(KJV) Jude 1:3
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.
Standing Firm: What It Means to Contend for the Faith
We live in a world of constant change. Culture shifts, values adapt, and truths are often treated as subjective opinions. But as believers, we are called to anchor ourselves to something unshakeable.
In Jude 1:3, the apostle Jude shares a sudden shift in his writing plans. He was eager to write about the joy of our shared salvation, but urgency drove him to write a different message instead:
“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.”
Jude’s words ring just as loudly today. We are under a solemn, sacred obligation. If we are devoted to Jesus Christ, we are called to be defenders of the truth.
1. Understanding “The Faith”
“The Faith” is not a vague feeling or a customizable spirituality. It is the solid foundation of the Gospel—the good news of forgiveness and eternal life proclaimed by Jesus and His apostles.
- Unchangeable Truth: It is the fixed, objective truth inspired by the Holy Spirit and preserved in the New Testament.
- A Way of Life: True faith is active. It must be lived out daily in love, purity, and holiness.
- Kingdom Power: It is a faith backed by the power of the Holy Spirit, designed to move us to share Christ’s message with the world through spiritual gifts, passion, and authority.
2. The Cost of the Struggle
Jude uses the Greek word epagonizomai for “contend.” This word literally means to struggle, suffer, withstand great pressure, or fight a fierce battle.
Defending the truth is not always comfortable. It requires us to be spiritually determined and completely dependent on the Holy Spirit. Contending means we must deny ourselves, stand strong under pressure, and remain loyal to Christ—even when the personal cost is high.
3. How We Contend Today
Contending for the faith requires action on two frontlines: inside the church and out in the world.
- Protecting the Truth: We must take a direct stand against ideas that water down the Bible’s authority, compromise its standards, or explain away its power.
- Proclaiming the Truth: We defend the faith by sharing it. We must boldly preach the original, uncompromised Gospel as the only truth that can restore people to a right relationship with God.
We cannot afford to let the message of Christ be weakened. Let us hold fast to the Word, live out its power, and guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to us.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the unchanging truth of Your written Word. Thank You for the gift of the Gospel, which was once for all entrusted to Your people. Lord, give us the courage, wisdom, and strength to contend earnestly for the faith in our daily lives.
Fill us fresh with Your Holy Spirit so that we do not shrink back under pressure or compromise Your truth for comfort. Help us to live pure lives that reflect Your love, and empower us to boldly proclaim the saving message of Jesus Christ to the world around us. Keep us faithful to the very end.
In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.
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Blessings,
Margarita & Stace
