 Reflection Question:
When you fall short, do you run from God’s love—or deeper into it?
3. You Are Kept for Jesus Christ—No Matter What
“…kept for Jesus Christ.”
This is where your security locks in.
The word tē tēreménoi (τετηρημένοι) means guarded, protected, preserved.
It’s a military word—used for a fortress, something watched over with vigilance.
And here’s the good news:
You’re not the one doing the keeping. God is.
He’s not just keeping you from danger.
He’s keeping you for Jesus—for eternity, for reward, for His glory.
📖 Cross-References:
John 10:28 – “No one will snatch them out of My hand.”
1 Peter 1:5 – “...who by God’s power are being guarded through faith…”
📌 Application:
You don’t hold onto God—He holds onto you.
Your security is not in your grip—it’s in His grace.
💬 Reflection Question:
What would change in your life if you truly believed God was keeping you forever?
Final Word: You Are Not Who the World Says You Are
Before Jude writes a single warning…
Before he talks about apostasy, judgment, or false teachers…
He reminds believers who they are.
Because identity always comes before instruction.
You are called.
You are loved.
You are kept.
If you get that straight, you’ll never again live like a spiritual orphan.
You’ll stop chasing the approval you already have.
You’ll walk in peace.
You’ll live with purpose.
You’ll trust the One who holds you.