Contending for the Faith
Originally, Jude wanted to share those things of the faith with his fellow believers which were common to them all. But, the Holy Spirit redirected him to a matter of greater urgency. Issues of the faith were being subtly undermined and overtly perverted. As then, so today.
All saints (Christians) are to earnestly contend for the teachings of the faith "given by inspiration of God."
To earnestly contend for something is not a laid-back activity. A committed Christian must spiritually condition himself in keeping with Paul's exhortation to "exercise yourself toward godliness" (1 Timothy 4:7).
All too often, the reaction to Jude's exhortation is that contending for the faith is "best left to the experts". There are at least two problems with such an idea:
- First, Jude's words were not written to "experts", but to "those who are called" - all of us ordinary Christians, and
- Second, a major aspect of contending for the faith has to do with every saint's spiritual development.
Earnestly contending for the faith requires the desire to diligently study the Word of God. Jesus Himself set forth the basis of a developmental program for everyone who is committed to Him: "If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed." (John 8:31)
In addition, 2 Timothy 2:15 underscores the practical, everyday exercise for the believer: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth."
At the heart of Christianity is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Studying and applying the Scriptures is the primary way our personal relationship with Him develops - it's predicated upon knowing Him through His revelation of Himself.
Earnestly contending for the faith involves knowing what to contend for. Anything that involves the direct subversion of the Gospel, particularly the major doctrines of salvation, demands our earnest concern and attention. We, as true believing Christians, should all contend with those who promote or accept a false gospel of salvation....i.e. Mormons, Christian Scientists, Jehovah's Witnesses and Roman Catholics, among others.
While some issues may not seem to be related to the Gospel, they may indirectly subvert God's Word, turning believers away from the truth and thereby inhibiting the grace necessary for a life that is pleasing to the Lord. Psychotherapy, for example, is one of the most popular vehicles for turning Christians to the ungodly solutions of men.
Finally, earnestly contending for the faith is not coercing for the faith. Too often w forget that our eternal life in Christ came to us as a free gift. While we may not intend to force matters of the faith on others, it's important to regularly check our motives and methods. Earnestly contending for the faith must be carried on as a love offering - God's love. We must remember that we are merely conduits of that love, and that if any change in the heart is to take place it will be accomplished through the grace of God, who alone is the granter of repentance (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:1 of the "perilous days" in which we live. For the true Christian, contending for the faith will become increasingly more difficult, and we will meet with exponentially more opposition. Much of this opposition will come from the "professing Christian" church - the apostate church.
Please pray that all believers, like Paul, will demonstrate a passionate concern for the spiritual welfare of our brothers and sisters in Christ, and for the purity of the Gospel to go forth which is so essential to the salvation of the lost.
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