+DEV+ Contending for the Faith

Date: September 9, 2010 9:30 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Contending for the Faith

Contending for the Faith

"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 3).
Scripture Focus: Jude 1-4

We live in days of great confusion, anger, and frustration not only in the world but also among believers. A recent news article said America's spirituality is in a state of flux. Many are unconcerned with doctrinal distinction, and unbelief is on the rise. Firm beliefs and firm organizations are increasingly things of the past.

But here we are, beginning a New Year and seeing that God's Word gives us very firm instruction. Jude urges us strongly to "contend for the faith." God's gracious action on behalf of believers is evident: verses 1 and 24 speak of God's divine preservation in keeping us. But also we see warnings against the secret strategy of false teachers who seek to overthrow the faith of God's people. They are described as "dreamers" (vs. 8), "clouds without rain" (vs. 12), "wild waves of the sea" and "wandering stars" (vs. 13). To counter this, we as believers are instructed in verses 20-23 to build ourselves up in the "most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit," and keeping ourselves in the "love of God."

Insight: God's power is able to keep us from compromise, but our responsibility is to build ourselves up in His truth.